The pictures speak for themselves. Due to limited Internet access on an open-ended trip, we booked this place in a rush the night before. As a Lvl 3 Genius member with tons of trips all over Europe and Asia, never have I seen such an extremely bad and dangerous listing on booking.com with a rating this high. Seems like the reviews have been padded with bots but browse a little and you'll see more like ours. Filed a refund request and complaints with the platform, and taken steps towards a way overdue H&S state investigation. Would use up the character limit and then some to describe everything wrong, so in a nutshell: We booked sth called a One-Bedroom Apt. Turned out it was right behind the laundry room. The scale and intensity of mould and dampness in all 3 rooms in the apt was shocking, unlike anything we've ever witnessed, def not limited to our apt either. You could smell it as soon as you entered and staying even for a night would damage your health. Additionally, the electric wiring wasn't secured, which combined with the damp walls was an electrocution waiting to happen. The light in the bathroom went out when we turned it on (hence the dark lighting in some photos). Also, a minor issue, but contrary to the owner's claims, the Wi-Fi didn't work in the rooms at all, only at the café. As our card had already been charged, we asked for a refund and the man in charge at the reception - after contacting the owner - was apparently okay with us leaving if we paid back the "welcome gift" of apple tea & baklava we didn't ask for (nice try guilting people into staying despite the conditions). Later comms about the refund were sent in Turkish (v broken English spoken before). The person called us liars, denied taking the payment, referred us to booking and argued we should've requested a diff room despite not giving us a place not just unlike the listing, but unfit for habitation.

If you can block out the evening noise from the nearby restaurants, it's a pretty damn good location for European-side Istanbul: direct connections with Halkalı and Sirkeci and about 20 minutes from Eminönü/Sultanahmet on foot. Bear in mind, however, that you'll easily find accommodation in the area that is actually safe and as advertised on this platform, not to mention a higher standard and better value for money. Just like we did immediately after seeing our room and leaving.

Stayed in May 2024

Very clean and calm, location is also really good. Staff and the people were really nice and friendly.

Stayed in July 2024

The rooms are not as bad as some of the reviews say. But it did smell musty. There was no toilet paper or soap for the shower, and the shower did not drain well. We were also a bit frustrated with the taxi services the workers arranged for us. We learned after the first day that the taxis were being arranged were significantly upcharged (for example -- 500 Lira to the Egyptian Bazaar). It was easier and cheaper just to walk two blocks and get a taxi ourselves on the main road. And our airport taxi on the last day (1500 Lira) was 20 minutes late.

It's true that the owner and workers were very helpful and friendly. The location is good -- close enough to walk to many central locations. It's also right on Kumkapi square, which is a bit of a tourist hub with lots of restaurants, shisha bars, etc. We particularly loved the traditional turkish bands that were playing for people while they ate. For the price, I think it is a good value IF you are a relatively flexible traveler. We have two young children, and the deluxe apartment worked fine for us.

Stayed in July 2024

Everything was great! We will come back again for sure!

Stayed in July 2024

Difficult to get there, noisy

The staff was very friendly

Stayed in April 2024

it wasn’t as described on Booking.com. there wasn’t kitchenware at all. the host supplied us with disposable plates and cups. but nothing to cook with or on. there was only a kettle not a coffee or tea maker as it says. no power point in the kitchen for the kettle. there was only an extension cord to use for charging your phones no place for sitting to have your coffee or watch tv. after all 2-3 days is enough for the place.

it was quite.clean. The host helped us with luggage because cars can’t get at the front of the property.

Stayed in June 2024

Very old facility, no renovation, bad smell, no hot water in the room. Only the sheets were ok, meaning clean. Everything else dirty and old. No curtains, verry sunny in the morning. A rooster was very noisy next to my window.

Location ok

Stayed in May 2024

The room was described as a four bedroom apartment. When we arrived it was a room with three beds in and all close together with no room to put cases down or unpack. A wardrobe with one hanger in. Thankfully we are all family so being so close together without space was not a big deal. The final day we asked if we could leave our bags and come back later for them. The owner got us to leave them in the foyer near the counter. When we came back later we had some things missing. The owner then became very stressed and suggested that our "friends" had taken them. These were family members and to suggest they had stolen them was insulting.

The owners were pleasant and the area was very buzzy and central for sightseeing.

Stayed in April 2024

Nice place with very friendly staff

Stayed in May 2024

There was nothing we didn't like.

