We stayed at Umut’s place for one month with two kids. Overall, we really enjoyed our stay mostly because of how charming the neighborhood is and how friendly and helpful the host was.
Place is very affordable, spacious, and a great way to experience the city in a less touristy area, with many restaurants nearby where you can have great meals at 1/2 or 1/3 of the price you’ll find at tourist spots of the city. There’s a large mall within 5-10 min walk and a Marmaray stop.
The host met us at the apartment (late in the evening due to flight delay) to check us in and explained everything to us. Gave us instructions on using Getir app, and even did a lot of research for us before arrival to help us rent an instrument we needed.
Beware the apt is located on 4th fl without elevator, walls are thin (can hear small kid next door on mornings), lots of old/nearly broken furnishings and cookware, small water heater requires 20-30 min to reheat after each shower, and old noisy bed and linen.