We stayed nine nights as a family of four with kids ages 10 and 12, plus our Havanese dog, and had an incredible time! We truly believe that this lovely apartment with its perfect location made our stay a dream.
I was initially concerned about the small size of the apartment for our group and I even checked with Emilio to make sure he thought we'd be comfortable. He assured us and indeed we were--although we did have to be a bit creative in figuring out where to put suitcases.
While the apartment is quite chic and comfortable, the best thing about it is the location!! We spent almost half our time in Istanbul exploring the neighborhood near the apartment. It is really nice to enjoy what is right outside your door, especially when you get tired of walking and traveling and touristy areas during a busy city vacation. The neighborhood has a ton of character and conveniences like great coffee and groceries, but you also feel part of a real neighborhood. I really liked the area around the apartment more than any other part of the city. You are just steps away from the amazing antiques in Cukcurcuma (really wonderful and I could have spent a week just shopping here), minutes away from charming Galata, just around the corner from vibrant Istiklal Street, and about a ten minutes walk to the waterfront as well as tram stops that take you to the Old City and major landmarks. We loved Gramaj just across the street for coffee, Cuma for breakfast (five minutes walk), and Yeni (about 10 minutes walk) for dinner.
We found the outside space very convenient and fun for our kids and dog. It didn't quite live up to the pictures, which suggest a more private space (you are in an urban canyon between residential buildings). However, it is truly extraordinary to have a garden like that in the city--and the kids and dog really enjoyed exploring and mingling with the many cats.
The kitchen is tiny but suffices for coffee and basics (eating out is the way to go, anyway). I really appreciated the Nespresso machine (No. 9 coffee shop nearby sells pods)! I also appreciated having a washer and dryer, which worked well and had easy-to-follow directions provided. The internet worked great in the living room but was uneven in the bedrooms. There isn't a desk or table space for working/eating, and it was a bit tricky to keep the couch cushion on correctly, but we didn't really mind these things since we were usually out exploring.
That said, the apartment has real style and charm and is very comfortable overall. I found myself enjoying moments doing yoga or just looking out the window because it really is a special place. The beds are comfortable with plenty of pillows and warm blankets, and it was quiet in the bedrooms. The TV worked well, the towels were clean and fluffy, the guidebook provided was very helpful, the decorative touches make you feel at home, and we felt completely safe and comfortable at all times. The hosts were always helpful in communicating. I will note that we had a freak accident in which a glass panel shattered and also the water went out one day. I mention this because, while this could have been a nightmare situation with the wrong host, Emilio and Marian were exceptionally kind and generous in making everything right promptly. In the end, these were minor inconveniences that are just part of life in an older, urban apartment and we felt well cared for.
Overall, this is a gorgeous apartment that is in the most extraordinary location with exceptional conveniences/perks like washer/dryer and garden. I highly recommend and hope to be back.