Fener sweet

Location: Nakkaş Haydar Sokak No 4, Istanbul, tr

Star Rating: 9.6 Stars

Property Type: Not Available

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 02:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Check-out: 11:00 AM

Amenities & Facilities

• Non-smoking rooms
• Air conditioning
• Express check-in/check-out
• Non-smoking throughout
• Shuttle service (additional charge)
• Adult only
• Guest rooms disinfected between stays
• Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
• Physical distancing rules followed
• Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
• Cashless payment available
• Fire extinguishers
• Sanitized tableware & silverware
• Invoice provided
• Smoke alarms
• Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
• Physical distancing in dining areas
• Key access
• CCTV outside property
• Television in common areas
• Front desk (limited hours)
• Express check-in
• Free wired internet
• Internet access
• Accessible shuttle
• No accessible shuttle

Rooms Available

• Large Double Room

  The double room provides air conditioning, a wardrobe, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower and a hairdryer. The unit offers 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Heating
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Electric kettle
  • Wardrobe or closet
  • Linen
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Trash cans
  • Shampoo
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed
  • Smoke alarm
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Key access
  • Window
  • Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation

• Single Room with Private External Bathroom

  The single room offers air conditioning, an electric kettle, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower and a hairdryer. The single room features parquet floors and heating. The unit offers 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Heating
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Electric kettle
  • Linen
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Trash cans
  • Shampoo
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed
  • Smoke alarm
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Key access
  • Window
  • Hand sanitiser

• Double Room with Balcony

  The double room provides air conditioning, an electric kettle, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower and a hairdryer. The double room features parquet floors, heating and a balcony. The unit offers 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Heating
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Electric kettle
  • Linen
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Trash cans
  • Shampoo
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed
  • Smoke alarm
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Key access
  • Window
  • Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation
  • Hand sanitiser

• Single Room with Private Bathroom

  The single room provides air conditioning, an electric kettle, as well as a private bathroom featuring a shower and a hairdryer. The unit offers 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Fan
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Heating
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Electric kettle
  • Linen
  • Entire unit located on ground floor
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Trash cans
  • Shampoo
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed
  • Smoke alarm
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Key access

• Standard Double Room

  The double room features air conditioning, an electric kettle, as well as a private bathroom boasting a shower and a hairdryer. The double room offers parquet floors and heating. The unit has 1 bed.

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Shower
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Toilet
  • Private bathroom
  • Heating
  • Hardwood or parquet floors
  • Electric kettle
  • Linen
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Clothes rack
  • Toilet paper
  • Trash cans
  • Shampoo
  • Body soap
  • Socket near the bed
  • Smoke alarm
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Key access
  • Single-room air conditioning for guest accommodation

