Aga Cesmesi Otel

These little houses are part of Safranbolu, and it’s only about three hours from Istanbul. The place has the smell of traditional food and is lovely in both summer and winter. The rooms are spotless and the food is so good it’s hard to describe. You have to try it.

We spent the weekend here with our two kids. The owners were welcoming and courteous, and breakfast was really good. For the price, it’s hard to ask for more.

The scrambled eggs at breakfast were just right, both the way they were cooked and their texture, and the meal was filling. The room itself was dim, though, and the bathroom’s electric heater didn’t keep the water temperature steady. The showerhead holder was broken, and there was no soap or shampoo. Small things, but they were irritating.

We ate here every day, and the food was delicious without costing too much. In the evenings there’s also a lovely kanun performance. We came to Karabük for a friend’s wedding and picked this hotel on a recommendation. My wife, our 3-year-old, and I felt at home: the rooms were very clean and comfortable, and the owners and staff were warm, cheerful, and ready to help. Everything felt open and friendly. After just two days we felt like family and were already planning another stay. It’s not easy to find places this good.