Believe all the reviews about Doruk and his apartment. He is a fantastic host. He was so gracious and helpful. He arranged for round trip car service for us to the airport. He met us at the apartment and after showing us around the place, he took considerable time to show us around the neighborhood pointing out many of his favorite shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. He then had us join him for dinner and drinks with his many local friends who eventually became our friends as well. Need less to say from the very beginning we felt welcome by many of the locals we were introduced to by Doruk, including the gang at the Mavra design cafe down the street (definitely go the for breakfast and for drinks).

The apartment is very comfortable and large. It is well equipped and furnished. The rooms are very quiet as they are in the rear away from the street. Doruk is always available if there are any issues. Only a few steps across the street is a little grocery store and the supermarket is also very close by. As I previously mentioned there are many excellent cafes, restaurants and bars walking distance from the apartment.

If you are a shopper, you will love the area. There are many wonderful boutiques selling quality Turkish goods. We bought more things here than we have ever purchased on our many other trips.

Just a 5 minute walk down the street is the excellent tram system that will take you to all the important locations for sightseeing. Doruk provided us with a transit card and showed us how to use it, including how to add more Turkish lire to the card. The tram is very convenient and easy to use. It takes just 10 minutes to the Sultanahmet stop where Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosk. Topkapi palace and other major sights are located.

Also next to the tram station down the hill from the apartment is the Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı. This is a beautiful hamam for a Turkish bath. It is especially nice for first timers as the staff is very attentive and will walk you through the process with ease. I highly recommend that you go there.

Cat lovers should also know that this is their paradise. There are cats everywhere. All are well fed and happy because they rule in Istanbul.

Finally, I have to give a shout out to all the Turkish people we met throughout our trip. They were always friendly and many of them were very helpful. They always were welcoming and happy to meet us. Doruk is a perfect reflection of the kindness of the Turkish people. For this reason we plan to return to Turkey and will always include a visit with our very good friend Doruk.