Guest Reviews

• Devan (10/5): Will absolutely stay again! 10 stars! - Had the most excellent stay! The host was extremely hospitable and kind. The location is the best and the room was so cute and comfortable!
• Nevertoolate (9/5): Stay near the colourful house street in a lovely house. - Quaint room and general surroundings. Morat and his wife most amenable. Clean and super comfy. Very small (but adorable) room so if you have lots of luggage you will be tripping over it. We would have liked to sit out on the balcony. No breakfast nearby, you have to work for your food going up and down the hills. However we did find a fabulous and well priced Cafe for a great turkish breakfast.
• gurkan (10/5): Goede prijs kwaliteit hotel op een goede locatie - Eigenaar is een vriendelijke man, je krijgt om de 3 dagen flesjes water en oplosbare koffie en paar koekjes. Dat vind ik wel goede service. Locatie is goed en prijs kwaliteit was ook goed voor Istanbul in mei. Ik vond het een goede ervaring Het gaat om een oude gebouw die ooit een woonhuis was geweest, je mist duidelijk geluidisolatie,ik hoorde alles van mensen die boven mij waren, ik raad daarom oordoppen mee te nemen.
• Mircea-Mihai (10/5): - It was wonderful staying here, Istanbul is a beautiful city, Fener is a beautiful neighborhood and this booking was very, very nice! If I'm ever in this city again, or I know anyone who's coming, I know where to look.
• Larisa (10/5): Недорого и уютно - Замечательный хозяин Мурат, спасибо вам огромное за гостеприимство. Тихое уютное место, окно выходило во двор, можно было слушать пение птиц. Номер чистый, сантехника работает исправно. Люстры красивые. Очень интересно покрашены стены в номере и коридоре. Номер не очень большой, но для одного человека вполне достаточно
• Pedro Henrique (10/5): - My stay was excellent. Murat is a very kind and attentive host, always willing to help and very flexible. The place itself is cozy and comfortable, I felt at home from the start. The room is great, with a large, comfortable bed, and the private bathroom is also very good. Murat thoughtfully provided water and coffee in the room, which I really appreciated, especially during the colder days. At the end of my stay, he kindly allowed me a late check-out at no extra cost. The location is another highlight, with easy access to public transport like buses, trains, and ferries. It’s also close to Balat, a charming neighborhood with colorful houses, nice cafés, and plenty of dining options, both for tourists and locals. Overall, I had a great experience and would definitely stay with Murat again on my next visit to Istanbul. I liked everything!
• Sinergi (9/5): -
• Leonard (10/5): -
• Tim Niklas (10/5): -
• Tim Niklas (10/5): - Murat is such a great host and his apartments are clean, comfortable and located perfectly.
• Charafedddine (10/5): - the location is just perfect, the host is so nice and polite, murat and an chichi are so helpfull and kind. the place is near to the most of the touristic places
• PATRICIA (10/5): - Me encanto poder estar en la zona de Balat, y al mismo tiempo tener la tranquilidad de dormir en una calle sin ruido. La comodidad de habitación, doy la sensación de estar como en casa y Murat estuvo atento en todo momento conmigo. Si vuelvo a Estambul repetiría sin dudarlo a hospedarme aquí. Nada.
• Seth (10/5): - Location, cost and owner Nothing
• Jessica (9/5): Charming location, Superhost with everything you need - It's a compact room that has everything you need; a very comfortable bed, excellent wifi, a window to open for air & light (with block out curtains too, if you're a late sleeper), a soft carpet underfoot after a long day, a tea&coffee station and a private bathroom off the hall, just next to the room like an old-style hotel. It's very clean, private and safe, feels like a spare bedroom in a family home but with privacy. Murat is an exceptional host, he is clearly a very decent person; communicative, kind and helpful. If you are a very sensitive sleeper you could be disturbed by neighbourhood noises on the street; the room is on the ground-floor with windows that open onto the cobbled lane, but all the houses are like this in the area. You may also be disturbed by the fact that you can hear people talking in the room above through the floorboards - and their footsteps - it can be a bit loud, but these are very old buildings. It initially disturbed me and then i got used to it and I found it almost comforting.
• Florin Gabriel (10/5): - Totul a fost excelent, mulțumim si recomand cu drag
