The first thing to say is that this is a really nice flat. It's the perfect size for two people and offers a great place to hang out in between exploring the city. It's simply-but-nicely furnished, and is a really interesting space. The beautiful ceiling, wooden floors, uuge windows and marble fire place provide a lovely environment with s really nice feel. I loved the traditional ottoman window which offered a great place to sit and observe the goings-on in the street down below. I've been to Istanbul a number of times before, and wanted to be able to explore the city a bit more this time which was easy to do from this flat. It's location is really handy to get to different places easily and it was great to be able to come and go throughout the day. I also liked being able to explore the surrounding streets and area at different times of the day, from early morning to late at night. It was great to be able to pop out to the baker's next door for breakfast simit babies and to the excellent locanta opposite for a great value and tasty late night dinner. We also really enjoyed being able to stroll up and down istiklal cadessi every evening and see all the attractions there.
The main issue is the noise - I had read all the reviews and advice from the owners, and thought I was prepared for it. I knew the area the flat is in so was fully prepared for there to be the noise of bars and people in the street. I've lived in busy city centre environments before so am used to being in noisey environments. We actively seek out hotels in busy, central areas and never have an issue with street noise - in fact, we quite like it as it feels like you are at the centre of things! However, the noise at night in this flat was unlike anything we'd ever experienced before! Up until around 10pm, the noise is of a really busy street full of bars and people - and I really liked that. You can hear all the live music from the bars and all the people walking by... It's loud, but it's interesting. I happen to love Turkish pop music, so the music was great for me! However, as soon as the clubs get going from around 10pm it changes - suddenly the acoustic music and chatter is replaced by incredibly loud and relentless techno music. It's not just loud, it makes the whole flat vibrate! It's seems to be that the clubs are blasting the music out into the street - I have no idea why they do this! Its not something I've ever experienced before. For the first two nights, the music continued until 5am. The second two nights, it went until 3am. I can sleep through most things, but this was pretty much at my limits of endurance! The nature of he street also means that once the music ends, you still have a lot of noise - at least two 5am fights and quite a few incidents of people screaming and shouting whilst we were there!
I'd say that you also need to be comfortable with the street itself, which is quite different the other surrounding streets off of istiklal. The particular clubs and bars in this street seem to attract some 'colourful' characters - at all times of the day! We mostly found this quite amusing (the antics of one particular local drunk gave us some entertainment most mornings!), but the very visible drunks, drugs and sex-selling could be a bit intimidating for people less used to urban living. We had a lady who decided to sleep in our doorway for an entire afternoon whilst she overcame he effects of certain substances... I managed to check she was okay within the limits of my very basic Turkish, but it was one of the more awkward days in terms of getting in and out of he building! Again, all taken in our stride, but I can imagine it being unsettling for anyone not used to urban living.
I enjoyed staying here. It gave me the best experience in terms of living at the heart of the city and getting to know Istanbul in a different way to how I have before. I felt like I'd really got to know the local area by the time we left. However, unless you intend to enjoy the bars and clubs of Beyoglu yourself into the early hours, this probably isn't the place for you. If I could have moved the flat a couple of streets away, it would have been perfect! As it is, despite the numerous charms of the flat, I would need to take a slightly quieter - less vibrating-to-Turkish-techno option next time!