Nice experience for our first time in Istanbul. Location is good, but if planning using Metro with luggage not perfect. We used taxi to and from IST airport and was easy and cheap both ways, even in heavy traffic. For moving around the city the location is perfect, near trams and ferries. Neighborhood is unique, relatively calm in the evenings but expect to wake up early with call for prayers and with businesses opening their metal doors (windows are not soundproof). View from the window is really beatiful, showing two different mosques illuminated at night. Sound of birds is also special. Heating is bery effective, both for water and ambient.