79%Mavi Guesthouse

A nice hostel, more like a guesthouse. A little run down but clean and the staff are very helpful and friendly.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by cunningham7261 – posted on Nov 1, 2008

2

The roof top dorm was like a menagarie.I didnt get any sleep at all.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by katewheadon6257 – posted on Oct 12, 2008

2

When I arrived they tried to charge me €48 as they told me that I'd closed the room. I argued and they relented. They then put us in a 4 bed dorm (with no windows), two other people who were only charged €10 - €6 less than us. I spoke to the hostel about this and they told me it was... more When I arrived they tried to charge me €48 as they told me that I'd closed the room. I argued and they relented. They then put us in a 4 bed dorm (with no windows), two other people who were only charged €10 - €6 less than us. I spoke to the hostel about this and they told me it was because I booked over the internet! Horrible experience - I would not recommendclose

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by ampr1150gs9791 – posted on Oct 4, 2008

2

i didn't stay here long as i wanted the other area than sultanament after i arrived there. but friendly service.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by tmdghspwlq462 – posted on Sep 22, 2008

7

Good shuttle service offered to hard to get to airport. (Istanbul can be hard to get around, this is one occasion when using public transport (ferry, tram, bus) probably isn't cheaper.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by knottjp7094 – posted on Sep 20, 2008

4

Stay only if you have no other options. There are many, many choices in the area.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by jeffj – posted on Sep 7, 2008

9

The rooftop dorm is pretty crowded but has a great view of the Hagia Sophia. The staff are great to talk to around the Hookah pipe and the breakfast is good. Bathrooms are crowded but kept clean.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by andrewwight7503 – posted on Sep 7, 2008

8

Fantastic hostel, great location and a lot of fun.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by Mahon1501 – posted on Sep 7, 2008

21

excellent location and great view. It"s a 26 dorm though, so don't expect the cleanliness to be amazing

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by JakeLe – posted on Aug 31, 2008

1

Really good hostel nice people and excelent location. I recomend

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by melinarocha – posted on Aug 26, 2008

1

avoid at all costs three or four bedded rooms without windows. friendly staff and excellent location, but they should think about making a substantial reform on the whole building. bathroom installations are VERY POOR. i recommend making bigger dorms by si eliminating the small crammed rooms with... more avoid at all costs three or four bedded rooms without windows. friendly staff and excellent location, but they should think about making a substantial reform on the whole building. bathroom installations are VERY POOR. i recommend making bigger dorms by si eliminating the small crammed rooms with less beds.That way every room would have its very needed NATURAL AND DIRECT VENTILATION.(standard higiene rules).close

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by maidur-u2547 – posted on Aug 25, 2008

2

The dorm was very cramped with too many people for one shower.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by natali2675 – posted on Aug 21, 2008

6

Only one nights stay then we went to a bad hostel, we should have booked all the nights here. A really ok place to stay, great served breakfast and nice people to socialize with.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by oogieboogie-man9778 – posted on Aug 12, 2008

3

Location is really excellant and stuff is also helpful it's very good place to stay for travellers but not for couples who want pravecy or romantic evenings because they will be distrbed by the noise of flashing toilets and showers/ for group of friends and single bagpackers Mavi is the excellant... more Location is really excellant and stuff is also helpful it's very good place to stay for travellers but not for couples who want pravecy or romantic evenings because they will be distrbed by the noise of flashing toilets and showers/ for group of friends and single bagpackers Mavi is the excellant and quite cheap place/ I really enjoyed my stay here!close

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by irinagabrichidze1713 – posted on Aug 2, 2008

1

it's the perfect location to stay in istanbul, right next to the agia sophia, the blue mosque and just a few meters away from the Topkapi Palace. Breakfast is surprisingly nice!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by elinetukker6038 – posted on Jul 31, 2008

3

the staff at this place was not nice, unwelcoming, did not give me the room I had paid for (didn't even know I had made the reservation) and gave me back the wrong change when I paid for my room. beyond this there is absolutely no soap at the sink after you use the restroom. i hated staying here.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by xuyenthai7618 – posted on Jul 30, 2008

1

A little bit expensive for services (internet, laundry...)

