Job Discussion Forums

[Gregorio]

Hello all... I am new to this forum and this is my first thread. Everyone here seems to be well informed so I hope I can get some good advice.
I have some general questions about hostels in Sultanahmet:

1. When advertising on-line that the hostel provides airport pick-up does that include any time of the day or night? My flight arrives in Istanbul @ 01:00.

2. Are there any specific hostels I should avoid.

OK, I guess that's all I can think of for now, but any additional information is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Gomez]

Ain't nobody gonna come get you at 1:00 in the morning. I'd be really surprised if they did.

There's a hostel in the center of town (Taksim, Beyoglu) called "Chill Out Hostel". They seemed pretty well stocked with people engaged in some serious modes of chillness. The Sultanahment ones are probably quite good, some might have a rooftop terrace bar. The Orient Youth Hostel, not too far (geographically) from the Four Seasons used to have a good reputation of a party place. I don't know about them now.

People may certainly disagree, but I think you won't do yourself any favors by staying in Sultanahment. The blue mosque, Aya Sofia, the cistern and the covered bazaar can be done in a day and then you're stuck over in Sultanahmet. Wherever else you go you'll have to walk or take a tram. I'd recommend staying in Taksim which is more central and you can get to wherever you want to go with relative ease. And there are many more restaurants, bars, book stores, dessert shops, etc.

Maybe some people would say I've been up too long and maybe some other people would say I've imbibbed a bit too much tonight and I'm talking crazy, but that's still my opinion. Good luck.

[ash]

There is a YHA in Sultanahmet right next to Ayasofya and its very cheap and pretty clean. I think its called Yecult or something (sorry, can't remember exactly). Anyway it's close to everything, in a nice leafy area. Its in the guide book which I affectionately refer to as the Lonely *beep*. Someone I met who had been staying at the Orient said its really noisy because of the belly dancing gig and the general party downstairs. I guess it depends what you're into. There are loads of places to stay in the vicinity of the Orient, all similarly priced, and then there are the slightly more expensive hotels as well. It won't be hard to find somewhere.

The Taksim area seems much more Turkish and much less touristy, and you can walk to Sultanahmet easily enough from there.

[Gregorio]

Thanks for the advice. It seems that Sultanahmet is flooded with hostels, but I am not finding the same to be true about Taksim. Or the ones in Taksim don't advertise as heavily on line. I suppose if it's less touristy there would be less hostels in general.....

[dmb]

There is also one down at Galata tower. They do short and long term. I can pm you the number if you like.

[Gregorio]

Thanks dmb... I'd appreciate it.

[dmb]

Check your inbox. I sent you the number

[Gregorio]

Hey dmb,

I didn't receive your PM about the hostel near the Tower. Could you try to send the name and number again if you have a chance. Thanks.

Gregorio

[dmb]

I've sent it again