• Dragoslav (10/5): - I would warmly recommend this apartment to anyone visiting Istanbul. The owner is extremely kind and very responsive. Cleanliness is taken care of regularly, towels are changed frequently, and you can always get helpful advice whenever you need it. The apartment is located in a very pleasant area with good and regular connections to all parts of the city. The entire room is very cozy, and the bed is even more comfortable than the one at home. All praise and strong recommendations. There is nothing I didn’t like, actually.
• Katerina (10/5): - What an excellent stay! The room was nicely decorated and very clean. There was complimentary water and Nescafé/tea - a lovely bonus! We visited in winter and were worried about the temperature inside, but the room was really warm and cosy! We also liked the vibe of the neighbourhood, and the hills weren't an issue for us. Finally, Murat was an outstanding host. He made our stay as comfortable as it could get! We would happily return!
• Jordyn (10/5): - Managed by a very kind and helpful couple who were always very responsive to messages and requests. Truly a gem for budget travelers looking to stay outside of the main tourist areas -- a very nice and comfortable room in a beautiful neighborhood of Balat, which has plenty of coffee shops, restaurants, and friendly cats.
• Jiwon (9/5): - 사장님이 세상에서 제일 친절하셔요. 첫날 체크인 하자마자 주변 맛집, 가볼만한 곳 등을 추천해주셨어요. 숙소 자체는 조금 낡은 느낌이 있지만 더럽지는 않았고, 샤워기 수압도 정말 세고 좋아요. 침대는 넓고 캐리어 펼치기도 적당했어요. 2일에 한 번씩 물 2병과 새로운 수건을 주시고 한 번은 사과,귤,바나나도 가져다 주셨어요. 체크아웃도 원래는 11시인데 유동적으로 조절해주셔서 너무 감사했어요! 따뜻한 사장님 덕분에 이스탄불에서 좋은 경험 했습니다~ 여기 주변 숙소가 다 그렇겠지만 엄청 언덕에 있어서 오고가기 힘들었어요. 그나마 숙소 앞까지 오는 버스가 있는데 배차간격이 30분이에요. 그리고 창문은 꼭 닫고 주무세요! 저는 열어 놓고 잤다가 모기 물렸어요.. 그리고 냉장고 돌아가는 소리가 조금 큽니다.
• Marcin (8/5): Charming house, a bit tiny room. - Old wooden house, quiet in the night. Cosy room The room is basically occupied by a large bed. There is not even a small desk or table to have a tea and open a laptop or book. You will stay on the bed most of the time. The room door has glass and is not very sound proofing, so it is cosy room yet not intimate.
• Yasunori (10/5): ほどよい距離感で行き届いたホスピタリティ♪坂道を歩き続けるのは大変でしたが、きっとまた泊まりに行きます！ - カラフルな家が立ち並ぶ素敵な街で、住んでいるかのような滞在ができました。 オーナー夫婦からとても親切にしていただき、親戚の家に泊まったようにくつろぐことができました。 鞄の一部が破れてしまい、困っていると修理してくれました。 共用のスペースがなかったのが残念でした。 旅行中ということで、夜に目が覚めることがあったのですが、 寝ているパートナーを起こさないように、ずっと暗い部屋で過ごすことになりました。 共用スペースがあれば、そこで過ごせたかなと。 また、他の滞在者達と軽い挨拶をする機会ができたかもしれません。
• Julio Cesar (10/5): - Soy viajero frecuente y la verdad tengo que decir que el personal fue siempre muy atento, desde el primer dia hasta el horario de salida Me ayudo en lá busqueda de atractivos, como viajar mejor por lá cuidad. Y lá zona de Fatih donde esta el hotel és muy pintorezca. De seguro volvere. No escuentro nada negativo.
• Eva (10/5): Best host ever! - My host Murat was very warm and helpful. I needed to go to the hospital during the trip, and Murat went above and beyond to support me with this. If you are looking for a place like a second home in Istanbul, this is it! :)
• Annemie (10/5): - Perfecte locatie dicht bij alle faciliteiten. Zeer rustige buurt. Gastheer was zeer behulpzaam en vriendelijk.
• Sérgio (9/5): - Murat, o anfitrião é muito simpático e cuidadoso! O quarto estava bastante limpo e com alguns mimos que fizeram diferença. Zona bastante calma, mas bem acessível, é um plus! O anúncio diz que serve pequeno almoço,mas não. Deveriam retirar a opção.
• Alan (9/5): - Super lokalizacja, bardzo miły i pomocny gospodarz. W pokoju wszystko co trzeba. Budynek jest dość akustyczny, dobrze mieć ze soba stopery jeśli ktoś ma wrażliwy sen.
• Jeff (10/5): The location and Murat’s gracious hospitality made this the ideal place for us to stay in Istanbul. - Very clean. In the heart of Istanbul’s old Balat district, and easy access to traditional restaurants and businesses.
• Justyna (10/5): Doskonałe miejsce na pobyt w Stambule - Lokalizacja w cichej okolicy Bardzo mily właściciel Wygodne łóżko Możliwość transferu lotniskowego W pobliżu wiele restauracji i barów
• David (9/5): Enjoyed our stay and good value for money. - We were very happy with our stay at Fener Sweet. The rooms are small but for the price in this part of Istanbul it was good value. The bed was comfortable, the air-conditioning worked well, as did the shower. And the room was very clean. Those are always our primary requirements when traveling. The host, Murat, was very helpful and lent us an Istanbul card for travel on the trams, and took us down to the Balat tram station on the first morning to show us how to top up the card. Fener Sweet is in a quiet residential area. It’s a fair uphill walk on cobbled streets to the house, so probably wouldn’t suit anyone with mobility issues, but for the active budget traveler, Fener Sweet is a good choice. There are many good restaurants and cafes at the bottom of the hill (about 10 minutes’ walk down). Our only issue was that on our last night there were very noisy guests in the room above us who woke us up several times, but as accommodation hosts ourselves, we realise that accommodation providers have little control over the conduct of other guests, especially in old houses with wooden floors. But fortunately on the previous three nights the house was very quiet.
