Edessa Hotel

The owner speaks English and was very helpful. Rooms are basic, but clean, practical, and inexpensive, so they do the job if that's what you're after. The hotel is very centrally located, just a short walk from the mesmerizing Pool of Abraham (Balikli Göl).

I still regret paying to stay here. It was October 9th, 2019, and every hotel in the city was full. The hotel I normally stay at in Urfa was booked too. I travel constantly for work and usually choose three- or four-star places. Knowing there were no rooms available elsewhere, they charged 150 TL. I paid despite feeling they were taking advantage of the situation, and I wish I hadn't. I can't tell whether the bed was even a bed or just springs. There were cigarette butts on the floor, a terrible smell, old PVC in the rooms, and no ventilation in the bathroom or toilet. The showerhead soaked everything except me. I wish I'd slept in my car instead. It wouldn't normally be worth 20 lira, and they should be paying extra for people to stay there. If you absolutely have to go, get vaccinated against tuberculosis, typhoid, and the like first. :) I don't understand how a place like this is allowed to operate in Urfa. The Ministry of Tourism needs to step in urgently. Look at the photos and you'll see.

I paid 900 TL for seven people, but I won't go near this hotel again. I've never stayed in such a bad place. The TV didn't work, and the toilet and sink were combined and filthy, honestly disgusting. There weren't any towels in the rooms. When I asked, they told me to wait 20 minutes, but no towels ever showed up.

The location is handy for places of worship and markets, and the staff are friendly. There's private parking, but it costs 15 TL a day. The place needs some maintenance, though, and for the price it should be better quality. The dining hall needs renovating too, water drips from the ceiling onto the tables. Health and comfort should come first.