Context: I am a Turkish-American who traveled w/ my 3 Canadian friends to Istanbul. I am very familiar w/ Istanbul and my native Turkey, so have a good idea how this place compares to the other options you will find in Istanbul.
Location: You simply cannot beat this location. It is at the very heart of all the sites and attractions you will want to see in Istanbul. The major attraction of Galata Tower is literally right around the corner. Oldtown is a short walk/tram ride away, Taksim/Istiklal are just a short walk! From the shore, you can discover Karakoy and travel all the way up to Besiktas easily via tram, taxi, or by walking. You can easily take the ferry across to Kadikoy from Karakoy. Though the immediate area is certainly a bit touristy, it is nothing compared to how chaotic the super-super touristy Oldtown area will be. Plus, Oldtown is relatively furtherer away from attractions like Besiktas and Taksim. For your morning coffee, I recommend the really cool Federal Coffeeshop right across the street (though the $3 per cup is a little pricier than the Turkish standards of $1.5-$2)
Host: Idil is the ideal host. A very effective communicator who got in touch with us preemptively at every step of the process. Checking in and out were very easy and straightforward. Felt like she treats this like a job like a professional as opposed to someone just renting their property.
Apartment: Very clean. There’s a big closet of fresh towels. Two bathrooms is very helpful. Rooms are spacious and beds are comfortable. The Wifi works well.
I would add that the building and apartment are a bit old. There’s positives to this of course, like the apartment being charming and feeling authentic. But you should manage your expectations accordingly. Though the pictures are accurate and everything exists in the apartment as shown, I do think the apartment looks just a bit more luxurious and newer than what the pictures portray. (Ex: furniture is old) However, I would not put this on the host, this is after all just how the real estate market works. Got to show the property in the best light you can. There was not anything particularly bothersome about this part for our group, who spent most of their time outside of the house.
Overall: would certainly recommend. Great value for the size and location. The host is everything you would want from a host. Would certainly be back the next time friends from abroad visit.