Istanbul Hostel

Istanbul Hostel would is very much a budget option, though the extraordinary views, reasonable rates, and Sultanhamet location all make it a potentially solid value for the area. Housed in a four-story building painted pink both inside and out, the hostel's interiors are filled with basic furnishings and minimal decor from top to bottom. There is a breakfast room on the top floor that’s decorated more traditionally -- with Turkish rugs, tapestries, and lanterns. Big windows let in lots of light and views of the city are excellent. The cafe on the ground floor and a rooftop restaurant offer even more common space for guests to mingle and relax, and the hostel shows daily movies on a big screen, helping to create a casual, communal vibe. The 24-hour reception area doubles as a small common area, with a computer for guests’ use and a bookcase full of travel books. Istanbul Hostel draws mostly students and other solo travelers looking to explore Istanbul’s main sites on a budget, but the double rooms may appeal to couples or other small groups too. 

Istanbul Hostel is located in the heart of Sultanahmet, which is home to most of the city’s major historic attractions, many of which are reachable on foot. The surrounding streets are also full of other hotels and hostels, cafes, souvenir shops, and restaurants that cater to tourists. Top sights like the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, and the Topkapi Palace are less than a 10-minute walk from the hostel. The Grand Bazaar and the Cemberlitas Hamam are about 15 minutes away on foot. To go farther afield, guests can walk about five minutes to a tram stop for connections to ferries or the metro. Both lead to Istanbul's Asian side across the Bosphorus, or the nightlife around Taksim Square in Beyoglu. Alternatively, the trip to Taksim by taxi is about 20 to 30 minutes. The airport is a 30 to 45 minute drive from the hostel, depending on traffic. 

There are a mix of room configurations at Istanbul Hostel, from a double room suitable for a couple to a 21-bed mix-gender dorm. The dorm rooms are basic, with metal bunkbeds and thick, comfortable mattresses, but there is no decor to speak of or other amenities. Double rooms have a bit more detail, like red and gold wallpaper covering one wall, red linens, a small chair, wardrobe and small bedside table. All rooms have windows that look out onto the street and surrounding low buildings in the neighborhood, letting in some sunlight. Bathrooms are shared, and although there is one on each floor with multiple shower stalls and toilets, they can feel crowded at times. They include hairdryers, but towels cost extra, and the toilet and shower stalls are not generally cleaned frequently enough for the amount of traffic. There is no air-conditioning at the hostel and there aren’t lockers in most of the rooms. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hostel, including in rooms, but can be spotty. 

Istanbul Hostel has some better-than-average amenities for a budget option, which may help explain why this underwhelming hostel option still remains relatively popular. The highlight is the bar and restaurant on the roof that has views of both the Marmara Sea and also the Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque. Breakfast is free and includes basic options like boiled eggs, bread, and veggies -- the breakfast rooms also has excellent city views, and acts as a common area where guests can hang out and even watch movies at other times of day. Yet another option for food and drink is the cafe on the ground floor, which is handy as there is no communal kitchen where they can prepare their own meals. The hostel has a related travel agency business, which is a convenience for guests who want to plan trips to other parts of Turkey. The reception area is open 24 hours a day for those arriving late or early, and there's a computer available for guests to use. Free Wi-Fi is available in both rooms and common areas, though it can be spotty.