• Baldur (10/5): Great neighborhood, clean stylish and comfortable with a great host. - The house is a very charming brick house, house with history and very well renovated. There are not many rooms making it quite cozy. And the owner, Murat, he was extremely helpful and always just a call away responding immediately. He provided great tips regarding nice restaurants and Turkish baths in the neighborhood and with regard to transit area. Loved this area. Nothing I didn’t like. I read up on the different areas of Istanbul and chose this because it has a local feel, not too crowded and touristy but great areas with fun shops and great restaurants. May not be the area for someone wanting to be in the crazy bustling center, which is nevertheless very accessible by bus, tram or, my favorite, by ferries that run frequently and are most fun.
• Hugh (9/5): -
• Tania (10/5): - The best accommodation I had in a long time. The hosts are very kind, giving recommendations and a warm welcome. Room was squeaky clean and the location calm although only a few streets away from places of interest. Hope to come again soon! No downsides, but be aware that it’s a climb to reach it
• Tara (9/5): Fantastic - Fantastic location, we didn’t realise when booking just how close to the tram and bus the property is. Very close to busy fener/ balat and 20 minutes from eminonu. Lots of little things that made such a difference to our stay- shampoo/ shower gel, wifi, water, comfy bed :)) loved our stay For us, we loved everything. But it is very steep hills to get to fener sweet. Also we were able to taxi one evening no problem. But consider if you have any disabilities or difficulties walking up cobblestone steep hills!
• Ariel Sophia (10/5): An absolute gem in one of Istanbul’s most beautiful districts - Amazing location, on a quiet street but just steps away from all the shops and cafés of Balat. The host, Murat, was very kind and welcoming and helpful. He gave me lots of recommendations in the neighborhood, including a hammam with no tourists. I had a room on the upper floor with balcony, facing the courtyard, and it was quiet and relaxing and beautifully furnished with antiques and lovely touches like traditional lamps and rugs. The bed and covers are very comfortable. Slept like a baby. The value is amazing for what you get and I would (and will!) happily stay here again. Personally speaking, I probably wouldn’t like the ground floor rooms, but I didn’t see them so I’m sure they’re nice. I just prefer to be up.
• Епифаний (10/5): - Великолепные апартаменты. Хозяин очень добродушен и приветлив, всегда на связи и рядом. Я заселялся в 01:00 без всяких проблем: позвонил в дверь и хозяин встретил и сразу объяснил что-где находится. В аппартаментах чисто, уютно; любезно приготовлены продукты для завтрака и питьевая вода в достатке. Есть холодильник, чайник. Сантехнические удобства в отличном техническом и санитарном состоянии. Расположены апартаменты в тихом, красивом районе.
• Hadrien (10/5): -
• Debbie (10/5): -
• Stefan (10/5): A great place to stay in Fener - The amazing hospitality and the wonderful staff. Great tips and they were extremely accomodating with our requests.
• Pierre (8/5): - Très bon accueil du propriétaire. Rue bien placée au calme. Bonne literie. Chambre propre. Clim un peu bruyante
• Margaret (10/5): - The location was great and very close to many of the things I wanted to see. It is also close to transit. Murat and Chi Chi were amazing hosts- they were very helpful and gave me good advice for my time in the city. The room is nice, good wifi and air conditioning, and the bed is extremely comfortable. I would recommend staying here 100%.
• chiu tung (10/5): -
• Florian (10/5): -
• Arne (10/5): Sweet spot for budget travellers - The owner is outstandingly friendly and helpful. The room and basically the whole house was very clean. The room itself was exactly what I was expecting, not big but accommodating, i.e. a comfortable bed and an own wash room close by. All in all probably the best you can get for this competitive price.
• Benjamin (10/5): An amazing place to stay! Warm and welcoming hosts, clean and comfortable rooms, and beautiful area. - We loved our stay at Fener Sweet! The hotel was clean and cozy, and the host went out of his way to check in on us and show us around the neighborhood.
