We lived in Turkey for a number of years and were back for a visit, meaning we know Turkish apartments throughout the country. Pros:
1. Vibrant area for restaurants, coffeeshops and groceries. So many choices literally within a 2 min walk.
2. Relatively close to public transporation, 10 min uphill to Taksim with M2 metro stop and to istiklal Cad., 12 min down a really steep hill to Tophane tram stop.
3. Only 1 flight of stairs or use the elevator.
4. While on a busy street, the bedrooms are at back of apt, so are pretty quiet.
5. Alper lives close, so can help in the evening hours with issues that arise.
6. We went in winter and heating works well and is easy to manage.
7. Washer is a combo washer/dryer and takes some tume but works great.
Cons:
1. Couch is very uncomfortable. Nowhere really comfortable to sit in living room.
2. We had to ask for curtains in the main bedroom, a coffee press, handsoap, shower soap and drinking water…..lots of details promised in the listing were missed. Alper did supply most of them when asked.
3. Bedding is worn, no duvets, only light blankets, and only a few of those. Pillows were worn out.
4. Shower is small and often has a sewer smell coming up the drain, as does drain in the floor. This is not uncommon in Turkey but it leaked out into the apartment.
5. Internet in the bedrooms is very weak, even with a booster that Alper installed one evening.
6. If you are not willing to walk up and down serious hills, stay in a different part of Istanbul.