We could not stay in the apartment for a long time, after the first night we had to cancel our reservation. Yet, I still want to leave positive comments on this apartment because of the kindness of its host, and the apartment being a fantastic bargain in terms of its very practical location.
Some important information to consider before you book:
- Apartment windows are well-fenced; small in-door porch is half-fenced (up to app. 5'7''/1.70 cm height). This is I suppose a well-intentioned cautionary measure that protects the guests from possible break-ins/thefts which is important in such a central neighborhood. But if you are claustrophobic or if an exit plan is the first thing you assess when you enter a new space due to natural disasters like earthquake or fire; this place might be a trigger for you.
- The host already lists that one of the bedrooms is connected to the living room. Apart from that bedroom one and two are annexed to each other as well. So, it is a walk-through from one bedroom to the other to go to the bathroom. Bathroom door is glazed and a little bit see-through (when you are changing-in after a shower etc). This might be a concern if you are travelling with a medium to large size group and if you nonetheless do not want to trade off privacy and intimacy.
Apart from these two concerns I think it is still a great apartment to book and you should give it a chance for the reasons below:
Vefa is a very nice, kind and experienced host. He is an excellent communicator: check-in was flawless and he offered us not to hurry when we checked out unexpectedly early. Thanks to him we had the chance to leave our luggage in the apartment and spent some time in the neighborhood until the afternoon which was very nice of him. He is very quick to respond as well.
Apartment is flawlessly clean! It is also very well-equipped with everything you may need for a short stay. Everything listed as amenities (towels, shower gel, laundry and dryer etc.) are accurately provided.
Location is very practical as it is literally a two minute walk from the famous Istiklal street, and within walking distance to subway (Taksim/Sishane), tram (Findikli Station) and Havaist Taksim Stop (airport bus shuttle is a 15 minute walk from the apartment). If you are an night-owl and like the nightlife, it is an enjoyable location as well as being practical. Also, very "hip" neighborhood Cihangir is just near-by. While walking you can randomly stumble over an antique shop, an art gallery, a historical turkish hammam or a museum. That is indeed a beautiful area.