As far as hostels go, International House was one of the better ones I have stayed in over the years. Both the rooms and common area were relatively clean and the employees were all really interested in making sure we enjoyed our stay in both the hostel and the city. One of the guys even let me borrow his personal laptop for a while to correct some travel plans when my tablet ran out of battery and I was too lazy to go up two floors to get my charger out of my room. Then he invited us to go clubbing. Huzzuh!
For location, you really can't beat IH. It is located right in the heart of Taksim Square and is a five minute walk to a bus stop that will take you right to Ataturk airport. Another 15 minute walk and you are standing on the Galata Bridge over the Bosphorus River, probably eating dubious shelfish filled with rice and spice and nice.
The only reason I am taking away one star is because the locks on the door were flimsy and I could break into my own room just by putting some weight onto the door, and since there were no lockers, I ended up having to carry my valuables with me when we were out. read more