This is a balanced and unvarnished review of this apartment. Unfortunately we had a nightmare day in this place. All 5 adults, one ten-year-old kid and a 4 month old infant were all intoxicated by carbon monoxide emissions which resulted in all-day hospitalization for all seven of us – the oldest of us had to stay longer for further monitoring, where we were confirmed to have intoxication ranging from 10-14% in our blood. First signs were the two children vomiting. Second signs were us all realizing how dizzy and disoriented and exhausted we all felt after waking up. We immediately turned off the gas heating device (for heating hot water and radiators), and opened all the windows, allowing the concentration to dissipate. After which point, the government agency presiding over gas issues in Turkey came to inspect, and was (due to the open windows, etc) predictably not able to detect any concentrations of CO. The inspections by the government agents and by the plumber all came up inconclusive, but what was unmistakable was our poisoning, the hospitalization of which we had to pay for out of pocket. Additionally, we had to move to another apartment, resulting in a lost day of packing, moving, and unpacking, the accompanying transportation costs, and the pressure to locate another apartment at the last minute, resulting in less-than-optimal options.
The Cons:
-	The place was not clean at all; there were hairs on all the floors, towels, and sheets. There were several dirty dishes with food visible on them. The host’s local admin kindly offered to personally come clean the next day, which would have resulted in a 2-hour each-way special trip on his part, which we graciously declined out of consideration for him, and ended up cleaning the unit ourselves. Interestingly, though, when we asked about a cleaning option midway through our stay, we were quoted an additional price. The lack of bleach in the unit led us to wonder how sheets and towels are disinfected after guests check out. The bidet in half-bath didn’t work, and the radiators in several rooms did not work. At the very least, the host/admin was aware of the broken bidet before our arrival. It would be nice to have everything (at least the important items) in working order before guests arrive, without having to be asked. While it’s our understanding that a carbon monoxide detector is not required by Turkish law to be installed, it’s a good thing to ask about, if you’re coming in the wintertime, and staying in a gas-heated apartment.
The Pros:
-	The apartment has been handsomely renovated and furnished, and is as it appears in the photographs. Sufficiently equipped kitchen. The location is unbeatable. You’re surrounded by men’s and women’s clothing boutiques (note: most of the boutiques on the side-streets only sell wholesale), excellent restaurants, cafés, and a couple of bars. Plus only steps away from the tony eateries and shops of Nisantasi, and a stone’s throw from the metro station. We will certainly seek a place in this neighborhood again. Once the radiators were addressed, the apartment had nice thermal comfort.
Based on our experience, we cannot recommend this place unless they are able to definitively address the safety and cleanliness issues.