10/10 EXPERIENCE!!! Unbiased and honest review after staying in 3 different properties in different areas of Istanbul over 40 days..
This is definitely the place to stay in Istanbul during your visit (short or long). Avoid the commercial, expensive and poor value for money dwellings in the city center just to live in the center of the action and be troubled by the usually hush hush and cramped places.
Instead, live in a historically rich, calm and fresh surrounding (you get the breeze from the sea if you're window is facing the front side), relatively superior room standards, ancient nostalgic community feeling, all this with a public transport connection which gets you to the hotspots conveniently.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Grocery / convenience store, pharmacy, fruit and vegetable vendors, laundry, turkish sweets shops, bakery, men & women's salon, turkish tea shops, all 1-2 mins. walk away.
- NOW THE BEST PART!!! : There is the least touristy and best value for money Turkish Hammam which is just opposite the Balat residence. I have been to the best Hammams in Istanbul and for 1/5th of the price you'll pay here you can do more of it and really enjoy this ancient spa experience!!!
- There is a park and sea (corniche) just across the road!
- Bus stop to reach to and from Taksim/Beyoglu, tram/metro stations, ports, etc at 2 mins. walking distance.
- If you are going during summers, rooms have A/C.
- Neat and clean rooms

The hosts Rasim and Ali were genuinely helpful and friendly. With a bit of language barrier they'll do their best to guide you through your stay and public transport connection tips!

Enjoy Istanbul!!! :)