Casa LoBueno was a very comfortable apartment, beautifully renovated and tastefully furnished. The bedrooms were spacious and the kitchen well equipped. The stairway leading up from the building entrance to the flat is in poor condition, but we were told that renovation is planned. We were especially grateful for the essentials like bottled spring water, tea and coffee which were provided. Izel was an outstanding host; although we arrived in the evening, he not only welcomed us at the flat but also took the time to walk up to the nearby Galata Tower with us and show us the local area. We really appreciated the tram card and mobile phone he provided, and also the very useful, clearly structured information on Istanbul that he emailed to us. He was always reachable, always ready to help (for example, supplying the special kind of pillow my wife needs).
Casa Lo Bueno is very conveniently situated: we enjoyed evening strolls up to Istiklal, which surpassed our expectations — an appealing mixture of luxury shops and vibrant street life, including some fabulous musicians. The short walk down from the apartment to the tram stop goes through a distinctly run-down neighbourhood, though its former opulence is apparent in the architecture, and some renovation is already under way.
In short, Casa LoBueno is a very good apartment, and one of the best features of staying there is Izel's tremendous, well thought out service package.