Golden Horn Views from The Saffron House in Old Istanbul

Not recommended for future guest

1.0

Close to shops

− Bed sheet, towel are not hygiene, my partner ended up seeing local doctor for flea/ bed bugs. Strong bad odder from bathroom ruined our sleep. Broken dining table - unstable to use.

Lovely house in a great area, easy to access sights of Istanbul.

9.0

Great spot, lovely house. Really comfortable.

− All good- stairs could be tricky for elderly people.

Gorgeous apartment in an interesting area

10.0

This is a beautiful apartment in a beautiful part of Istanbul. Balat is an interesting mix of people - the original inhabitants living their traditional lifestyles alongside young, trendy Istanbulites and Instagramming tourists. All sharing the neighbourhood's many cosy cafes and bakeries and wandering up and down the cobbled streets. It's a ten minute walk to the ferry and the tram with easy access to Eminonu (about 8 minutes by tram) and Karakoy (about 15 minutes on the ferry). We got ubers and taxis in the area, which were quite cheap. The apartment itself is stunningly beautiful, with carved ceilings and chandeliers in some rooms, lush linen bedcovers, warmly coloured tiles and interesting pieces of art and vintage furniture. It's well equipped with everything we needed (mind you we didn't cook or spend much time there as we were out all day). We loved buying bread from the bakeries and having breakfast on the roof terrace. There's a very useful book of information on things to do in the area and the wider city. The owners are helpful and were always available by text to answer questions and give recommendations. Our party of four loved it and would stay there again.

− The only caveat is that it's not suitable for anyone with mobility issues or large amounts of heavy luggage as each floor is connected by a steep staircase.

Bad

1.0

− I will evaluate it with complete honesty and clarity. Firstly, the house has four floors, each dedicated to a different function. For example, the first floor is a kitchen, the second floor is a living room, the third floor is a bedroom, and the fourth floor is also a bedroom. Secondly, the location of the house is not good. It is very difficult to reach as it is situated on a steep incline, making both reaching and leaving quite challenging. Additionally, taxis cannot reach the house. Thirdly, the neighborhood is scary at night, and it is advisable to return before sunset to avoid any dangers. Fourthly, the house itself is in poor condition; it feels like the floors might collapse at any moment. Fifthly, the house is not suitable for more than three people because it is cramped, and the lighting is very dim and depressing. Finally, I would not stay there again, regardless of the circumstances. However, the homeowners were very nice.