Taksim Safe House

Cigarette smoke had left the whole place smelling awful, and there were ants in our bed. The bathroom ceiling was covered in mold. We also found cigarette ashes on the table, even though we'd already inspected the room, left, and then come back. The Airbnb was filthy, unhealthy, and impossible to stay in. Stay away.

The location is good, but I wouldn't stay here again. My room was dirty and smelled bad, with a revolting cigarette odor. Several things were broken, including the door knobs, toilet handles, and air conditioning. It was the worst hotel I've stayed in.

I ended up staying in Galata instead. At first, the desk person showed me a room and quoted a price that seemed reasonable. When I asked to pay by card, I was told the machine had a problem, even though an online booking would have required card payment at the property. I found a better rate online and asked if I could get it by paying directly, but got a strange explanation about a 'room without view' despite being shown the same room as in the picture. When I went to withdraw cash, I realized I could simply book online and pay by card. The site showed four rooms, but each time I tried to pay, they were marked as 'just been booked'. I'm convinced the desk person blocked them out of spite, thinking I'd have to return and pay the higher price. I didn't.

The staff were friendly, but the old building smelled bad and the rooms were cramped enough to feel stifling. The air conditioning didn't work properly, and there was no hot water in the shower. They said Taksim life house has the same owner and room size, but is in a better building. It's just for sleeping.