Cheers Hostel

This truly is one of, if not the best, hostel I have ever stayed at. I have stayed at many many many hostels, hotels and air bnbs in my 30 years of travel. Cheers hostel is just wonderful! The location is absolutely unbeatable! It is literally blocks away from the major attractions of old Istanbul, like the Blue Mosque, Cistern, Hagia Sofia, and all...the tram is one simple straight line to Karakoy and port across the Golden Horn to some of the best restaurants and further attractions. I stayed in the single private room which was lovely, clean, cozy and quiet, and only steps away from the main hostel. Above all, the hospitality of the owners and staff was bar none. I have never been made to feel so welcome each time I entered the main door. The breakfast is also a complete treat! Again, the best I have ever been offered during a stay at a hostel. Turkish style, fresh and delicious. I looked forward to it every day!| The coffee and tea always served with a smile. This hostel is a jewel in the heart of historic Istanbul. Highest recommendations!

As other reviews have noted it’s all about the $$$ at this hostel. The location is excellent, right in Sultanahmet and steps from the main historical sights, which you can realistically see in a single day. The hostel has a very social, young, energetic atmosphere, and I met some genuinely nice people. Breakfast was good. However, the area itself is extremely touristy and almost everything nearby is overpriced, and that mindset carries into parts of the hostel experience. Some staff are helpful and honest, while others actively push overpriced tours and taxi rides. A major issue was the airport shuttle booking. I booked and paid in cash through the hostel. When my flight was delayed, the hostel told me to call the shuttle company. When I called the shuttle company, they told me only the booking agency (the hostel) could reschedule or refund. The hostel refused to help further. No refund, no solution, no change — it felt scammy. Other issues: • Wi-Fi was poor and unreliable • Night staff were difficult to find; appeared to be sleeping or hiding • Overpriced bottled water (about triple normal price) • Very poor shower water pressure; it can in small drops • Broken light in the room • Hole on the wooden floor • Freezing cold in winter Notably, unlike nearly every other accommodation I stayed at in Turkey, no tea was offered, which felt telling given the hospitality culture. Overall, fine for one night due to location and social vibe, but I wouldn’t recommend staying longer. The dog is cute.

Oh Cheers, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways — if I can.||This may not be the tidiest hostel in Istanbul (though I happily report no critters). The floors might also not be in the best repair, but OMFG do I love Cheers. Where do I begin... ||Certain hostels bring out guests' social sides, and this did it X10. No joke, I made more friends than I can count. The amazing bar on the roof probably helps, but it's the whole place. The terrace out front, social. The breakfast downstairs (with my favorite dog), super social too. Even just being in the room — you guessed it — social. ||The location and the blah blah blah, yea, all great, but the people... How do you guys do it? I can't wait to go back.

We have been so happy with our stay and the staff has been SO helpful with everything, even creating an intinirary for our stay in Cappadocia (John is very knowledgeable about his hometown!). It was so nice we even decided to come back here after Cappadocia and stay our remaining 3 days. We couldnt be more grateful - when there was an issue with our room they even moved us to a different room for us!

Unfortunately, I had a terrible experience at Cheers Hostel. The owner was extremely rude, telling me, “You didn’t pay for me, you paid for the room,” after I mentioned he should be respectful to paying customers, among other disrespectful comments. The staff member who initially caused the problems repeatedly made me wait 15+ minutes while casually chatting outside. When I expressed my frustration, he yelled that he was on the phone with his “boss,” but then turned the phone toward me, showing a personal WhatsApp conversation with his girlfriend—who was not the owner, as I later confirmed. The owner also stated the staff member was “allowed to talk on the phone” while a guest waits. I have never written a negative review before, but the combination of rudeness from both the front desk worker and the owner forced me to find a different place to stay. I love the concept of a social hostel, but unfortunately, this experience was extremely unpleasant and left me feeling traumatized.

I had a great stay at Cheers Hostel. The location couldn’t be better — right by the main sights and easy to get around. The staff were friendly and helpful without being pushy, and the atmosphere was social but still relaxed enough to get some sleep. Everything was clean and well kept. Overall, solid hostel and definitely worth staying at if you’re visiting Istanbul.

My stay at Cheers Hostel was truly unforgettable. It was my first time traveling outside my country, and I had many worries about safety, comfort, and adapting to a new environment. I was also a bit concerned about how others might look at me because I am Muslim, but that fear disappeared immediately. Everyone treated me with respect and kindness, without any judgment at all. From the very first moment I walked in, I was welcomed with warm smiles that made me feel relaxed and at home. The atmosphere is friendly, respectful, and full of positive energy. The staff members are amazing — especially Tariq, Seif Al-Islam, and I believe the other one was Osman. They always joke, help, and make sure you're comfortable. They genuinely make you feel like family, not just a guest. The facilities are excellent. The bathrooms are clean, and there is always hot water with no interruptions. I even left some of my belongings unlocked, and nothing was touched. Everything stayed exactly where I left it, which made me feel very safe. Breakfast is delicious, the beds are comfortable, and the whole place has a warm and relaxed vibe. It’s the kind of place where you sleep peacefully and wake up smiling. When it was time to leave, I left with a heavy heart. This hostel became my home in Istanbul, and I will definitely return. Honestly, the only sad part was that I didn’t have enough money to stay longer. If I could, I would have extended my stay for sure. Rating: 10/10 — Highly recommended.

