What can we say -- Second Home Hostel is definitely one of our favorite places to stay in Istanbul. The name doesn't lie, it feels just like a second home should, and from the minute we stepped in we were treated with such warmth!
The Location
The hostel is located in the Old Town, almost in the center of all the tourist attractions, but far enough from the very annoying gift shops and overpriced restaurants, which is pretty perfect! The ferries and piers are a few minutes walk away, so is the famous Galata Bridge, and the metro that will take you to Asia. It's a great location!
Rooms and Bathrooms
We are so grateful for all the thought and effort that goes into making the rooms feel so homey and cozy. The beds are firm, comfortable, and beautiful! There are power outlets everywhere, plus cabinets and drawers and hangers, which is so nice and refreshing to see, especially since most hostels just provide the bare minimum. The rooms felt a bit cold during our stay, but the friendly staff will gladly offer you some extra blankets if you're cold. The toilets and bathrooms are shared and they're quite spacious and comfortable. There's a public hair dryer too. The water is warm but not hot, so we took just very quick showers. The toilets could be a bit cleaner.
Common Spaces
There is a beautiful, big, and bright lobby, usually with some cool music playing. The owner and the staff are very friendly and will usually offer complimentary tea or coffee, you can of course always buy those from the bar. There is a little book-exchange library and the place looks great and feels chill but fun. Breakfast is not included, but if you buy it you'll find it's very cheap and filling, so it's worth the extra few liras. There's a little kitchenette that is mostly used by the staff, but guests can use it to make some non-complicated food, just no cooking fish (they seem to be very strict about that). There's free Wi-Fi throughout the hostel and a computer in case you don't have your own. It's a great place to hang out and meet fellow travelers from around the world.
Summary
We felt very much at home here and highly recommend this hostel, especially if you're staying for a few days and want to be comfortable. Moreover, the owner is very cool and knowledgeable and can help with many tips!
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Second Home Hostel Reviews
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Markovka
Hostelz.com Staff Reviewer
Published on 2018-03-20
Verified Reviews by our Community
Great place to spend Istanbul
Stayed at Second Home for 4 nights and enjoyed every minute of it. The staff are very welcoming and really do make it feel like a second home. The way the hostel is set-up makes it easy to meet people and go out on a night in town.
Thomas
2015-06-11
Fun place!
Second home is a great place to stay to meet fellow travelers. It is a fun and relaxed atmosphere and the staff are great and so helpful! You are guaranteed a hot shower and a warm bed in winter, which is a rarity in Turkey. Not to mention the delicious tea!
Janaina
2015-02-26
Canada
Second Home Hostel is a great hostel if you are traveling as a family or small group. They offer family rooms with private bathrooms so if you are traveling with a few friends or family this is a great option.
The Location
This hostel is is centrally located near old town Sultanahmet a few blocks from Sirkeci Train Station. The Gulhane tram station is also located at the end of the block, which makes it easy to get to and from the airport via the metro and tram system. Although all major attractions are within walking distance to the hostel, after a long day of hiking, it is nice to know you can easily jump on the tram to get back to the hostel.
The area is full of a variety of restaurants that cater to not only the tourist, but also to the locals so you will be able to taste authentic Turkish meals. There is a small local grocery store a block away so you can purchase anything you may need should you want to dine on your own. Breakfast is included in the hostel rate, but it is a typical Turkish breakfast so you may want to purchase and store a few extra food items in the guest kitchen.
Rooms and Bathrooms
The rooms are clean and contain a small desk and shelving unit for your items. The are convenient hooks for hanging your wet towel and/or jackets on. The beds in most dorms are bunks with one single on top and a double below. Ladies be aware that you might be asked to share the lower double bed. This happened on a couple of occasions to different people staying there. The private rooms do not have a blanket per se, only a scratchy bedspread so do ask for a blanket. There are rooms with private bathrooms available also.
