Basma's (pronounced more like Bes-ma, for all you Americans out there) hospitality is incredible. She waited up until 1am for me to arrive from my flight, greeted me with a fantastically refreshing peach drink, and throughout my stay made me feel like part of her home. One night she met a family on her street who was looking for a place to stay. She felt bad, which any of us would, but then she went out of the way to talk to them and offer them refreshment. Why? Because she's Basma! She also had great day trip suggestions, has guidebooks on hand (including the Lonely Planet one for Istanbul), and is a helpful resource for navigating the city.

The couch I stayed on was quite comfortable and Basma always has interesting guests passing through who make great conversation all together!

I felt very safe in her neighborhood, even walking back as a female alone at midnight.

**If you stay, you MUST go to the pastry shop in the neighborhood. Walk up to the main road and then turn right. It's a block or two beyond and next to an Arabic restaurant. Other places in Istanbul have great pastries (duh), but these ones felt more authentic and far less sugary.

In all, great location, great host, and a great price--definitely stay!