I would like to break this review into three parts:
1. The neighborhood - so good you don't want to go home. The lanes are pretty, safe and worth spending all your day on foot. Taksim square is closeby and so is the tram station so you're very well connected. It was easy and comfortable to travel around Fatih and Besiktas from here. There are ample cafes around for any kind of fix and experiment.

2. The home/room - very tastefully done! Super comfortable for one person or two petite people :) There is enough room to unwind at the end of the day. The view is a lovely cherry on the cake. Since it's on the fourth floor (or maybe third - I stopped counting after 2) , it's quiet and peaceful for a good nights rest. The entire home infact is beautiful and a true extension of Ali's calm demeanor.
3. Ali - most courteous and sweet! Ali was helpful from the get go, guiding me on the public transportation and recommending things to do on my first day in Istanbul. He made me feel welcomed and created a safe space for a solo woman traveler. He respects your space, lets you do your thing & is not an overbearing host. I def hope to return one day.
In summary, if you're looking for the perfect location with the kindest host, then this is it. Signing off with what Ali told me on the first day - 'Taksim is for living life'