The bathrooms differ per floor; one floor has a shower room with two showers, sink, and toilet along with a separate toilet room. Other floors have one bathroom, which contains the only shower and sink. If everyone is leaving at the same time, it can be busy.
Try to avoid the rooms on the first floor as the reception is open all night and people like to stop and chat with the staff. The old buildings of Istanbul echo and it can be quite loud.
Common Spaces
The top floor, which is the computer room/breakfast area, is clean and offers a great view of Istanbul. It is an enclosed room so it is a great place to hang out on those rainy days. The room has some games, books, and a couple of computers. It is good to note that Wi-Fi is available in the common room and in the individual rooms. You will need to get the password from reception. The guest kitchen is small, but with breakfast included and inexpensive food out the door, there isn't much need to use it. Tea and coffee are available from this area also.
Summary
The place is very clean and the staff are nice. It is a great location away from the touristy Cankurtaran area and where you are able to walk to all major sites. You can conveniently book your tours and transportation from the reception at what seem to be standard prices. Aside from the noise on the first floor and some miscommunication between staff members, our stay was worth the money. The major issue is the owners trying to book more than one person to a bed -- they don't seem to think it is an issue.
Cindi Hawkins
2009-12-13
Canada
Description
Centrally Located:
Located between the old town and the new town, the ideal location to discover this whole city and what it has to offer.
Second home hostel is within walking distance to the following cultural attractions:
Glhane Park-Topkapı Palace-Basilica Cistern-Hagia Sophia-Blue Mosque-Grand Bazaar-Spice Bazaar-Rstempaşa Mosque-Galata Tower-Sleymaniye Mosque
Also we are close to local restaurants area where you can have tasty and cheap food
Easy Transportation:
We have an airport pick up service for very reasonable prices on request. We are also located near Gulhane and Sirkec tramway stops, bus stations, ferries and airport shuttle stops, making it easy to get to all of the sights of Istanbul and beyond.
Accommodation :
# Single room w/shared bathroom
# Double room w/shared bathroom
# Twin room w/shared bathroom
# Single room w/private bathroom
# Double room w/private bathroom
# Triple w/private bathroom
# Family room w/private bathroom (4-5 beds)
# Female Dorm(4 beds )
# Mixed Dorm ( 9beds ) in BASEMENT !!
We have age limit for Dormitories ( +45 )
Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner :
Breakfast is included with all accommodation, so you can start your day easily dining and chatting with fellow travelers. Breakfast serving time is between 08:30 and 11:30.
Breakfast is open buffet and includes all kind of teas and nescafe
Common Room :
The common area of the hostel consists of a guest kitchen and a cozy lounge area where guests can read, surf the net, watch tv,play backgammon,card games etc.
24 hours open for chilling and chatting !
Turkish Tea-Turkish Coffee is always available
Computers for free using or wi-fi is accessible everywhere for your device
telephone fax, print and scan services available for a nominal fee.
Rooftop Terrace :
After a long day exploring the wonders of the city you can relax on ROOFTOP TERRACE
We make waterpipe between 19.00-02.00 and you are free to bring your own drink,food and have up there !
Each week we make BBQ party on rooftop terrace, followed by a pub crawl to Taksim (the centre of nightlife and live music in Istanbul).
Wireless internet is available. So, you can connect to the internet with your own device at terrace.
Check-in & Check out :
Check in time is : 13.30
If you come early, you can keep your bags in luggage storage until 13.30 !
Check out time is : 10.30
You are free to store your luggage here if you are coming back after discovering around or if you have flight later than this time.
Cancellation policy: 3 days before arrival. In case of a late cancellation or No Show, you will be charged the first night of your stay.
How to get from Airport and Bus Station :
We can arrange airport transfer which is more cheaper and safer than taxi:
We wait you there with Second Home Hostel sign and your name on time then take you to hostel by private car
If you would like to have this service please send your flight details :
Airline, flight number, departure city, airport (Ataturk or Sabiha Gokcen) and expected arrival time
If you need a SHUTTLE from Hostel to Airport, please ask us when you arrive at the hostel !
