Mehmet is a lovely host. Very friendly and helpful. Lovely Appartement for your own. Big TV. Super bed. Very comfortable and new. Balat is very cozy. Many possibilities to drink a coffee eat a small snack and drink fresh juices. Bus 55/99 will take you to Taksim/Galata etc. Just buy a Istanbul card for public transport. By taxi to the new airport around 160 TL.