• Aleksandra (10/5): Exceptional - Perfect apartment and hospitable host. I also loved this area - not too touristy and peaceful! 10 out of 10!
• Alexandra (10/5): Exceptional - Property very clean, host nice and friendly, totally recommend
• Daniel (10/5): Perfect Stay in Istanbul - Murat is an excellent host. He is very responsive, kind, and easygoing. The room is very cozy, the bed is super comfortable and the shower is super nice. I believe some earlier reviews said there was no AC, but THERE IS AIR CONDITIONING! This was an amazing surprise when we arrived as we thought there would not be. Murat was so flexible regarding our late arrival from the airport. We stayed for 4 nights and this room made our trip to Istanbul the best it could be. Every night we were able to return from the busy city to a quiet and cozy room, shower, and sleep wonderfully, feeling recharged and ready for another adventure in the city. I've stayed in places before where for one reason or another sleep was difficult and it really hampers a trip. That was not the case, it felt like home right away. The hosts will clean your room once or twice as well which was really nice of them. I would 10/10 recommend staying here. Istanbul was a life changing experience and I thank Murat for facilitating it. The only thing to note, and this is out of the host's control is that the hill to the property is very, very steep and our taxis got stuck a few blocks before. Advise your taxis to come from the south, from the top of the hill rather than the north, up the hill.
• Rashidlondon (10/5): Exceptional -
• Martin (9/5): Superb -
• Shihwen (10/5): Exceptional - Clean and neat rooms; awesome and very responsible hotel owners!
• Susan (9/5): Loved being there, would love to go back. - The location, the helpfulness of the owner and the general atmosphere of the area. A little noisy one night from guest upstairs.
• Tricia (9/5): A short stay after a long trip. Very glad we chose Fener District for a change. The hotel was charmi - Great location, comfy bed and friendly helpful host
• Ruby (10/5): Surprisingly the best accommodation in Turkey - Murat was absolutely lovely and so helpful. The room was perfectly clean and the bathroom modern. The bed was SO comfy. This was the cheapest accommodation we had in Turkey but it was the best by far. The photos don’t do it justice. Highly recommend.
• Djunaid (10/5): Exceptional - Murat is the best host.
• Damaris (10/5): Exceptional - We had a great stay at Fener Sweet! It was very well located and quiet. From the street below, you entered the tourist area of Fener and Balat; from the street above, it felt very local and calm. Clean room, good-sized bathroom, and an excellent host.
• Christine (10/5): Exceptional -
• Dmitriy (10/5): Fantastic little hotel in the middle of Fener neighborhood, very friendly host - Murat was very hospitable, walked with us through few streets, helped buy a public transport card, and provided with several spot on recommendations. The place was clean and stylish, with everything we needed. The neighborhood has a very unique feel, different than most other areas of Istanbul, we enjoyed exploring it a lot, and will stay here again when we are back.
• Rand (9/5): Superb -
• Alexandra (10/5): Great accommodation, amazing host!!! - Amazing place, the host is very very nice, we had a great time. Very quiet area and close to Fener tram and ferry and easily can take the tram/ferry to reach Eminonu(the center near Galata Bridge)
• Muhammad (10/5): The best property in Istanbul for Solo/ Couple travellers! - Murat was my host and honestly, honestly, I say this with no strings attached, this was the best place. Top-tier location, top-tier facilities, such a sweet host, and so central to the metro, and buses! Go for it! The entrance is just a tad bit hidden? Perhaps a sign that says, "the best stay in IST" :)
• Charafedddine (9/5): Superb - This is my 2nd experience staying at Murat's, a very helpful and polite host who is always available to help you. He helped me book train tickets to Eskisehir and even kept my luggage at his place. A central location close to all commodities and public transport (05 min from the T5 tramway line, 15 mins from Eminounou sq. by Tramway) and 2 stops from the M2 metro line to Taksim. The rooms are very clean and authentic, in a unique neighborhood close to Balat and Fatih. I won't hesitate to come back on my next trip to istanbul. The property needs some renovation work
• Shamsidin (10/5): Nice stay and great host - Space Nothing
