Meymune Valide Konagi

The breakfast was fantastic. They served homemade peach and strawberry jams made from their own garden, and the strawberry one was especially good. There was also an omelette, fries, and more. I ate everything and left very satisfied. Meymune Valide Konağı is a beautifully restored Ottoman mansion, originally built in the 1700s, restored in 2018, and opened in 2019. It has so much character and such a lovely look that stepping inside felt like going back to the Ottoman era. For a small town like Safranbolu, I hadn’t expected service or facilities at this level, but this place exceeded all my expectations. My room was spacious, warm, and tastefully decorated. The heater and hot water worked perfectly, and I appreciated having a separate heater in the bathroom, since nights and early mornings get really cold. As you’d expect in a historic house, there’s no lift. Mr. Abdulkerim kindly carried my luggage to my room and helped me with information about the city and tourist spots. We communicated through Google Translate, but he was still such a thoughtful and helpful host. Everyone was warm and welcoming. One small detail, mineral water isn’t complimentary, but you can buy it at reception. I’m really happy with my stay, and highly recommend it for a unique, cozy visit to Safranbolu.

The hosts cooked delicious, comforting meals for dinner and breakfast, and they were warm, welcoming, and helpful throughout our stay. This Airbnb is gorgeous, with historic homes from the Ottoman era that have been beautifully maintained. We booked two days in Safranbolu, and Abdul helped us plan the whole itinerary. We don’t speak Turkish, so we used Google Translate, and he patiently took as long as needed to answer our questions and put together a thorough plan. On the second day, he also arranged a taxi to nearby places we couldn’t cover on foot. The hospitality made this stay. I’d give it 10/5 if I could, and recommend it 100/10 to anyone visiting Safranbolu. We’d love to come back.

The staff desk was open 24/7, and when we arrived they asked what time we wanted breakfast so they could make it fresh for us. The food was nice and there was enough. The town location was very calm too, with few tourists walking by and only the occasional passing car. We stayed as a couple and really enjoyed it. I’d love to return here specifically. I’d always wanted to stay in an old Turkish concept-house in Safranbolu, and this one was renovated with comfortable, spacious rooms. The bathroom was especially great and newly done. I’ve stayed in another old Turkish house with a VERY tiny 2x2 meter bathroom, so the comparison matters to me. Sound isolation isn’t perfect, and the furniture makes some noise. That’s understandable with an old house under UNESCO Heritage, where renovation options are limited. If that would bother you, a classic hotel might suit you better.

Mustafa, the hotel cab driver, took us to nearby sights including the canyon, cave, and nomad village, and charged a fair price. The owners were kind and welcoming, and made us a magnificent, generous breakfast. The house itself is a beautiful, comfortable historic Ottoman building, with period interiors.