Just back from a long trip. Staying at Zeynep's is a five star experience. I couldn't have been happier. Wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who looks for a tasteful, pristine clean, comfortable place with a thoughtful, responsive and friendly host to stay in Istanbul for a few days.
Zeynep's apt is just 1-2 min walk from Galata Tower. After traveling around the city, the Galata Tower area still remains to be my fav neighborhood. Walkable to all major tourist attractions, tram, interesting with cafés, restaurants and shops, yet the area maintains its residential feel, and Zeynep's apt is on a quiet street.
The building itself is brand new and very tastefully renovated. I myself couldn't have done a better job to it, if it were my own place. There's only one apt on each floor, so it's very quiet at night. The building door remains closed at all times, so I feel very safe staying there. In-room facilities provide all modern comfort and there's great attention to detail. Zeynep's mother is running an art gallery downstairs and she helped with choosing a lot of paintings in the room which I like a lot. I especially like the morning writing desk at the room which gives the room a bit of 19th century touch.
There's a lovely terrace on the rooftop where Zeynep furnished nicely as well. I brought my breakfast up there in the morning to listen to the humming of seagulls and watch the mosque in the sunset. A great summer time spent there.
Lastly I enjoyed Zeynep and her family's hospitality. Zeynep is very responsive and considerate in all email exchanges. I got to met and chat with her mother who speaks very good English, showed me some work in her gallery and gave me great advice on taking the cruise. Ugur met me at the door the morning I checked in at 6am, and he was very nice and helpful throughout.
So all in all, a very friendly and lovely experience, and I couldn't be happier. Hope I will visit again :)