• Katharine (10/5): Quirky and delightful place to stay, with a truly exceptional host. - The location of Fener Sweet is ideal for exploring Balat (the old Jewish quarter) and Fener (the old Greek quarter), which are crowded and colourful. However, it's also within three tram stops of Sultanahmet. Murat at Fener Sweet is a wonderful host and could not have been more helpful and friendly. He even walked us to the local restaurants and ferry stop as the narrow, winding streets are confusing at first. The Fener Sweet rooms are tiny and crowded too, but charming and well-equipped. Definitely high on the list of quirky, fun places to stay. The hotel is small and in a very old building, so some constraints on mobility could be a problem. Noise from other guests was a momentary problem too, until they left!
• Sylvia (8/5): Colourful, Charming and Ethnic - Murat and Chi Chi are the kindest, most caring hosts. I had a fall at the airport on arrival in Istanbul and they went out of their way to ensure my comfort. The old quarter of Istanbul is very quaint with all its colourful housing. Lots of tourists came there everyday to take their Instagram photos; but we stayed there! Nothing that the hosts nor hotel could change but personally I found the steep hills and cobbled streets difficult.
• Maurice (10/5): Great location, cozy and clean room - The location is in the heart of Balat, a few minutes walk to restaurants, supermarket, tram and buses. It's in a quiet neighborhood, and you sure have a quiet sleep. Room is small but you have everything you need, the bathroom is very comfortable and relatively big to the room, both hot water and water pressure are good. The place is clean, bed is very comfortable like what you have at home AC is sufficiently cool and quiet. The atmosphere reminds me of the time when I stayed at a host family. Very cozy. Host are a couple (Turkish and Taiwanese), very easy to start a conversation, very nice people indeed. We arrived early and the host prepared the room as quickly as possible so we could actually checked in ahead of the scheduled time. For the price, the location and comfort level exceeded our expectations. Istanbul turned pretty expensive in terms of restaurants, exhibition entry fee and hotel, and if you just need a safe, comfortable, clean and good location, this is really the best place to stay. I wished we knew it earlier as we stayed in Karakoy paying 3x more. The costs add up fast. Nothing Just one small suggestion, if there is a small sign out of the place saying Fener Sweet, it would be tremendous help for someone to find trhe hotel because the front door looks just like any residential building with the door shut. I think a tiny wooden sign would help first-timer.
• Gael (9/5): Sweet little homestay in Balat - Murat was a very kind and excellent host . He gave me great advice and helped with local navigation and getting a Istanbulkart. The room was very clean and comfortable. Lots of restaurants nearby both up and downhill . Safe neighborhood not too touristic. Very quiet at night . The neighborhood is very steep and hilly and hard for older traveller's to manage especially in heavy rain, slip hazards. There was no acess to other upper floors or terrace as stated in older reviews online
• Francis (8/5): Very good -
• Sarah (9/5): Superb - The authentic style of the house. It’s been restored beautifully It was tricky to locate when we arrived by taxi - luckily Murat answered the phone and helped us find it.
• Cameron (10/5): Murat and his wife were very helpful and friendly. They helped arrange airport transfers and were always there to answer - It was quiet and clean, host very welcoming
• Mekkinosson (9/5): Fanastic hosts, Murat and Chi Chi. Always available to assist. - Locaation, location, location! Great value! My room was quite small, to be expected. The wc and shower were no inside the room. It was in rhe hallway next to the rooom. It just took getting used to. No ac in the room but a fan was provided and was enough to cool the room and circulate the air.
• Thea (10/5): Nice comfortable room in beautiful authentic neighborhood - The owners were lovely and very flexible people, the room was very clean and comfortable and Balat and Fener are a not-to-miss area of Istanbul, somewhat off the beaten path. Highly recommend!
• Vincenzo (10/5): Exceptional - The owner one of the best I have met during a vacation! So kind and polite. Really a good person. The place is in the middle of a lot of shops centre. Anything you need, you got it. Climbs and descents by walking. You got to be a little bit trained.
• Jason (9/5): Superb -
• Lowe (6/5): Nice property bad location. - The room was nice & comfy, the balcony was nice. To get to the location you have to walk up a very steep hill, its definatly not for old or disabled people.
• Ehab (10/5): Exceptional - Everything Nothing
