Agora Guesthouse

Recent Reviews: 954

• User:Bayjb

  Trip type: Solo travel

  Guesthouse near the Blue Mosque

  28 May 2025

  First time in Istanbul and booked Agora Guesthouse based on its history of positive reviews and its proximity to the sights.For a three-star hotel (which can vary a lot in some countries), this was a solid fine. Good value for a private room because I did some freelance work while traveling, but some drawbacks too.First, private rooms overall look like they do online, however I didn’t get one of the actually cute ones. Layout was weird and the furniture was shabby, not cute and chic like it looks online. I did peek into other ones while they were being cleaned and the quality among the rooms really varies. I wish I had known that ahead of time.Second, location is good in the area closest to the sights, but to get to the trams and many other parts of the city, it’s a bit more of a hike. But if you’re here for 1-2 days, this is a good location.Wifi was overall good too, but you have to renew your login every 12-24 hours. Easier to do on computer than phone so just an FYI.Guesthouse did arrange a private transfer from IST since I was landing after a longer flight and didn’t want to mess with a taxi. As of May 2025 that cost is 60 Euros one-way. In March it was 50 Euros, so I would expect costs to keep going up.Breakfast is good and the breakfast staff is very nice. Mix of Turkish and some Western/EU options.Rooftop is nice but no real view, outside of a peek toward the Asia side of Istanbul but can be nice in the evening and the mornings.My room had an old AC unit that did work and helped a lot during the warm days in May. The entire area did lose water one night and we were without any shower or tap water for several hours. I wish staff would have made some kind of sign to make this clear to guests because coming back after hours touring in 27 degree weather, hot, sweaty and tired to find out there’s no water or heads up about it and then staff being short when I asked about it, it wasn’t a great interaction. While this is common for Istanbul, a heads up would have been nice.Communication styles in Turkey compared to Europe and the US do really vary. Staff was always nice but often very dismissive in tone. I think depending on what you’re looking for, this is a fine option. There are also dorms but I didn’t stay in them so I can’t speak to the quality.

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• User:Melanie1603

  Trip type: Couples

  Excellent value for money.

  30 Mar 2025

  It was great value for money, the rooms were bright and clean and beds were comfortable. The staff were very friendly and the typical Turkish breakfast was delicious. It’s in a great location with a short walk to the 2 main mosques and plenty of restaurants. Free filtered water and tea/coffee available. A little gem.

• User:David W

  Trip type: Family

  Lovely Guest House and Great Location

  28 Jul 2024

  I stayed here for a few days with my wife and in-laws and had a great time. The guest house is located just a few minutes walk from the Blue mosque and Sophia Hagia in one direction and the seafront and subway in the other. The people who work at the guest house are kind and courteous and even let us store our large luggage there for a few days when we went to a different part of Turkey. Pleasant breakfast and a nice rooftop terrace. I would certainly recommend it. They also have a beautiful and very friendly golden retriever :)

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• User:Pam W

  Trip type: Solo travel

  Great location and price

  23 Jun 2024

  I stayed for 3 nights in my own room. It doesn’t have an elevator and I was a little worried (>60 and plus size) but not an issue - low carpeted stairs. If you need help, they will carry you suitcase to your room. It has a TV with a few English stations. Buffet breakfast on the rooftop was very good with a few things changing up. Some people bring their computers to work up there. The location is great - close to everything but a block off a busy (restaurants and bars) street. Even though they have “hostel” bunk rooms, it’s very quiet.

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• User:Adamstar123

  Trip type: Solo travel

  Great place and location

  27 May 2024

  Excellent place to stay very friendly staff and great location and free breakfast. Thanks to the team for the great stay. The staff give great help and go out of there way to help.Thank you Alper, Seva, Yusuf and Mustafa, Emy for all your help and a great time in Istanbul.Hope to see you again 1 day.