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Germany
It was my first worldpackers experience and for that it was awesome. I connected well to the host and felt always welcome. During my stay there were also other volunteers and we had a great time together. But you also have enough time to connect with the guests and find friends. In general my shifts were flexible and I had time to explore the city. In overall, I really recommend this place as a very friendly and cosy home.
21 days ago
Brazil
The hostel was a great experience in responsability, management, social skills and understanding. I feel like a leave here having grown more in the hospitality business in all aspects of it. Hakan is a good man, and always very kind and cooks some amazing protein cakes hahah. The hostel has a great location in Istanbul, right in the heart of the city, close to shops, metro station and everything you need. I think the shifts and times should be more well organized by the hosts, but we as volunteers managed to make everything fair. Overall a good experience but a little challenging. <3
8 months ago
France
The job at the hostel was fairly easy and corresponded to what was promised : reception for 5 hours a day. The location was nice, very close to Taksim square and public transport. On the downside, communication and politeness of some of the managing personnel could be improved and when I worked there were some customer complaints about cleanliness. Overall, it was an ok experience that id recommend for people that want to explore Istanbul
4 months ago
Colombia
We had two different experiences. One with Joe and another with Hakan. Our time there was marked by change; we arrived at a place where absolutely nothing was clean, and we took it upon ourselves to tidy up all the spaces so it would be more comfortable to work there. The days at the front desk are definitely easier, but you have to be prepared to deal with people's rudeness on your own. Some days are better than others, and we got the impression that Hakan is quite friendly, even though we didn't get to know him very well. We thank Joe for his management, even though he sometimes went above.
6 months ago
Colombia
My experience at this hostel was amazing! The team is super friendly, respectful, and always ready to help. The atmosphere makes you feel at home from day one — you meet people from all over the world, and there’s always good energy around.
The tasks are well organized, and you have time to enjoy the city and connect with travelers. I learned a lot, had great conversations, and created memories I’ll never forget. Totally recommend this place to anyone looking for a meaningful volunteer experience! 🙌✨
about 1 year ago
Brazil
The experience at the hostel was amazing! Hakan and his team are very welcoming, and we felt right at home during our time there! Our duties included working the overnight shift and being attentive to keeping everything in order during the stay, including checking in and out if necessary. Everything was great, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to volunteer at this wonderful hostel! We had a great time there and definitely plan to return!
about 1 year ago
United States
The work expected seemed excessive in comparison to the benefits provided. I was expected to not only solely manage reception for the duration of my shifts but also assist with cleaning including sweeping and mopping common areas. Often, the way I was communicated with lacked respect and I was blamed for not doing things not outlined beforehand. I was expected to fulfill the duties of paid staff on their day off and overall the expectations of the host seemed more in line with a paid position and not a volunteer position where I was simply saving on accommodation cost.
about 1 year ago
Mexico
My time at the hostel was amazing!!!! Everyone made me feel welcome and appreciated. The hotel is located in a great area in the European side of Istanbul, a really nice area with a lot to see and easy to move around, walking distance to the main attraction for tourist, the hotel is also very clean and comfortable, all the guests were international travellers who I had many interesting conversations and even made some new friendships!!! The job I was assigned was the night shift from 3am or 5am to 10am which gave me a lot of time to explore the city, Id recommend this place 1000%
almost 2 years ago
United Kingdom
Host communicated minimally before arrival. No additional details provided via text regarding work, accommodation, etc, when requested. On arrival, introduction reasonable. Accommodation offered was a storeroom/laundry room next door - no door/privacy from housekeeping staff. This was not the shared dorm advertised. The work itself was fine, training somewhat limited but straightforward. The shifts were around 8 hours, which is unusual given advertised as 32 hrs/6 days, 5.3 per day. Shifts given on the day or not communicated at all, no advanced planning. An extremely poor experience.
about 2 years ago
Thank you for posting a review, we always strive to provide a great experience and we are disappointed when it does not meet expectations. I hope you mentioned something on the day of your arrival and that you said everything was fine. Next day you were offended and misinterpreted this. We definitely had a miscommunication as it happens in a team, guest and business environment, this is a relaxed environment, my assistant tried to bridge but you asked for privacy in a business territorial context so it was not reflected in your attire. Our team wants to resolve this issue and provide you with a shared Dorm and you chose my apartments for business. So we can assure you that you got the wrong impression.
Colombia
I learned a lot, practiced English and was able to meet many amazing people, I am grateful for the opportunity.
7 months ago
