Bilal and family are nice easygoing people. you will experience the locals lifestyle which was really a bonus! The house is clean and cosy with a few minor issues that can be lived with, "Bilal promised to take care of them anyway". Location is what I want to stress out the most: The area is in the middle of everywhere, 3 minutes walk to Istiklal, 10 minutes walk to sea front and Karakoy boat station for bosphore boat trips or the just 8 lira boat ride to cross the channel, 5 minutes to Tophane tram station that takes you to almost everywhere in Istanbul for just 7 lira including ( Topkape, Aya sofia & blue mosque, spice & grand bazar....etc). All of these pros of the location have a major issue for families with children/elderly members. IT'S REALLY HillY AREA and walking back from all of the mentioned attractions means a short but challenging uphill walk back home! we used to take breaks during the walk, race between the children and lift up the spirits with humour! It was really interesting , authentic and a chance to shape up! Thanks Bilal! Good Man