Stunning elevated panoramic harbour views from this location, and a large open comfortable living and kitchen area immediately wow guests upon entry. There is even an outdoor deck.
The location is a few streetcar stops from main attractions, in a residential area away from noisy roads, clubs etc.
Each bedroom and the living area have air conditioning, if needed.
The kitchen and bathroom were well stocked, clean and functional. There is a dishwasher laundry machine (no drying cycle though – but there is a clothes rack and the outdoor deck is sunny).
A number of basics and treats were present upon arrival – some welcome cold drinks and goodies (some milk would have been appreciated to quench the tea and coffee addicts).
There was even a foldable paper street map available for us to use. Nice touches to make us feel welcome.
The host met us upon arrival, and being nearby was prepared to help if we had any questions, no matter how trivial (it seemed). Suggestions and recommendations were forthcoming. The host was very responsive, including arranging a taxi ride upon departure.
The bedrooms are on the opposite non-view side, and far enough elevated to quiet and private.
On the downside the bathroom has some old-European poor sewer line venting (back into the bathroom) which quickly becomes overwhelming unless the whole apartment is being completely and continuously aired. U-bend drainage piping and sink P-traps, and rooftop venting seem foreign concepts. Take a deep breath.
While seemingly fully renovated in recent years, cosmetically parts are beginning to fray around the edges – a handyman could be employed for a few hours to remediate. But nothing that takes away from enjoying the apartment; everything works well.
The closest streetcar transport is straight down the hill and down many many steps. This is fine until it is time to come back home. A workout is part of that excursion. We found other more level approaches, requiring more walking / exploring time.
About five or ten minutes’ walk away are local shops, cafes, etc.
The entrance and immediate surrounding area look a little inner-city coarse / industrial – typical of any big city, but we quickly sensed from our surroundings that this area is likely much safer than equivalent locations in U.S. cities, say.
Novice traveler’s tips:
1. Good idea to have a local or roaming data plan to be able to communicate with the host during arrival.
2. Credit cards might “not work” at the end of the taxi ride from the airport. Cash-dispensing ATMs at the airport egregiously want up to 10% of your whole withdrawal as commission. Once in Istanbul small-fee or fee-free ATMs can be found – so only withdraw as much cash as is needed for a taxi ride from the airport (which, despite its forty minute journey, was equivalent to $US22 before tip). Or have the driver stop at an ATM on the way.
3. For public transport take care to buy the right type of card (the reloadable one). Most seemed to be struggling to make sense of the system at the transit vending machines.
We really enjoyed our stay and we would seriously consider staying here again (if appropriately priced).