Had a great time staying at a private room at Cheers two weeks ago. The location is very convenient to all tourist spots both the European and Asian side. The complimentary vegetarian breakfast can fill you up easily. But most of all love the staff especially John is very gracious and talks to all the guest. Will surely be back. (ps. Can we fix the noisy door at the other building - above the Doner restaurant- thanks)

Between 4 and 5 stars but rounding down. What I liked: -the location was great, felt super safe and was close to a lot of the major tourist sites like the Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque -the staff were incredibly friendly and made a point to learn your name. They were outrageously kind and trusting -everyone I met at the hostel was amazing and I made some great friends. It was a wonderful atmosphere socially made possible by the great dinners they hosted nightly -the beds were notably comfortable. I slept better at the hostel than I did at home. What I didn't like: -the wifi was not great. It was fine for your average visitor but I was trying to work remotely one day and it just was not strong enough to have zoom meetings etc. -they don't take cards, which is reasonable for certain things (dinners for example) but having to go to an ATM right after landing to take out a (relatively) obscene amount of cash isn't ideal -the breakfast was very, very limited. Obviously no complaints since it's free, but I would have preferred a better paid breakfast Overall my main complaint was the wifi since it rules it out entirely for future remote work stays, but I would absolutely stay again otherwise.

One of my favorite hostels. Super location in the Sultanhamet district with great shopping nearby, souvenirs, convenience store, a wonderful outdoor restaurant nearby. The hospitality was very good. Staff very friendly and helpful! The hostel also arranged our transportation on both trips to and from airport - really thankful for this service! Our room was a double, private with bathroom, and very clean. Steep stairs will take you to the rooftop bar where you can have a breathtaking view of the mosque. Really loved the cozy atmosphere of the hostel and the outdoor seating. Traditional breakfast buffet of vegetables, cheese, egg, fruit, and the coffee was simply amazing. We would stay here again in a heartbeat. Really loved this place!

Cheers is authentically Turkish, clean, comfortable and fun! While I was only there for one night (2 long days) during a layover, I felt that I really had a chance to experience Istanbul. The hostel book rides to and from the airport for me which were very reasonably priced and reliable. The hostel has modern, clean rooms and a really great bar on the roof with incredible views. The staff is unconditionally friendly and helpful. The food was delicious, with a complimentary breakfast and they were kind enough to invite a solo traveler to have dinner with them. Beside the amazing people and place, the location is phenomenal. In old town, you are walking distance to Haga Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern. All breathtaking. I will definitely return to Cheers- Şerefe!

This was my first hostel experience and I'm so happy I got to share it with Cheers Hostel. I hope all hostels are like this! Being a foreign traveler in Turkey, it was obviously hard for me to find, but the taxi man that drove us from the airport seemed to have to stop quite a few times to ask some people on the street how to find the address. I'm sorry but there really is no way of sharing the easiest directions to this place...so good luck! Before I arrived however, I did receive an email from Cheers offering their shuttle service for 40 euros. Taxi option is cheaper, but make sure you ask the price from the taxi before heading out so they won't cheat you.The total for the taxi was around 40 TL. But when you finally find it, boy is it like finding a lost treasure. When you first walk in, it looks like a cute little cafe. It seems to be a family business, and this family sure is hospitable! We arrived at 10AM and as we walked in, people were scattered sipping on tea and chatting, with Beatles music playing in the background. We were instantly greeted by Tony who is extremely friendly and welcoming. He helped us make reservations at restaurants, and provided recommendations on where to go and how to get there. When I booked this place through Hostels.com, I had to pay a portion prior and when I arrive pay the rest... they don't accept credit cards so make sure you have either Euros or TL on hand! Every morning they offer breakfast till 11AM - hard boiled eggs, fruit, vegetables, croissants, coffee, tea, etc. The location of this hostel is amazing. Literally around the corner from Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and Blue Mosque. And also extremely close to one of the tram stops. I booked a 1 bedroom 1 bath private room and it's actually located in another mini apartment complex thats around the block. Poor (but very sweet) Tony helped me and my friend with our luggages - you know us girls don't pack light either. He accompanied us to our room and carried our baggages up to the 3rd floor for us (no elevators). The room was extremely spacious, more than enough for 2 girls. It had an area with a couch, 1 twin bed, a large dresser, and a queen size bed. Haha my friend said that sadly this room was larger than her studio apartment in NYC! Anyway it was definitely comforting and made my stay in Turkey even more enjoyable. They really make you feel like home here. I'll definitely be returning to Cheers if I ever visit Istanbul again!

