The apartment is spacious and has a very good layout (we were 4 people and used the living room with the sofa bed as an additional bedroom so each of us had her own bedroom which was great), is nicely refurbished and was very clean.
Unfortunately the place is a bit damp, maybe due to the leaking water-pipe mentioned in one of the other reviews. I am sure that will be sorted soon.

The location is great only a short walking distance to Istiklal Caddesi or to a tram stop that takes you anywhere else. The street itself seemed a little run-down (compared to western European standards) but we are not that fussy so it was perfectly fine. People in the neighbourhood were very friendly and there are little shops close by to buy groceries.

Garen is a great host, very friendly and helpful. He arranged for a taxi from the airport, helped us settling in and recommended great restaurants.