We stayed at Farehttin's apartment for 6 days without any problem. The apartment is very close to a mosque so if you need to sleep it will be tough as the 1st call for prayer start very early in the morning. Your wake-up call will be regular every morning. For us it was no problem, but it may be for some.

Check-in was without any hitch. The directions provided by Farehttin for the taxi driver was perfect. Fahrettin was at the apartment waiting for us. Prior to leaving the airport, I have sent Farehttin a short message to inform him of our coming.

Farehttin was very helpful with all the information we needed. At my request prior to our arrival, he also lent me an Istanbul card loaded and ready to use. I reimbursed him for the money stored in the card and I just added as needed. I returned to Farehttin the Istanbul card on my departure. This service and convenience was very helpful. We did not need to find the place to buy the Istanbulcard. Upon our arrival, we were ready to go and explore the city.

For those who prefer to cook and eat "at home", there are several shops in the vicinity of the apartment selling all the daily necessities.