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by tibalissimo1075 – posted on Jul 16, 2008

1

LOVED it. phenomenal location, clean, super-friendly staff. and good breakfast. would definitely recommend it!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by jules0 – posted on Jul 15, 2008

10

They didn't keep my reservation, instead offered me a place in another hostel nearby, but for 2 EUR more. After discussion they lowered the price.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by krzysztofrozmus5102 – posted on Jul 13, 2008

14

Excellent location, the rooftop dorm is a awesome idea with breezes you don't even need air-conditioning. A common room or bar would have been a plus, but there are plenty of nearby places to hang out with other travellers.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by rachelle-n219288 – posted on Jul 10, 2008

5

I have had an excellent stay at Mavi. The staff go out of their way to share Turkish hospitality with you. When in need, they helped me find phone numbers and offered up safety pins. This has also been a great place to meet people, especially at breakfast. The view from the rooftop is... more I have had an excellent stay at Mavi. The staff go out of their way to share Turkish hospitality with you. When in need, they helped me find phone numbers and offered up safety pins. This has also been a great place to meet people, especially at breakfast. The view from the rooftop is magnificent. There is no better place to listen to call to prayer.close

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by Bgclay – posted on Jun 30, 2008

2

Excellent location right in the center and close to the railway station. Choose the big dorm, it's on the roof top with a brilliant view of Hagia Sofia! The staff is very friendly and helpful! One of the best places on our trip! Karin & Ylva, Sweden

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by karinkristiansson9988 – posted on Jun 29, 2008

1

The staff was really not friendly. The guy who seems to be the manager (and speaks good english) gave me a real attitude which I obviously did not appreciate. I don't expect 4 Seasons service when I come to a hostel, but a little friendliness, some respect goes a long way. More... more The staff was really not friendly. The guy who seems to be the manager (and speaks good english) gave me a real attitude which I obviously did not appreciate. I don't expect 4 Seasons service when I come to a hostel, but a little friendliness, some respect goes a long way. More specifically, and what really ticked me off the most, was that he charged me 10 Turkish Lira (over $8 US) to use their dinky little laundry machine once!! That's outrageous! I did the laundry myself (like 2 shirts, a couple pairs of boxers and one pair of pants) used my own detergent and hung it up to dry. Even worse, there's no sign saying that to use this dinky little machine costs $8. The absence of a sign led me to believe (naturally I think) that laundry was free. I only found out about the charge when i went to clear my bill. I argued a bit (politely) and mentioned that there wasn't a sign saying it costs 10 Lira (WTF!), and then this cheeky b-word says "well, did you see a sign saying it was free?" I don't appreciate sarcasm from people I pay. I felt like I was being swindled. It's not the $ amount that matters, it's the principle. Staff also wasn't helpful in getting info on places to eat, etc. The best advice I got was to go to his "cousin" down the street. They were also pushy with the bill and implied that they were worried I would run out without paying. They just randomly one morning demanded I pay for all five days (this was day three). The hostel is also kinda dirty, especially the dorm room. The only plus is a nice view of Aya Sofia.close

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by higginschristopher4576 – posted on Jun 25, 2008

1

Staying in Mavi was very good choice. Friendly staff and perfect location caused that we stopped in Mavi again just before leaving Turkey. Thanks!!!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by a-t6160 – posted on Jun 2, 2008

3

fantastic view towards the hagia sophia...

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by blthomas5750 – posted on May 31, 2008

6

Mavi Guesthouse proves once again it is still the place to stay in Istanbul. Great location heaps of tips and info.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by bernadette-lisa-manning4232 – posted on May 25, 2008

5

The breakfast is almost non-existent. The most meager of any hotel we stayed in in Turkey. We felt the room was extremely overpriced.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by davidgasca7438 – posted on May 23, 2008

2

I had such a great time at this hostel and would recommend it to anyone wanting a friendly place that has the most amazing view of AyaSofya. Such a central location to everything you need and breakfast time is most enjoyable. Great value for money. You will find yourself staying longer than...

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by tessa-bel5600 – posted on May 17, 2008

15

We had a great time and the people there were very friendly... The place had hot showers, clean rooms and answered any questions we had...

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by butterfly-090097907 – posted on May 13, 2008

1

Can (who runs the hostel) was fabulous. He helped us with absolutely everything we needed, gave us advice about where to go, and made us feel like special guests.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by icestaar7969 – posted on May 8, 2008

2

Mavı staff was fantastıc - very welcomıng and helpful. The locatıon was great and the rooms were a decent sıze - but the bathrooms were run-down and over-used (floors always soakıng wet and grımy). The bathroom on the fırst... more Mavı staff was fantastıc - very welcomıng and helpful. The locatıon was great and the rooms were a decent sıze - but the bathrooms were run-down and over-used (floors always soakıng wet and grımy). The bathroom on the fırst floor ıs a squat toılet so although our double room was on the fırst floor we had to use the second floor bathroom.close

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by denise-fig4896 – posted on May 6, 2008

6

So close to everything and great for the price. Staff (that spoke English) were friendly and helpful with attractions. Rooms are ok sized (stayed in 6 bed dorm) but aren't the cleanest I've seen. All in all was a good place to stay for the price :)

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by brooke-ward-82 – posted on Apr 29, 2008