Why 5 stars? The people who work here are so friendly, funny, and knowledgeable. The hostel is 4 floors and co-ed (although I'm sure there are female-only rooms). We stayed on the main floor in a room for 8 people and shared 2 bathrooms off the dining area. There is a bar/lounge on the top floor which overlooks the mosques and streets of Istanbul, which were beautifully lit up at night. It was incredibly convenient -- walking distance to most of the major monuments, mosques, and museums. Note: Full payment in cash upon arrival.

The hostel itself was very nice and the guys at reception were quite friendly. They got me to fill out a slip and pay the fee before showing me around the very nice accommodations. I put my things away and then climbed the very steep steps up to the bar/lounge upstairs. The view from the lounge is actually a very spectacular one of the Aya Sofya. The hostel includes a breakfast buffet which opens at 8:30 in the morning and includes the items for a traditional Turkish breakfast: sliced tomato, cucumber, olives, bread, hard-boiled eggs, butter, jams, honey, and Turkish beyaz peynir ("white cheese"). I myself always asked for a glass of çay to accompany breakfast and headed outside to the small patio area outside to enjoy my morning meal in the fresh air. The location of the hostel is right in the centre of the touristy part of the old city--which is quiet in the evenings and near the big cultural attractions. Though sultanahmet is somewhat of a food dessert--mostly touristy places with mediocre food for high prices--the more foodie areas are only around a 5 to 10 minute walk from the front door. Full Review on my blog: http://reestablishingthefoodconnection.blogspot.com/2013/04/cheers-hostel-in-sultanahmet.html

The manager: Describing Tariq as a sleazeball doesn't even scratch the surface of this guy. He is smarmy little guy with a clear Napoleonic complex. He is loud and pushy and will only smile for as long as he can milk you for money. Asian girls that check in will very often get flirted with and get his arm wrapped around their shoulders only to be introduced to strangers as his "new girlfriend". Where the line between quirky cultural difference and plain sleaziness is drawn is for others to decide, I mention it because it was systematic at Cheers and oddly enough I don't find a single review mentioning it. One girl I got to know during my stay had enough of it and checked out and another was uncomfortable going to the upstairs bar without a chaperone. Hygiene: While I have no complaints of the rooms, they're spacious and tidy, the bathrooms were not nice. The showers have mold in them, water pressure is bad and the temperature of the water fluctuates wildly. The soap dispenser on the second floor was broken for the duration of my stay. The bed sheets only get changed when you check out, so people who stay for several days won't get their sheets changed unless they complain. The third floor bathroom, which is the one used by people visiting the upstairs bar, broke one evening and when I checked out 6 days later it was still broken. Some of the tenants had to 'flush' the toilet themselves by pouring water into it but it still didn't make the smell of stale urine go away. By morning it would again be full of unflushed piss from the previous evenings pub visitors. Even if the toilet wouldn't have been broken for so long the hygienic standards would be medium, nothing more. Certainly not on par with the 100% scores the majority of reviewers have given. WiFi: Included in the price but constantly broken. During the ten days I stayed at Cheers it worked flawlessly 2 days, the rest it either didn't work at all (the connection was completely down) or the devices found and lost the connection on and on again, making it virtually impossible to use. Noise: Cheers is definitely a party hostel, even though they don't market themselves as such. Regardless of if it's the weekend or a weekday the music doesn't stop until between 1 or 3 at night, depending on when people stop buying beer, and is played so loudly that you have to shout to be able to communicate in the bar. Personally I didn't mind the sound levels - I enjoy winding down with a glass of wine in the evening and whether I go to bed late or early I'm always a heavy sleeper. If you're not, then the two top floors of this hostel are definitely not for you. As I mentioned before, a Chinese guy complained about the noise one evening and by doing so must have rubbed the manager Tariq the wrong way because he was promptly kicked out of the hostel the next day. Tours and packages: Regardless if you're traveling somewhere (to Cappadocia for instance) or want to explore the city, the hostel will try to sell you tours. Make no mistake: the hostel makes a cut of every tour or package they sell or set you up with and how much of your best interests they have in mind compared to their desire to make money is debatable. I quickly learned to stay away from it all but I met several people who tried it and were disgruntled after their tour. I will not write more on the topic since I don't have any first hand experiences to share but I want to mention it since none of the reviews here bring up the subject, even though I know that there were people who were unhappy.

Yes, the location is in a nice touristy area, but don't be fooled. I came here for one night in the winter and thought the place to be charming but quickly found that the heating didn't work, there was no lock on the doors of each room, and there was only 1 plug in a room for 8 beds! It didn't have a cozy feel and there was barely anyone there. If you are looking for a hostel go to World House Hostel, I went there after and had a much more enjoyable time in a very hip area of town filled with lots of young people. I never write reviews but I felt this was absolutely necessary. If you happen to make the choice to come here anyways, DONT GIVE THEM THE MONEY FIRST. If you pay but have to cancel, they will not give you your money back. The manager was completely rude and tried to keep my money even when I gave him a 24 hour notice. But, I should be fair and say that other people who worked for him were nice.