Cordial House Hotel
Hotel review Cordial House Hotel
Read the other contributions
Want to ask me a question?
Age: 31-35
Travel time: in December 11
I travelled as: Solo/single
Children: none
Duration: 3-5 days
Type of trip: City break
Recommendation: Yes
Average rating of this review: 5.2
Inexpensive, no frills accomodation.
Enlarge letters A A Downsize letters A ADecided to go the Istanbul for a spontaneous trip over New Years and found the Cordial House Hotel and Hostel on Kayak. It was described as an inexpensive budget hotel, just what I was looking for, because I planned on doing a lot of sightseeing and would not spend much time in the hotel.
The hotel is simple, but comfortable and clean. The lobby has been newly renovated and offers chairs and tables for sitting. The downstairs area offers a pooltables and a kitchen area, in case you would like to cook or heat up your own food.
I stayed in a female dormitory. It was simple, 4 bunk beds and a closet, but clean. My only complain is, that it was rather cold in the room, even though we had the heat turned up. Nothing a few extra blankets could not fix! There are plenty of blankets available, just no sheets. There was a clean white sheet on the mattress, but no sheets on the blankets. If you prefer to have a sheet, bring your own.
The bathroom and showers were located on the same floor and were clean. Both looked well used and could use a little updating.
The communal areas were heated very well and it was very cosy there. I travelled by myself and sitting in the evening in the common ares, was like beeing at a UN meeting, very international. I met guests from all nationalities, Germany, America, Turkey, Bulgaria, China, Russia, etc. The ages range was wide from young, to senior citizen and everything inbetween. It was easy to pick up a conversation and meet other travellers.
Breakfast was included in my roomrate. It consisted of fresh tomatoes and cucumbers, tea, coffee, milk, honey, jam, hard boiled eggs, bread and feta cheese. A little different that a continental breakfast, but hey, you are in Turkey after all!
Location
Great location!
You are in the old European part of Istanbul. All the sightseeing is within short walking distance. There are plenty of stores, cafes and all kinds of places to eat for every budget, the bazar is right around the corner. There is even a supermarket right next to the hotel, which is open till 8pm.
The hotel is less than 5 minutes walking from the tram, so you can easily get there from the airport, taking public transportation, and safe quite a bit of money.
I would have given it a 6 star rating, but the only downside it, that there is no nightlife in the direct vicinity. If you are planning to go out clubbing or to bars in the evening, you have to go to the Asian part of Istanbul. The tram will take you there, but late at night you have to take back a taxi or walk. I do not recommend walking, because it is quite far and at a brisk walking pace 40 minutes on foot.
The staff is very friendly and speaks English quite well. They will make recommendations for you on where to go and what to see. You can even book sightseeing trips right at the front desk.
Gastronomy
The breakfast was simple, but good. There is a bar in the lobby. Did not try any of the food or drinks, so can not really say anything about it, except that it is there.
All looked very clean and well kept.
Sport & Entertainment
This is a no frills hotel. There is a pooltable, seating areas, the wifi internet works great in the lobby area and that's it.
Room
The room, I stayed in the female dormitory is simple, but clean. It was a little cold. It is a room with 4 bunk beds, a closet and one more bed in the corner, but that is it. The room was on the second floor and I have to say, the walls were rather thin. It was on the louder side, you could hear the garbage outside beeing picked up and other guests walking up the stairs in the hallway. It is a great place if you are looking for inexpensive accomodation.
Tips and recommendations
Great value for your money. Bring a set of bedsheets and your own towels. Bring old ones you can leave there, so you have space for your purchases at the bazar. Istanbul is a great place for shopping, sightseeing and the nightlife is fantastic as well!
The winters in Istanbul are cold, bring warm clothes and comfortable shoes. It is a walking city.
Additional info concerning your hotel review Cordial House Hotel
| What type of room did you review? | Shared room Low cost with view City |
| Did the hotel meet the standards of its official catalogue description? | Yes |
| Does the hotel deserve its official star rating? | Yes |
| How would you describe the value for money? | Excellent |
| Which tour operator did you travel with? | No details |