• Yu (9/5): Superb - I like that it's located in a quiet neighborhood, since the amount of tourists can be overwhelming in Istanbul. The host Murat is a very nice person. I was sick in bed and he brought me some ginger and honey which really helped. He also gave me some extra bottles since I didn't have the energy to go out to get them. I'm very grateful for the kindness he showed. The room is a tad bit small. I like to do yoga in the morning and I was barely able to squeeze my yoga mat on the floor. But all good.
• Margaretha (10/5): Best place and location - Murat is a wonderful host. He made us feel very welcome and was great at communicating as well as helping us find our way around the streets of Balat. We had a great stay and would highly recommend his property. Very comfortable beds, clean and inviting property. No complaints.
• Karolina (8/5): Excellent location and very peaceful stay - The location is just wonderful, among the colorful houses and cafes of Balat. Also very close to the waterfront and all the other landmarks.
• Matt (10/5): Fantastic stay - Honestly i was so impressed with this stay. I arrived very late and the host made himself available for a late check in. There was bottled water and a small snack waiting in the room. Extremely clean and secure and cozy. Place was fantastic and location incredible. A quiet stay but also only 20 minutes until you’re in the heart of Istanbul. Really not much. The area is extremely hilly but that’s just the city of Istanbul !
• Mikhail (10/5): Exceptional -
• Chariz (10/5): Great hosts and location. - Murat and Chichi are such an adorable couple host. they were very helpful with our inquiries and very friendly. the room itself was quaint and clean and we appreciated that it was at the first floor and had its own balcony. we felt the privacy but also security. also, the place is just a few meters away from the famous colored houses. so you can take photos before the crowd gathers later in the day. also try to explore the more local feel of the city above balat. Draman, i think, is the name of the area. and eat and buy baklava at Osmanli Gaziantep baklavalari. about 200 meters walk up from this place. best baklava ever! you know its good when "Gaziantep" is part of the name of the baklava store. this area a world apart from the hipster vibe of Balat below this accommodation. overall, very highly recommended! nothing for this place. but be sure to book a shuttle/private car to and from the airport as it may be difficult to carry luggages from the train or bus station due to high incline walk (and stairs) and cobblestone streets, despite the short 400 or so meters distance from the transport stations.
• Usama (10/5): Exceptional -
• Hayley (9/5): Lovely room in a cool neighbourhood - Loved the location. Such a cute quirky neighbourhood with lots of cool coffeeshops, bakeries & cafes. The room was very nice, clean & quiet. Everything was great.
• Leyla (10/5): Hope to come back for further experience in the area. - Location, friendly approach from the owner. We loved staying at Fener Sweet.
• Raymond (9/5): Super stay at Fener Sweet - great value and very authentic - Your host Murat is such a nice guy. Accommodation is basically an en-suite room in his house in Balat. Fener ferry and metro, and bus stops are close by as are lots of cafes. On arrival in Fener I didn't know how to get to Fener Sweet so I just stopped by a coffee shop and they called Murat who came to get me for the 5/10 minute walk to his house. The neighborhood is typically Turkish so if you want everything pristine then this location is not for you but I loved it and the Istanbul transport system makes the rest of the city so accessible from here. I would recommend downloading MAPS.ME app and map of the region - this works without a wifi connection and made finding my way around so easy. Invest in an IstanbulKart and then hop on and off ferries, trams and buses throughout the city - this also made getting back to airport very easy - tram to Alibeykoy them Kagithane them airport - so easy. I couldn't find a bar in Balat that sold beer so if this is a must-have for you then pay more and stay somewhere more cosmopolitan
• Hannah (10/5): Pleasant stay in beautiful neighborhood - Quiet and comfortable with great attractions nearby A white noise fan would be nice but not necessary
• Anne (10/5): Beautiful. Friendly comfortable and quiet. -
