The Location
After a long walk from the tram stop with packs and a climb of the stairs, a friendly face and a friendly greeting will meet you as you reach the reception floor at Sydney Hostel Istanbul -- "Hello, my friends." Located in the heart of old Sultanahmet, the hostel is nestled between flashy carpet stores, restaurants, the Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sofia.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The eight-bed dorm with en-suite is relatively clean and spacious, and the air-conditioner provides a welcome relief from the summer heat. All rooms have air-conditioning. Mattresses are comfortable, pillows are in good repair, and linen and blankets are provided. Private rooms are available but popular, so booking ahead of time is a must. If the beds in the hostel are all booked out, and you have a warm sleeping bag, then the rooftop is a cheap and refreshing option. Small lockers with keys are available in the lobby to store your treasured possessions but do not provide enough room for luggage. Bathrooms are well-maintained -- the showers have good pressure and plenty of hot water. Towels are available for hire at reception.
Common Spaces
Unfortunately, there is no common room and kitchen, but there is a breezy rooftop terrace overlooking the Marmara Sea. The terrace bar is stocked with cheap beer, juices, bottled water, and water pipes. A free Turkish breakfast is provided on the terrace along with plenty of coffee and apple tea. Lunch and dinner is available for a few euros (just ask ahead of time). Free Internet is situated in the lobby and has a fairly decent speed. Wi-Fi is available for laptop enthusiasts. The staff do not mind you leaving bags at reception for a period of time. There is a very relaxed vibe in this hostel, so it may not be the sort of place for party animals.
Summary
The staff go out of their way to help you with anything you may need and make your stay comfortable. Occasionally, a Turkish George Clooney look-alike sits behind the reception desk and dispenses charm to the ladies. It's a fun introduction to Istanbul's hospitality and culture.
-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
Location/Contact
