Mehmet is a most cheerful and helpful host: he gave us lots of useful advice, drove us to the airport, and even called us the day after we left to be sure we arrived safely at our next destination. He keeps the apartments spotless and is always on call to solve issues and answer questions.
His building houses five individual carefully renovated apartments. It is located in Beyoglu, a quick downhill walk to the tram and a challenging uphill climb to the pedestrian shopping and dining Istiklal street. The Orucu Palace is a good choice if you want to experience life in Istanbul among the locals. Anyone with difficulty walking on cobblestone roads or climbing stairs might want to pass on this one, though.