This is my go-to hostel when in Istanbul. It is located in the historic centre (Sultanahmet) a short walk from many of the city’s famous attractions, like the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia Museum. Upon arrival you might find the reception area to be a bit…shall I say, eccentric, but the room and bathroom are totally different, in a good way 🙂 If you’re on the ground floor, you might have a small outside area as well. And if you’re higher up, you could have a sea view, as the breakfast room on the top floor did so. On the flip side, the breakfast served is not much to write home about… Have in mind that I very often stay at 2-3 star hotels, and my only concerns are cleanliness, safety, location and cost. All in all I would say that Deniz Houses definitely fits the bill!
Update: Revisiting Istanbul, I was curious to see if the budget hotel I stayed at last time, was still in business. And it was! Now run by the daughter of the man I checked in with all those years ago. She said she found it odd that she got a booking through their website, and not one of the hotel booking platforms, so she kinda knew something was up 😀 I think that might have resulted in me getting a better room than what I booked – just my assumption. Also, it was cheaper to book through their website. Since last time the hotel has been renovated, but lots are still the same. Now I had a room on the top floor, with a balcony, and the view of the sun setting over the Marmara Sea. The area surrounding the hotel, has become a lot more busy.
What I didn’t discover before booking the hotel, was that the airport had moved. From being on the same side of the city as my hotel, now it is far outside the city centre, about an hour drive, outside heavy traffic times. The M11 metro line from the airport doesn’t get you into the old town. The airport express bus, Havaist, does, but I read mixed reviews, and I didn’t have time to dive in deep. In the end I got a private airport pick-up recommendation from the hotel, Ercan at Mert Tur. Communicated with him through WhatsApp, as with most businesses in Turkey, and got an instructional video and image, on how to find them at the airport. Worked like a charm. After connecting with their representative, I was taken down into the parking garage, where I after a while, was assigned a car. The car had room for at least 7 people, so at 40 euros / 1935 Turkish lira, it could be the best options for a group. Cash only, and you pay the driver. When we reached central Istanbul, we had to go through town to get to the hotel, so I got to do a little sightseeing 🙂
Website: denizhouses.com
Flying in
I love the quirky little places best – they’ve got so much more character! I’m desperate to go to Istanbul so I’ll definitely keep a note of this one. Thank you! #citytripping
I prefer quirky, little places as well! Much more than big, chain hotels. So much more atmosphere, and you get to know both your fellow guests and the host/staff (in different way). If a sightseeing buff, you’ll love Istanbul!
I went to Istanbul earlier this year and loved it. Sounds like this is in a perfect location – so much history surrounding you. I always like to stay somewhere central when visiting a city – especially if I’m with my little girl – makes it so much easier. Thanks for linking to #citytripping
I need to go back – didn’t get to do all I wanted to 🙂 Central location is more than often a must. I usually regret if I go for something else – especially if I’m short on time.
I love staying in Sultanahmet when I go to Istanbul although I haven’t been here – great to stroll out and have so much history on the doorstep. #citytripping
Likewise! Will be going back. Still things I haven’t seen 🙂
Very cute! I’ll look into it if I come to Istanbul anytime soon 🙂 that’s so cool that you’re from the Arctic in Norway! I’d love to see that area, been to Oslo very briefly before. Cheers and thanks for the follow
Deniz Houses was perfect for my needs 🙂
I’m biased, but the northern part is the best 🙂 I’ve done a few posts on it: beatravelling.wordpress.com/tag/arctic Oslo is nice, but I think you’d enjoy other parts of the country better…
I was in Istanbul last week, I stayed in a hotel near by Taksim Square!
Never made it to that part of town. Next time! What’s the name of the hotel? Did you like it?
You have to go there, it’s amazing..! The main street there is big and so, so many people! I forgot the name of the hotel but I definately liked this part of the city!
Will do 🙂 Thanks!
Thank you so much for sharing my post on Will the real reality please stand up! Much appreciated!
Looks absolutely fine!
Considering what I look for in a place, this one is spot on 🙂