Peaceful place with a Bosphorus view and a great host in Besiktas. Highly recommended!
The room - very clean and cosy with hypnotising panoramic view. You will see Bosphorus from your bed. Direct sun light comes after 2pm (in winter). The window faces inner yard, so there’s no car sounds, only birds’ songs. Working table. Big wardrobe.
Great location - 800m from the Havaist bus stop (but bare in mind that there’s a steep road leading to the house in case you have a heavy suitcase); 9 mins walk to the ferry station, from where you can get to Kadikoy, Uskudar, Eminonu, and even Princes Islands; supermarkets (Migros, Ucler) are nearby; 10-15 mins walk to fish market (normally they ask to pay in cash); 5 mins walk to the beautiful Yildiz park with picnic areas, parrots and a great city view; cafes and bars of Besiktas are within walking distance.
You will share the apartment with Ziya, the host. He is a very friendly, hospitable, interesting and open-minded person. Speaks perfect English. Always ready to help. Makes great strong Turkish tea :)
Things to mention: no elevator (but the apartment is on the 1st floor, so it’s ok); steep road leads from the main street to the house (around 3 mins walk, a good daily exercise).