Traveling as a solo female, looking for suggestions on accomdation

Getting around Istanbul is very easy and cheap.The public transport network of trams,metro,buses and ferries is superb and covers pretty much the whole city now and certainly all the parts that visitors would to go to.It runs from 06.00 until midnight.If you'll be there for a few days then it may be economical for you to buy an Istanbulkart,which is a discount prepaid card system.You can buy one at the airport on arrival and start using it immediately.Details here-
http://istanbulkart.iett.gov.tr/en/istanbulkart/pages/anonymous-card/427

The cheapest way to stay is without doubt in hostels.Most these days offer private as well a dorm rooms,are modern,clean,comfortable and with a full range of amenities such as breakfast included in the price,wi-fi,laundry room etc.,.They also provide a safe,friendly environment in which to meet up with other solo travellers too.

The historical peninsula of Sultanahmet has probably the highest number of hostel choices followed by Galata/Beyoğlu,Istiklal Avenue and Taksim.
If you want to enjoy some vibrant nightlife then the Galata or Istiklal area's are the ones for you.Sultanahmet nightlife tends to be more lowkey;just cafe bars etc.

While metrobuses might NOT be very helpful to tourists, Metrobus are working 24 hrs.

I am also a female traveler from United States who will be going to Turkey. Does anyone know if it is too hot to travel to Istanbul during August?

Istanbul is very safe - especially compared to most US cities. I'll happily walk around any area on my own - and I'd be terrified of going to almost any place in the US. :>)
However, there are a few scams you need to look out for, though the worst of these is targeted against young solo males. All well-described on 'google.'

Places to stay - depends on your budget, and your reasons for going to Istanbul.
If it's culture you want, stay in the Sultanahmet area, with everything within walking distance. Loads of places to suit all budgets. If nightlife is more your thing, stay near Taksim. On a first visit, don't stay over on the Asian side.

On a first visit, don't stay over on the Asian side.

Why on Earth not? We loved the Kadikoy area, as did various friends that visited us there on their first trips to Istanbul. I can recommend this place - http://www.hushhostelistanbul.com/default.aspx - as being clean, safe and well-managed.

Why not? Well, as you say it's great. BUT - it's so far away from all the iconic Istanbul sights. Everything that's easy to walk to from Sultanahmet requires a ferry journey first.

And while I do recommend at least one trip - preferably more - across the Bosphorus, it's a great time-waster if you're wanting to see everything.

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