Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

HOSTEL€ ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-292 5034; www.rapunzelistanbul.com; Bereketzade Camii Sokak 3, Galata; dm €14-24, s €35, tw €40-70; aiW ; m Şişhane, L Tünel) This intimate hostel near Galata Tower is blessed with informed, friendly and enthusiastic staff, making it a great choice for budget travellers. Dorms and rooms are small but have air-con, clean private bathrooms, reading lights and power points; mixed and female dorms also have lockers. There’s a cosy TV room and a roof terrace with view of the Historical Peninsula. WORLD HOUSE HOSTEL ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-293 5520; www.worldhouseistanbul.com; Galipdede Caddesi 85, Galata; dm €9-22, d €36-68, tr €48-78; iW ; m Şişhane, L Tünel) Tucked behind the Latife Cafe, this long-standing and justly popular hostel is close to Beyoğlu’s entertainment strips but not too far from the sights in Sultanahmet. Nonstandard hostel features include double-glazed windows and an in-house lokanta (serving ready-made food; lunch ₺ 10). All dorms are mixed (the best are in the front building) and bathrooms are clean (one shower/toilet for every nine beds). BOUTIQUE HOTEL €€ o KARAKÖY ROOMS ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-252 5422; http://karakoyrooms.com; Galata Şarap İskelesi Sokak 10, Karaköy; standard r €80-130, studio €130-200; naW ; j Karaköy) Occupying five floors above one of the city’s best-loved restaurants, this splendid hotel has only 12 rooms – book well in advance. The double and deluxe rooms are spacious, comfortable, well-equipped and offer exceptional value for money. The pricier studios are enormous, with well equipped kitchenettes. Decor is super-stylish throughout and the breakfast (served in the restaurant) is lavish and delicious. o CASA DI BAVA ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0538-377 3877; www.casadibavaistanbul.com; Bostanbaşı Caddesi 28, Çukurcuma; economy €140, 1-bedroom apt €180, 2-bedroom penthouse €320; naWc# ; BOUTIQUE HOTEL €€