First off, the view from the floor to ceiling windows in the penthouse apartment was spectacular, amazing views over the Bosphorus to Asia and across the Golden Horn to old Istanbul. Absolutely fantastic.
The neighbourhood is great, a really hip and young area with great bars, restaurants and shopping all within 5-15 min walk from the flat. Loads of quirky boutique shops for clothes, accessories etc on the same street, and some great little coffee shops that do lovely breakfast.
Definitely the less tourist end of Istanbul, and a short 10-15min uber ride across the Golden Horn to all the major tourist sites.
Ali was a great host, perfect comms, came out to meet us when google maps and the taxi driver could only get us to within 50m of the apartment. Had some good recommendations, very approachable and friendly and charming.
Apartment was an open plan area, perfect space for a couple for a long weekend, had all the amenities needed for a pleasant stay.