• Ewa (10/5): Highly recommended. We will definitely stay there again during our next visit. - - Beautiful house. Room was very nice and definitely big enough for two people. We booked the one with a small balcony overlooking a little backyard. Shower was great and bed very comfy. Coffee, tea and water provided. Everything was very clean. - The owner and his wife: such a lovely couple. Super friendly and helpful. They gave us plenty of good insider tips about Istanbul, transportation and restaurants. Even made up the roof top terrace just for us. Greatest hospitality. -Area: I was a bit unsure before booking since it was not right in the city center and we only had 3 days in Istanbul. But so glad, I booked it anyway. To get to the major sites, it's only a short ride with the tram. Fener- Balat is such a beautiful neighbourhood with it's lovely coloured houses, little side streets and plenty of cafés and restaurants to choose from. There is a lot to explore in this area itself without being in a constant stream of tourists. Tram, bus and ferry all just a 5min walk away. I added some pics from the area and also one pic with the view from the rooftop. Nothing. Perfect stay.
• Flore (10/5): Great place and hospitality - I had 2 stays in december. The first one alone, i felt very confortable at this place, like at home and it was important for me. They gave attention to me and i felt like being a part of family. Murat and his wife are very nice people, don't hesitate to communicate with them or Ask them if you have questions, need tips or information. They will do their best. The second stay was with my husband and we felt the same. Thank you for your hospitality. Rooms and bathroom are clean, the place is quiet. Beds are really good, mattress are good quality. The area is great, you can find a local life or more touristic places if you prefer. You just need to be aware that the area is not flat and need to do some exercice to go there but nothing impossible 😉
• Lieven (10/5): Exceptional -
• Frances (10/5): A perfect, cozy, home for my visit - Murat and his wife were so kind, welcoming, helpful, and responsive! They went out of their way not to just make me feel comfortable in their home, but also in Istanbul in general.
• Mikhail_blr (10/5): Nice hotel in a quiet district - Cozy family hotel in the old district Balat. Streets lined with cobblestones, old beautiful houses, small shops and cafe. There are no crowds of tourists or cars and it is very quiet. It's safe to walk even at night. The Golden Horn waterfront is a 10-minute walk. The room has everything you need. Very clean and tidy, warm. The hosts are very friendly and always ready to help. The upper floors have a kitchen, balcony and terrace. We are very grateful to the owners Murat and Chichi for their hospitality. On our next travel to Istanbul, we will stay only here! Nothing
• Goran (10/5): Both the service and location exceeded all my expectations. I am so grateful to Murat and his wife. -
• Teresa (10/5): Fantastic - Everything. Murat was so friendly and accommodating. Nothing.
• Maria (9/5): A very good first visit to Istanbul. - Fener (where Fener Sweet is) is part of the old Balat, all colourful houses, cobbled stones and steep hills. The hosts, Murat and Chichi, are welcoming and very helpful. It is a quiet, residential area, though cafes and restaurants are within easy reach. Public transport is a 10 min walk away (bus, tram, ferry). I inherited the Istanbulkart (a must for all travel in town) from a previous guest and topped it up. The hosts suggested a good hamam nearby, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and also a couple of places off the beaten track (e.g.Pierre Lotti cemetery and viewpoint). The room may be small, but the bed is comfortable, the shower hot and plentiful, towels changed regularly and anything you need, Chichi/Murat will provide. Glad I took a taxi - would not have liked to lug the backpack from the bus or tram station up that hill!
• Christine (8/5): Very good - I found Murat to be extremely kind and helpful. Thank you.
• Varun (10/5): Brilliant property with an amazing host - The room is cosy with everything you might need, including a fridge. Nice clean bathroom and hot shower. Best of all is the host Murat - he is so friendly and helpful, and an amazing person to stay with in Istanbul. He gave me great restaurant and barber recommendations, helped out with laundry service, was always available to contact, and even helped me arrange football tickets at short notice. The neighbourhood is also a great mix - right next to Balat which is very popular and trendy with lots of cafes and restaurants and beautiful coloured buildings, and on the other side feels very local and authentic. I would return in a heartbeat.
• Sara (9/5): Superb -
• Stella (10/5): Exceptional - Murat and his family were very friendly and approachable people. He was very kind and helped me get to the accommodation without any issues. They were very welcoming and communicative, even more so than culturally required.
• Sarah (8/5): Very good - Small, quiet room, decent mattress, kindly host. Charming colorful antique neighborhood.

Photos