BootsnAll Travel Community

Hi All-
On the illustrious recommendation of Static and others, I'm going to make a mad dash to Goerme on my trip to Turkey (that starts tomorrow). Does anyone have a recommendation for a preferred overnight bus company and/or cave hostel in Goerme?

I also still haven't booked a room in Istanbul, so any hostel suggestions there would be good as well (pref. in Old Town). I'm going by myself, so a dorm room is the most practical.

Thanks!

Courtney

It's been a bunch of years since I have been there, but I do remember that Goreme lines goes right there, but Nevtur makes you transfer to a minibus in Nevsehir for the last few miles.
More importantly, you want a good seat (not over the rear wheels) so look at the seat map for each company. The buses are all good, really.

There are about 90 places to choose from to stay in. Get a cave room if at all possible. They are dark and cool during the day.

Flintstones and Kose have swimming pools, but I usually stayed at Shoestring.

Thanks Static-
I heard good things about Shoestring and inquired about a room there today

Courtney

If you know your dates, I will send Hassan a note.

Ok. You're settled on cappadocia.

Istanbul lodging has a lot of varieties.

Last time I was there, most dorms were at the Orient, the one next to the Orient, and a place called Cordial house

The Orient has gone from friendly to plain hostile last time I heard.(that just shows how a negative impression lasts longer than the positives)

The other, next to it, is businesslike and tends to warehouse backpackers in dingy rooms.

I haven't heard bad things about the Cordial House, and I was in Istanbul for three months. So. I suppose that means it can't be a bad choice, and its location is good.

The one I like is the Paris Hostel, but I stayed in a single room there. I've always bargained for good rates as a long term tenant. The Dorms aren't bad there, and the Paris hostel has a free breakfast, or did. These things change, and the owners seem to agree on a single hostel bed price.

It used to be 7 dollars, but now, I think, its 8 or 9 euros.

In the Paris Hostel, the place I know, you really want a window front room, seaward being the best option, and if you get a seaward balcony, you can't beat the view for a budget price. Try and NOT get a 4th floor room. its a long way up, and not worth it unless you have a seaside view.

It also is much cooler, since air con is a word not used much in Istanbul hostels.

There is no lack of housing in Istanbul, really.

People will chime in with their favorites as well.

Stay away from the REALLY cheap hostels/ single room hotels on divanyulu near the docks. They are by and large mouldy, and full of sketchy characters.

IN Sultanhmet, you're always just 5-10 minutes from the main sights, so don't worry about location too much.

Oh, some hotels are on some pretty steep streets......

Hi Court!
Turkey, I’m so jealous!! Are you already settled in Goreme? I stayed in Tashkonak – or however it is spelled… It is part of the Kelebek. Beautiful cave rooms. Check in with Joe’s friend Mehmet, I believe he is part owner. Make sire you bite the bullet and spring for a hot air balloon ride – it was my favorite thing of my whole Turkey trip! I went with a company called Sultan, and they used balloons with smaller baskets, so we were able to get a lot closer to some of the rock formations than some of the larger balloons we saw out on the same morning. Have a great time!
-Deanna

On Goreme: My boyfriend and I stayed at Shoestring last year and really enjoyed it. They have fun cave rooms and offer a delicious breakfast in their common area- perfect for chatting with other travelers or relaxing on your own. Isa (who runs Shoestring) was extremely hospitable and gave us tips on what we should see and do there. A very welcoming place and nice to come back to after full days of exploring the area.

On overnight bus: there are tons of different companies. We discovered that they tend to be around the same price but offer different amenities. For example, our bus to Goreme served more snacks and drinks and kept the A/C on the entire time, versus our bus back to Istanbul. Best to ask around...

On Istanbul: the Old Town has many hostels- most are clumped together in the same vicinity so we just asked around for price/availability upon our arrival.

Have fun!