We are a sociable and party-loving hostel :
Travelling alone or in a group, there are plenty of opportunities to socialize. Enjoy a delicious barbecue on our roof top terrace. Play backgammon, smoke hookah, listen music or just admire the breathtaking view over the Bosphorus and Europe side of Istanbul.
Our staffs cook delicious Turkish Ravioli and you get a chance to meet with another guest, dance with Turkish Music on this night (:
Friday and Saturday , we've pup crawl in Taksim-Beyoğlu, we take taxis for 5 min. and walk through Istiklal Street...after 2 or 3 roof top bars, you are free to enjoy your night as you decide!
Facilities :
There are common showers and bathrooms on the corridors. Private ensuite rooms have air-conditioning and shared rooms have fans and all rooms have heating.
Laundry ( washing-drying-folding : 20 TL only )
Free towels,linen and sheets ( we can change every 2-3 days )
Central heating
24hrs reception
Free maps of Istanbul
Desk and chair-Adaptors-Free WiFi-Postal Service-Book Exchange
Hairdryers-Lockers-
No Curfew and Non Smoking Rooms
Guest Kitchen is available between 13.00 and 21.00 for 3 euro !
We have security cameras at key locations with 24 hour reception and a safe box in which you may store your valuables.
*Our friendly staff can arrange tours in Istanbul and all around Turkey,give helpful tips about the city
*We are 5 storey building but unfortunately we don't have an elevator!
We have everything you need to enjoy your stay and feel comfortable.
FEEL AT HOME !!
Located between the old town and the new town, the ideal location to discover this whole city and what it has to offer.
Second home hostel is within walking distance to the following cultural attractions:
Glhane Park-Topkapı Palace-Basilica Cistern-Hagia Sophia-Blue Mosque-Grand Bazaar-Spice Bazaar-Rstempaşa Mosque-Galata Tower-Sleymaniye Mosque
Also we are close to local restaurants area where you can have tasty and cheap food
Easy Transportation:
We have an airport pick up service for very reasonable prices on request. We are also located near Gulhane and Sirkec tramway stops, bus stations, ferries and airport shuttle stops, making it easy to get to all of the sights of Istanbul and beyond.
Accommodation :
# Single room w/shared bathroom
# Double room w/shared bathroom
# Twin room w/shared bathroom
# Single room w/private bathroom
# Double room w/private bathroom
# Triple w/private bathroom
# Family room w/private bathroom (4-5 beds)
# Female Dorm(4 beds )
# Mixed Dorm ( 9beds ) in BASEMENT !!
We have age limit for Dormitories ( +45 )
Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner :
Breakfast is included with all accommodation, so you can start your day easily dining and chatting with fellow travelers. Breakfast serving time is between 08:30 and 11:30.
Breakfast is open buffet and includes all kind of teas and nescafe
Common Room :
The common area of the hostel consists of a guest kitchen and a cozy lounge area where guests can read, surf the net, watch tv,play backgammon,card games etc.
24 hours open for chilling and chatting !
Turkish Tea-Turkish Coffee is always available
Computers for free using or wi-fi is accessible everywhere for your device
telephone fax, print and scan services available for a nominal fee.
Rooftop Terrace :
After a long day exploring the wonders of the city you can relax on ROOFTOP TERRACE
We make waterpipe between 19.00-02.00 and you are free to bring your own drink,food and have up there !
Each week we make BBQ party on rooftop terrace, followed by a pub crawl to Taksim (the centre of nightlife and live music in Istanbul).
Wireless internet is available. So, you can connect to the internet with your own device at terrace.
Check-in & Check out :
Check in time is : 13.30
If you come early, you can keep your bags in luggage storage until 13.30 !
Check out time is : 10.30
You are free to store your luggage here if you are coming back after discovering around or if you have flight later than this time.
Cancellation policy: 3 days before arrival. In case of a late cancellation or No Show, you will be charged the first night of your stay.
