Tolgay is an excellent host. He checked in often and was quick to respond when I had a need or a question. On the day I arrived, he rescued me from a messy situation with a taxi stuck in traffic, talking with the driver, meeting me at a busy intersection, and helping me carry my luggage up to his apartment. Everything in the apartment looks new and the bathroom is right out of a five-star hotel. The kitchen is well equipped and the wifi is excellent. I clocked it 10 Mbps download speed. (The expensive hotel I stayed in later for my work-related conference across town was 2 Mbps.) Tolgay’s flat is on the third floor. To get there you go up two and a half flights of clean, well-lit stairs. The rooftop terrace is another 2-3 flights up and worth the effort. The neighborhood is quiet and safe and close to Galata Tower, Galata Bridge, the tram, and lots of nice restaurants and shops. I stayed in February and the heating system worked beautifully. One thing to note, the second bedroom, the smaller one, does not have a door. That didn’t pose a problem for me and my daughter, but it’s worth knowing in advance. I would stay here again and gladly recommend it to friends.