The host (agency) arranged for us to be picked up at airport for a separate fee. Our plane was delayed so we were grateful that they were still there an hour and a half later! We were met by Zeynep and her colleague at the apartment, who were friendly and polite and gave us keys and all the information we needed.

The apartment was just like the photos, clean and spacious with wonderful views over the Bosphorus. We particularly loved how the large windows could be opened wide, opening up the apartment to the beautiful view. There's a small balcony at both the front and back of the apartment. There's also a tiny little lift to take you up to the 5th floor which is handy. Only issues with the apartment was the mold on the bathroom ceiling and lack of bath curtain, so the floor tends to get wet! No problems with anything else.

The apartment is located on a fairly quiet residential street. A bit of noise can be heard from the street below when in bedrooms with windows open (though didn't affect me, light sleepers may notice). The local area is great for the multitude of little independent cafes, bars and shops. You are no more than a ten minute walk to the main shopping street which is packed all day and night. If you want to get to the main sites, then you can walk 10 minutes down the hill to the tram (with some great little coffee shops and bakeries along the way) and be at the Blue Mosque/Grand Bazaar in half an hour. There's also a funicular train running up and down the hill between Taksim Square and the tram if you don't fancy the walk. If you are really keen on having the main sites on your door step then I would recommend staying in the old part of town across the bridge from Gelata tower. If you want a more local experience (Beyoglu seems to be where all the cool kids go) then I'd definitely recommend this area.

Overall our stay was very enjoyable and I would recommend this apartment to all people visiting Istanbul.