Istanbul · Turkey
Second Home Hostel
Bed bug reports
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Confirmed Google Maps
I do NOT understand all these good reviews. I found the room mouldy and dirty. No lift for a 5 floor building with steep staircase. On the third night, one dorm mate got bit all over her body. We soon found a lot of bed bugs under the beddings. We got transferred to another room after complaining but bed bugs seem so common for the hostel that they find it funny. Then we saw grass hoppers in the new room and the shower is broken. Other dorm mates decide to leave the next morning. I had to stay for one more night because of I have lots of luggage. I felt so relieved the moment I stepped out. I would NOT recommend this hostel at all. The location is great but it’s just not worth the stress.
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Confirmed Google Maps
After visiting some friends who stayed here I noticed, only after three hours that a bedbug was crawling around the sofa in the common area. I immediately told the personal who didn’t seem to understand me at first, but took it somewhat serious after he found out what I meant. Remember to check EVERYTHING after you‘ve stayed here and check before sleeping in the beds. There was also a weird encounter in the common area with a guy who didn’t stay at the hotel who seemed like those common Istanbul bar scammers. Tried to lure people over to his bar “not far away” please stay secure and don’t go with strangers.
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Confirmed Hostelworld
Loved the staff! They made our stay amazing, so did a couple of other travelers I met. Though I have to add that the hostel wasn’t clean & we had some bed bugs issues. They immediately fixed it for us and if it wasn’t for the bedbugs I’d 100% recommend, but as a traveler it’s the last thing you want..
HostelPunk native reviews
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Vibe Analysis
Second Home Hostel has a very central Istanbul location, with major sights and transit close by. The rooftop terrace is a main hangout space and gives the hostel an easy place to relax and meet people. The hostel leans hard into shared meals and group outings. There are family dinners, pub crawls, and boat parties, and that social setup makes it a strong fit for solo travelers or anyone who wants an active, communal stay. The staff are a major strength too: they are friendly, helpful, and hands-on. Rooms can be comfortable, and some are quiet enough for sleep. There is also a cat named Mimi, which adds a small extra touch of character.
Signals to check
- Some rooms and bathrooms feel old or worn, and a few spaces have cleanliness issues.
- Noise can be a problem in certain rooms, especially from the street or nearby common areas.
- Extra costs can add up for card payments, breakfast, tours, and some activities.
- A few rooms are small, and some layouts are awkward.