How to get from Airport and Bus Station :
We can arrange airport transfer which is more cheaper and safer than taxi:
We wait you there with Second Home Hostel sign and your name on time then take you to hostel by private car
If you would like to have this service please send your flight details :
Airline, flight number, departure city, airport (Ataturk or Sabiha Gokcen) and expected arrival time
If you need a SHUTTLE from Hostel to Airport, please ask us when you arrive at the hostel !
We are a sociable and party-loving hostel :
Travelling alone or in a group, there are plenty of opportunities to socialize. Enjoy a delicious barbecue on our roof top terrace. Play backgammon, smoke hookah, listen music or just admire the breathtaking view over the Bosphorus and Europe side of Istanbul.
Our staffs cook delicious Turkish Ravioli and you get a chance to meet with another guest, dance with Turkish Music on this night (:
Friday and Saturday , we've pup crawl in Taksim-Beyoğlu, we take taxis for 5 min. and walk through Istiklal Street...after 2 or 3 roof top bars, you are free to enjoy your night as you decide!
Facilities :
There are common showers and bathrooms on the corridors. Private ensuite rooms have air-conditioning and shared rooms have fans and all rooms have heating.
Laundry ( washing-drying-folding : 20 TL only )
Free towels,linen and sheets ( we can change every 2-3 days )
Central heating
24hrs reception
Free maps of Istanbul
Desk and chair-Adaptors-Free WiFi-Postal Service-Book Exchange
Hairdryers-Lockers-
No Curfew and Non Smoking Rooms
Guest Kitchen is available between 13.00 and 21.00 for 3 euro !
We have security cameras at key locations with 24 hour reception and a safe box in which you may store your valuables.
*Our friendly staff can arrange tours in Istanbul and all around Turkey,give helpful tips about the city
*We are 5 storey building but unfortunately we don't have an elevator!
We have everything you need to enjoy your stay and feel comfortable.
FEEL AT HOME !!
Video of Second Home Hostel
Here is a video of Second Home Hostel. The video gives you a better understanding of what you can expect.
Location and Contact
Location
Map
Address: Hocapaşa Mahallesi Ebussuud Caddesi 19 Sirkeci, Eminönü/Sirkeci - Central, Istanbul (İstanbul), Istanbul Province, Turkey
Second Home Hostel is listed on the following booking sites:
Hostelworld Booking.com Not listed at HostelsClubWebsite
www.hostelsh.com
Phone Number:
+90 212 - 512 57 90
To add or correct information for this listing, please use the Listing Correction Form.
Facilities and Amenities
Digital Nomads
Family-Friendly Hostel
Party Hostel
Solo Traveller
Bedsheets
Breakfast
Luggage Storage
Safe Deposit Box
Towels
Wi-Fi in Lobby/Commons
Wi-Fi in Rooms
Airport Pickup
City Tours
Dinner (20 TL)
Lockers in Lobby (5 TL)
Pub Crawls
24 Hour Security
Air Conditioning
BBQ Grill
Bar
Board Games
Book Collection/Exchange
Clothes Dryer
Concierge/Info Desk
Credit Card Payments
Currency Exchange
Entirely Non-Smoking
Food/Restaurant
Gameroom
Hair Dryers
Hot Showers
Jobs/Work Available
Karaoke
Kitchen
Laundry
Live Music/Performance
Lounge Area
Meeting/Banquet facilities
Movie Library/Rental
Outdoor Seating
Power Point/Sockets in Rooms
TV
Lockers in Rooms
Parking
Wheelchair Accessible
Pet-Friendly
Service Animals
Genders: Males & Females
Max. Age: 45
Min. Age with Parent (private room): All Ages
Min. Age without Parent: 14
Checkout: 11:00 (11 AM)
Curfew: No Curfew
Lockout: No
Maximum Stay: 14 nights
Minimum Stay: 2 nights
Open Dates: All Year
Reception Hours: 24 Hours
Size: Medium (30-60 beds)
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