Nostalji Hostel

The low price is a plus, and being close to Taksim Square is handy. I found the reception area cramped, and there was an unpleasant smell on the bottom floor. Some showers weren’t working, and the bathrooms and floors weren’t in the best condition. The staff were very friendly, though, and the beds were comfortable.

The terrace was my favorite part, a good place to relax. Nostalgia hostel is in a good spot in the center of Taksim, and the owner was kind and helpful, always trying to sort out guests’ problems.

The staff were one of the few good parts, along with the location near Taksim, the metro, and bus stations. But the hostel felt badly maintained and far too basic, and the pictures didn’t match what I saw. The area between reception and the main hall was so tight that you had to step aside whenever someone passed. There was little privacy, and the terrace was often full of restaurant customers, mostly men smoking, which made it uncomfortable for me to sit and relax as a woman. I’ve stayed in hostels in many countries, and this was the worst one for me. I also found it strange that guests had to pay a deposit and sign a contract at the start, though they did return the deposit at the end. The one-star reviews describe the same things I experienced, so I wanted to share what it was really like. The hostel should be renovated or shut down.

I had a really good time at Nostalji hostel. The staff were cool, especially “Walid” at reception. For the price, having breakfast and dinner included is a nice deal, and you don’t find that in a touristy place like this 🙏🏻🤍