3

attention - Be careful All the proposed services is not free (internet, acces in the kitchen). The ward is not tres comfortable and pleasant. And the closed drawers have keys allow only to store a small bag. The worst concerns the dormitory of 22 persons. There is not fenetre (plastic)( it's... more attention - Be careful All the proposed services is not free (internet, acces in the kitchen). The ward is not tres comfortable and pleasant. And the closed drawers have keys allow only to store a small bag. The worst concerns the dormitory of 22 persons. There is not fenetre (plastic)( it's very cold !!!) and it is blocked by the bazard of the hostel...close

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by karine2718 – posted on Apr 21, 2008

1

Far from town center, but right by a tram and bus line. It's a basic budget hotel with dorm rooms. Not a huge party hostel, but that can be a good thing. Pretty clean, breakfast is good, and the staff are helpful.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by Sblit – posted on Apr 18, 2008

7

CONCERNING THE 22 BED ROOFTOP DORM. AS ITS PROBABLY THE CHEAPEST IN ISTANBUL I AM NOT BOTHERED ABOUT THE CONCRETE FLOOR OR THE OTHER 21 BEDS. ITS KEPT CLEAN, THE SHOWER HOT WATER IS CONSTANT AS ITS NOT A CENTRAL BOILER, THE BREAKFAST IS BETTER THAN MOST HOSTELS, LOCATION IS GREAT AS THE ROOFTOP... more CONCERNING THE 22 BED ROOFTOP DORM. AS ITS PROBABLY THE CHEAPEST IN ISTANBUL I AM NOT BOTHERED ABOUT THE CONCRETE FLOOR OR THE OTHER 21 BEDS. ITS KEPT CLEAN, THE SHOWER HOT WATER IS CONSTANT AS ITS NOT A CENTRAL BOILER, THE BREAKFAST IS BETTER THAN MOST HOSTELS, LOCATION IS GREAT AS THE ROOFTOP OVERLOOKS THE AYA SOFYA AND JOHN AND THE STAFF ARE VERY FRIEDLY AND HELPFULL TYPE OF PEOPLE. I HAVE BEEN HERE NOW FOR 2 WEEKS AND I AM NOW BOOKING FOR ANOTHER WEEK.close

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by Jonjon4800 – posted on Apr 14, 2008

6

I enjoyed my stay at Mavi, the people working there are very friendly and thoughtfull. Perhaps the large dorm may dissapoint some travellers my interests are focused at whats going outside and its a cheap bed at least. The breakfast was a highlight, fresh and healthy, I enjoyed my stay, watching... more I enjoyed my stay at Mavi, the people working there are very friendly and thoughtfull. Perhaps the large dorm may dissapoint some travellers my interests are focused at whats going outside and its a cheap bed at least. The breakfast was a highlight, fresh and healthy, I enjoyed my stay, watching the turkish version of star wars was blast!close

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by jimoz14077 – posted on Apr 9, 2008

4

el dormitorio de 22 camas muy sucio,las taquillas de seguridad es dejar las cosas sobre la cama,baño horrible, tuve que dormir vestido del frio que hacia,no habia cristal en el ventanal, tan solo un plastico, está bien localizado, a unos 10 min andando del tranvia, el desayuno no está mal...

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by igallo8412 – posted on Apr 3, 2008

4

Great place! Thanks for another great stay John, anytime I am in Istanbul, I will stay at Mavi. Great atomosphere, easy to meet people, lots of other backpackers, and just a great place to jumpstart a trip to anywhere in Turkey! Oh, and a beautiful view of the Aya Sophia from the roof!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by andy-c-thompson1585 – posted on Apr 2, 2008

1

My stay in Mavi Guesthouse was terrible! I booked double room with shared facilities and got small room 2 meters x 2 meters. Without nothing inside - only bed and mirror and small space between the door and the bed (only for bag). Bed linen was dirty, as if somebody was used it before us. In room... more My stay in Mavi Guesthouse was terrible! I booked double room with shared facilities and got small room 2 meters x 2 meters. Without nothing inside - only bed and mirror and small space between the door and the bed (only for bag). Bed linen was dirty, as if somebody was used it before us. In room was cold and damp. But when we told about that to staff, they at one stroke gave heater to us. In Guesthouse is WiFi but only on the first floor. Room was located nearby WC and shower and all sounds were neatly audible in the room. Hostel staff is wery good, helpful and pleasant, but suppose it is small indemnity for terrible conditions.close

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by regina4755 – posted on Feb 27, 2008

2

AVISO-WARNING-HINWEIS-AVIS-AVVISO-AVISO a única vantagem é a localizacao! the only advantage is the location! der einzige Vorteil ist die Lage! la unique avantage et la allocation! il unico vantaggio e la assegnazione! la única vantaja es la localizacion! pay a little bit more and...

Did you find this review helpful? Yes No

by cccpcaio5333 – posted on Feb 19, 2008

1