We enjoyed staying at Hikmet's apartment. The location was good and you felt like a local as it is a touch off the main tourist road.
The rooftop area is a nice addition and the complimentary breakfast Hikmet made for us on the first morning was the best we had in Istanbul. yum!
There are three 'bewares' I will mention. 1. there are a lot of steps to get to the apartment (winding staircase). I actually enjoyed the exercise of it though. 2. The bed is very hard. 3. It is a noisy apartment - give the loaction of being amongst the locals in the shoe district, there are noises during the night and very early in the morning.
All in all we enjoyed our stay.
Thanks Hikmet!
p.s. the transport from the airport we organized with Hikmet was fantastic. Quick and in our own private car.