This flat is in a great location for exploring Istanbul. Besiktas is not in the Golden Horn, but rather in a bustling residential district full of streetside grape leaf vendors, sumptuous fish restaurants, and hole-in-the wall places selling the godly Kaymak clotted cream (find Pando Kaymak, it's amazing). There are buses from Besiktas to Taksim and to the tramway that goes to the big sites of Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque, Haia Sofya). So when you arrive, make sure to check in with the hosts about the best and cheapest ways to get around. Don't miss the Saturday Besiktas vegetable market. The hamam in the neighborhood is great and half the price of those in Sultanahmet.

About the hosts - Basak and Idil were lovely. Basak has moved out of the flat and Idil has her own life, but both are friendly and helpful and happy to share their knowledge of the city. They were flexible about check out times. I expected a little more "together time" from the people in the flat, but Istanbul has enough to offer instead.

About the accommodations: Very clean. Comfortable bed. We quickly got over climbing up five stories, and it was worth it for the awesome view from the bedroom. Furniture in the bedroom was a little shabby, but the apartment on the whole is large and spacious, the Internet works (you may have to change your DNS codes), the kitchen is fully loaded, and for what we paid, this was definitely worth it - and even beyond.

By the way: For great recommendations on food in Besiktas and around the city, visit istanbuleats.com. I cannot recommend that site enough.