The room inside the host's appartment was nice, private, quite and had perfect temperature (not too cold or hot) given the cold weather of Istanbul in February. However there is no airconditioning for the summer. I could use the host's fridge to store food and his oven or cooker and kitchenware. There was hot water available. Wifi was great. The appartment is in a block of buildings guarded by private security who controls who gets in and out which gives a feeling of safety. The area feels safe and on the first floor of the building the are mini markets. For your transportation don't take g. maps advice but take the 36L or MK50 bus to KAZIM KARABEKIR METRO (bus frequency every 7 min bus stop out of building) and from there use metro and tram and funicular to go to Aya Sofya area and around the city or to Kagithane metro to Istanbul airport. The pool is indoors in the same building, heated and open from noon to 10:30 pm- Monday closed. Entry fee was 75 TL. Host was usually in house.