The hotel is located in a car-free area but in an accessible location. The location was perfect - lively atmosphere with lots of restaurants and cafes. Plus, within walking distance you have the main attractions (less than 15 minutes) - the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Cisterna Basilica, so it's easy to explore the different areas of this beautiful city. You couldn't ask for a better location with such beautiful, cosy and welcoming facilities. The room was clean and we felt more at home in it than in the hotel. I was very impressed with the exceptional level of support and assistance from the staff. Their knowledge and willingness to help greatly enhanced my experience. The host, Mr. Yavuz was very friendly, helpful and accommodating (and spoke English, which made my life much easier). Two bottles of water in the fridge greeted us every day. Mr. Yavuz and his team are hosts you don't meet often. I can't thank them enough. Keep up the great spirit and excellent work.

Stayed in May 2024

The staff was sleeping when i arrive at the hotel. The check - in process took more than an hour, the room was not ready. when its ready the room floor was wet, very dirty, smelly, congested, Bad beddings, dirty pillows and dirty blankets which is itchy and not washed. I booked this hotel seeing the ratings, i wonder how did this got this high ratings, and which is not even called as hotel.

Stayed in May 2024

Coffee at morning for free:)

Stayed in May 2024

Everything in the room was damp and the ceiling was covered in mould. In the bathroom, the toilet seat was broken. The electrics seemed unsafe - lots of exposed wiring and the shower would cause the breakers to trip, cutting out power in the entire hallway. Multiple times, we had to reset the breaker ourselves. I understand the room was inexpensive but I would have expected a better level of cleanliness and functionality

Good location, helpful staff, reasonably priced

Stayed in May 2024

Not to do with the property, but some of the restaurants right outside are tourist traps that will tack on “service fees”

Amazing location, nice room, and lovely staff.

Stayed in April 2024

Super friendly and great with kids!

Stayed in April 2024

Wonderful staff

Stayed in April 2024

The staff are very kind,WiFi , and the location👍👍👍

Stayed in April 2024

Great location in a vibrant area of Istanbul with many lovely restaurants. Hosts were accomodating and welcoming, giving us local sweet tea and pastries as we arrived. Rooms were clean and the hosts made every attempt to fulfill our requests. Great value for money and highly recommend this accomodation.

Stayed in April 2024

-

Great rooms, spacious, comfy beds. They cleaned our room everyday. The host was very nice, he gave us tea and coffee everyday for free. The location is great, close to the attractions of Istanbul. It’s a bit noisy but that was expected because it’s in the centre of Istanbul. We had a great time and this hotel really deserves a 10. I have nothing to complain about, I’d definitely come here again.

Stayed in April 2024

I can't recommend Ulusoy Cafe & Pastane enough as an ideal place to stay in Istanbul. Everything was perfect from the communication with the hosts, the hospitality, constantly being offered tea and coffee, the location... Everything! The rooms are super clean and really spacious. I will definitely stay here again when I come back to Istanbul next time!

Stayed in April 2024

In the middle of old town, close to many restaurants, bazars…all in walking distance. Very friendly staff.

Stayed in April 2024

1. There should have been some lights above the basin in the washroom. We also had a hunch that other rooms might be better than the one provided to us since we are not white people. So if you are white you might be given a better room. 2. The water was very cold in the month of March and the hot water system was a problematic in our room. First day of malfunctioning we had to wash our shampoo with cold water which caused brain freeze. Next day we were staying in our room and using the bathroom of a checked out room. 3. Late at night and early in the morning there was loud sound of rooster crowing which really tired us out. 4. This was final nail in the coffin. Our flight was late at night and we were to go to a few more places in the city so we checked out at usual time and asked him if we could keep our luggage to which he cordially agreed to. When we came back to collect our luggage he said in very broken English: "Luggage keeping is 500lira. 5 people checkout, 5 people keep luggage, 3 people pay 500lira and go, offer for you, if 10 points review on Booking.com now, take your luggage for free". We were already late for our flight and we didn't have cash at the moment, so decided to give the 10 points so that we can take our luggage and leave. If he hadn't done this last bit we would have given him 7-8 star but the bullying part left a bitter taste in our mouth. While keeping luggage he never mention anything about the 500lira fees. So yes, it's a hotel run behind the facade of a bakery (no idea why). If you are not white, don't go there. If you are white, maybe you have a better chance. I am editing this review which I had put before to share our true experience.

The staff was courteous and helpful in the beginning when we first entered the hotel. We were served tea and Turkish sweet. They helped us get the bags upstairs. It was all good in the first impression and we were very impressed.

Stayed in March 2024

The hotel is in a great location, on a quiet pedestrian street in Sultanahmet. It is walking distance to a lot of the major sites and surrounded by great restaurants. The staff are incredibly friendly, always offering tea and coffee. The room is spacious is great, spacious and clean with comfortable beds. Everything was great and I look forward to staying here again next time I am in Istanbul.

Stayed in April 2024

Clean, modern, convenient

Stayed in April 2024

Staff was very friendly Tea and coffee was exceptional at the hotel Very clean in the lobby Daily cleaning in the rooms View was very nice

Stayed in April 2024