This unit on Laylak Sokak is a great value. It's clean, comfy and perfectly functional. It's also tiny (think NYC efficiency). Step in, bed to the left, bathroom to the right, kitchen sink in front. Despite being on the 5th floor the unit also doesn't have much of a view. Crane you neck out the window and you see a bit of the city. As for cooking, forget it. Thing is, you don't go to Istanbul to linger in this unit; you go to explore. And this unit, for the young, budget-conscious traveler, excels at that.
Laylak street lies at the foot of Moda, a hugely popular area for tourists and locals alike. Step out onto the street and you're tripping over incredible cafes, restaurants, pubs, bars and eateries - at all price ranges, from cheap, delicious street food to opulent dining experiences. Tons of shopping too, if that's what you want. But there are better places for that.
The appliances and other amenities are super clean and function as new. The unit is clean as though newly remodeled. The bathroom is small but does the job. Watch you toes though. The door frame runs along the bottom two inches above the floor. It's Stub-toe Central to the unwary. Also, if you're tall, say 6'-3" and above, you'll want to duck. While the ceilings stand just over 8 feet the bathroom door frame lowers that to 6'-4" or so. The bathroom door also hits the toilet. To get to the toilet you'll have to enter to the sink, squeeze as you close the door behind you, then scoot to the toilet. Water pressure is great. Lots of hot water. Only one morning did the hot water peter out inside a minute.
While the view is not great the windows at least are large, airy and new. You can open them partly or fully. Double panes muffle a lot of the street sounds. Which is good. Because though the unit is tucked in a less noisy area, Moda streets get loud, especially in the weekends. The bed, a thick, pillow top queen-size futon, is quite comfy. The small table and two chairs is all you need to eat or write or simply sit. If you really want to cook there's a hot plate in the cupboards.
From the street the main door and hallway - and especially the stairs - can make you wonder if you're at the right place. You are. If you have questions, shoot Aykut a line. He was very helpful; communication was a breeze.
My greatest issue was the stairs. They're a tight spiral with narrow steps not always evenly sized. At night a motion sensor turns on a weak light as you climb each floor. Floor 2 however did not turn on for me one early morning. In the dark I fumbled my way ever carefully down. A cell phone flashlight comes in handy. I got used to the stairs quickly. But I traveled with a backpack instead of a rolling carry-on solely because of the stairs.
A couple suggestions for the traveler. If you take a taxi from either airport - IST or SAW - tell the driver to drop you off at the main bus terminal in Moda. It's much easier to find the unit from there than elsewhere. I made the mistake of telling my driver Laylak street and instead he took me to Laylek street. That's not far from the unit but with a 50 lb pack it was still a haul. Also, try to get your bearings before you arrive. Even locals walk Moda's labyrinthine streets staring at their GPS.
In all, this unit is a fine setup for the single traveler or couple. You are in one of the hippest parts of Istanbul and 5 minutes from the main bus terminal and ferry dock - excellent to hop out of bed and into a ferry to the European side and through one of history's greatest cities. Enjoy.