I stayed in a private room with a shared bathroom. Both of which were clean and functional. Truly great hostel with all the basics you need for a comfortable stay (towels included). The staff at Second Home are incredibly kind, helpful and provided recommendations as needed. and helpful with suggesting what to do while in Istanbul. Welcome tea much appreciated. The hostel organizes family dinners and pub crawls for a fee. Rooftop bar offers great views and affordable drinks. The hostel is situated in a central location with easy access to most attractions (mosques, museums, Grand Bazaar, etc).

Room needed some cosmetic patchwork. No air conditioning, but the room includes a fan and you get a strong breeze through the window allowing for cool temperatures in the room (even in the summer). No elevator — prepare to carry your luggage up the stairs. None of these were significant issues, so don’t be deterred. Would definitely stay again!

Homely, family vibe, it feels very natural how the hostel is laid out in order to meet and connect with people including the staff (sometimes the staff are that friendly you can't tell who is staff and who isn't). The location is top. It is 5 minutes away from the main mosques and many of the tourist spots. The pub crawl nights out I had arranged by Semira were truly forgettable and hilarious. She is the best. Made many friends there and I look forward to going back in the future.

Whoever was in the toilet on my floor took way too long doing their business :p Needed to go to other floors to use the loo.

Everyone in the staff was very hospitable and accommodating from the start, such that everyone felt sort of like friends, and I couldn't immediately tell who worked there, and who didn't. Staff members all sort of brought their own personality into it, and I got very attentive help with very minute needs, such as locating and navigating the post office, getting a transportation card, and finding a place of worship to suit my needs. I loved everyone there, including the very cute cat. I even got a free room upgrade. I can't wait to come back!

It really does feel like visiting a vibrant and lively home rather than a hostel, all thanks to the staff that feel like they aren't working there but pop in to hang out. Their rota seems very organised and seamless. I had a great time meeting so many lovely people. Having stayed in a dozen hostels now I can wholeheartedly recommend this one. (Also the location is excellent for the old city)

What didn't I like the website is asking me... I didn't like that I had to leave.

Stayed for 5 nights. There were no big inconvinience thanks to all the super friendly staffs who helped me a lot. The location was great, I could get to Sultan Ahmet by walking 10min toward south, and 5min toward north for ferry stop and galata bridge. There were many restaurants and bars, and also tram station. Talking about the room, the interior design may not be satisfying but at least it was clean, and I had nothing problem with all the conditions while staying here. Actually, pretty satisfied:)

There were no elevator and the door of the room didn't block noise from the hostel alley, but it was acceptable. It could be little hard to get here if you're taking the Havaist bus. Tram from here to Havaist bus station is soooo much crowded.

Wonderful hostel. All the team at Second Home Hostel are super friendly and helpful with suggesting what to do while in Istanbul. I had a private room and shared bathroom. The room was clean and tidy and everything you need for a stay in Istanbul. The hostel is in a great location with easy access to the mosques, bazaars and the metro if you want to get out and about.

Nothing

During my 6 day stay at second home hostel, I met a lot of people from all over the world on the rooftop terrace. Didn't get bored for even a single minute. The vibe is different every night, but all nights were equally great! Also, they have a beautiful cat who knows how to get attention.

Traffic noise at night, but I guess that's a problem all over Istanbul.

The location is excellent. The staff was trying to do their best for us. We stayed in this hostel only for one night when we pass from Istanbul. We booked a room in Seher hotel but when we arrived in Seher hotel they told to the reservation is cancelled and they can give us a same room but with different price!!!! They are cheating. So we found Second home hostel and we are very satisfying for our choice.

The stairs in building is not like hostel. Is an apartment and there is no eny communication with other guests.

The rooms and the restrooms were clean, the staff was amazing , everyone was welcoming and super friendly. The front desk guy helped me carry my bags up to room. Huge shoutout to Kerem, semira and aleyna, they were super friendly and suggested the best spots around. Honestly one of the best hostel experiences I have had.

Great location walking distance from major sites public transportation, restaurants and shopping. The staff is very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. The hostel is exceptionally clean including the shared bathrooms.