I've got a hen (gasp!) party coming here next weekend and they're gonna want to hit the bars and clubs. I'm not a big clubber, so does anyone have any recommendations? They're all Brits (well, except for me) and youngish (under 30) and I don't really know their tastes. Can anyone recommend some good places in Beyouglu?

So many places! I'd avoid the dance clubs or places that are too crowded with letches and go straight for the gay ones!
How about:
Dinner at someone like Otto in Tünel (Italian, relaxed, inside) or Sanat in Nevizade (rooftop, Turkish) or reserve a big table like in House Cafe Tünel.
A cocktail or 10 at somewhere with a view like 360 (near Tünel end of Istiklal) or Mikla (Pera next to Tünel).
Then 3 (new gay club, no straight men allowed in Galatasaray).

Depends what type of ladies you have and the kind of action they are looking for!
Where do they live in the UK and where do they go out, what are their jobs? May help.

I'd consider taking them to a Bos club as for any visitor, to party on the Bos is just fantastic and what sets the city apart from many others. You could have a dinner in Ortakoy, pop to Angelique and reserve tables at Reina (to avoid the entrance fee).

Maybe they want dance music, student 80s/90s music, guys and noise but not expensive - in that case I'd do the Nevizade, Tonique (Balans roof) and somewhere full of men like Mono (hate the music/too small but many like it). Depending on how many there are, try and talk to the owners/managers (can help you on there on the above).

If they want to get dressed up then I'd avoid doing many of the Beyoglu bars and clubs as they'll just get hassled.
However many people like that. Hen nights always attract attention!

How many chicks are there?

I also think the galatasaray island.. no called Suada in kurucesme is nice for sth like that. It will be something different as far as atmosphere goes. you arrive by boat and there are fireworks every night...btw is the friend that we have in common coming?

No Y -- she's not coming on this. I think she's gone back to the US to spawn by now. I wish she was though!

I knew you gals could help me. Unfortunately, I know the bride, but none of the other women who are coming so I don't really know their tastes. What do you mean by "dress up?" I don't think they want to do that (I'm not up to speed on most hen traditions-- do you mean costumes or what?). Most work in the oil industry as far as I can tell. There are 12! i have no idea if they want to encourage or would be repelled by leches.

Right now, for dinner on Friday we're going to Hamdi and the bride wants to go to Kumkapi for dinner on Saturday, so I thought I'd try to give some guidance for nightlife. I was sort of thinking about the clubs along the bosphorus one of the nights but I don't know one from the other or the protocols or if I need to make special arrangements for such a large group. What are the good gay clubs?

Thanks!

CQ

Ok, Here's the word from the bride:

I'd say that the majority of girlies going will be my age (that's around the 30ish mark in case you were wondering) with a penchant for current chart toppers and also not averse to dancing to some older 70 / 80s classics. They all used to be frequent go-outers but have probably been a bit lax lately due to dropping sproggs, settling down, etc. I don't think we have any hard core ravers in our midst! Personally I like anywhere that plays Shakira 24/7 - that goes for Libby and Bert too!

I think Beyoglu on Friday and a super club on Saturday might be a good combo. The idea of partying al fresco on an island with fireworks appeals, however, it'd be good to get an idea of the tunes they're playing.

Dress up does not mean - fancy dress - although a group of chicks in fancy dress on Istiklal would be very funny.
Kumkapı to Reina on the Saturday would be an interesting contrast. )

Sounds like the ladies want a basic good night out - not too trendy but not full of lads.
I'll PM you tomorrow if you like....

I think that's a fair assessment, c. I'd love any of your recommendations!