Hotel Temel

Breakfast is the one weak point, but there are lots of places to eat nearby. This is a period hotel with character, and it’s clean with friendly staff. I slept well here and would use it again if I were passing through.

A staff member also helped me with laundry, which I really appreciated. Breakfast was good, and as a coffee drinker I was glad coffee was available. The room prices were good, and the location is convenient, about a five-minute walk from the bus station. The staff went out of their way to make me feel welcome. I stayed twice, once on my way to Georgia and again when I returned from Georgia, before heading to Istanbul and then Bulgaria. A good place to stay in Kars, Turkey.

The hotel was the cheapest in the whole city, and I felt I got much more than I paid for. Don’t expect a five-star experience, though. It’s old-fashioned, and the rooms could use a fresh coat of paint, but everything was clean. The breakfast was really good and more than I expected. What made the stay for me was the employees’ service. They’re passionate and so friendly. I don’t speak any Turkish, and they don’t speak any English, but they used Google Translate to help me book tours and buses and answer my questions.

The hotel is old, with dated furniture and decoration that make it feel as if time has stopped, but it was clean and quiet. It’s centrally located, with lots of markets and shops nearby, and very close to Kars castle. I’d recommend Temel hotel if you’re traveling and need a place to sleep and stay warm through a wild winter. The workers were friendly and made it feel like home. Tefik bey was especially delightful, kind, helpful, and friendly. He waited for me to check in even though my train was late, welcomed me warmly, and had a lovely sense of humor. He tried to communicate with simple words and signs, and taught me some beautiful Turkish words. We’d have tea in the evening, chatting and watching TV until late. I booked two nights and extended by one more. It was a very pleasant time and a special moment. Thank you, Tefik, Kasim, and the lady. I’ll miss you all and will come back to see you. Regards from Istanbul.