1. Host
Ms. Demet Polat is a great host. Fast responding. Reachable by call/whatsapp, almost instantaneously. Checking in with you to see if everything is fine, on daily basis. A thoughtful host too, she even prepared us drinks and instant meals so we don't have to go for food hunting upon arrival there at night. Most importantly, the host is an informative and easy-going person, not imposing you with so many rules, and checking in and checking out are made very smoothly. She also provides you with welcome note in the form of e-book which is packed-full with information and whatnot in and out of the house, just so you arrived ready. Very well done.
2. Apartment Unit
A very nice and complete unit it is. Everything you need in term of facilities at home is here (including if you forgot to bring your own travelling adapter). Staying in this apartment makes travelling easier. Small but could easily and comfortably fit in the four of us. Kids friendly space too for our 3.5 years old, and 9 months old boys to play around. Clean and spotless end unit of the residence, facing the trendiest Akasya Mall, public transportation hub (Unalan Interchange Metro Station/Bus station) and a highway connecting both continents of Istanbul. All is visible from the spacious balcony. If you are looking for a privacy, it definitely has it for you too.
3. Neighbourhood
Relatively a new neighbourhood, with several buildings are being constructed in the vicinity. The area is a trendy up-and-coming area of Anadolu (Asian side/Anatolia). Within 500 meter radius, you can easily get an access to local restaurants, and daily needs from 2 mini markets (carrefour Mini & 7/24 mart). There are also public transportation hub and a trendy Akasya Mall, both of which are reachable by feet.
4. Safety
There is only 1 way in and out of this apartment. With a locked gateway/door, and security personnel on standby 24 hours, it should be a worry free place for concerned tourists/parents like myself. The security personnels are polite and helpful despite language being the barrier. Within the house, smoke alarm and fire extinguisher are also provided. The door of the main entrance of the unit has a three-tier security system which is also an added value. Taking a stroll outside of the housing complex is relatively safe (just need to constantly watch-out for the incoming cars bidirectionally).
5. Accessibility to the public transportation
Fret not, public transportation in Istanbul is everywhere and is very efficient. And most importantly, it gets you wherever you want to go. Personally, it reminds me of the time when I used to visit Singapore and Guangzhou. Getting in and around the city is made possible by yellow/blue taxi from BiTaksi app. Fare is not something questionable. If you are an adventurous person, less than a 5-minute walk from the residence is what it takes to reach to Unalan Interchange Metro & Uzunçayır Interchange Metrobus. Add in another 1 or 2 minutes, you'll find yourself in Akasya Mall. Easy.
6. Overall
A never go wrong option for a modernist/minimalist person like I am. Nothing short of amazing is what concisely sums up this apartment.