This is the best Airbnb rental I have ever experienced on a wide variety of levels. First, the location is the “bullseye” location for historical Istanbul and simply can’t be beat. Second, the units have been designed, developed and furnished at a high level – it feels both very warm but also very professional and solid. Third, the host, Volkan, is superb. It has generally been my policy to only stay with Superhosts and Volkan is the best host I have ever experienced in my years of staying at Airbnbs domestically in the U.S. and abroad. Volkan is intelligent, honest, responsive and helpful. For someone visiting Istanbul without any connection in Istanbul, having such a host provided a benefit that, while difficult to measure on a monetary basis, is of tremendous value.
A few things to note. First, the stairs do wind a bit and are not easy for those with mobility impairments. My 82 year old mother was able to climb them but it required effort. Second, although Volkan provides all of the appropriate equipment (overhead fan heating, electric space heaters, rugs) to keep the apartments warm the units are stone buildings so they (at least in April) are cool and people should consider bringing a pair of warm socks for their feet if they don’t want (like me) to keep the heat on all the time. Third, Sultanahmet is very valuable real estate so while the units use space very effectively, bathroom space, etc. is compact. Fourth, traffic everywhere in Sultanahmet is quite difficult, so walking around to nearby sites is preferable.
Please note that the picture shown on Google Maps for Seyit Hasan Sk. No:14 (the address) is not correct. This can be determined on its face since the number in the picture is not 14, but 10. DO NOT BE MISLED BY THAT PHOTO AS IT IS NOT EVEN THE CORRECT LOCATION – this issue may be due to the fact that Google Maps seems to depict the location of the units as if they face Utangaç Sk., when it reality they face on to Seyit Hasan. The units have a beautiful exterior. The actual location can be seen correctly be searching on Google Maps for Seyit Hasan Sk. No:16 (which is next door) and then looking at the adjacent property. However, you will note if you look carefully at the Google Maps info that the Streetview info is from November 2017 – the exterior of both Blue Suites by V (the Airbnb location) has been extensively remodeled since that time so Streetview is also inaccurate. So, to see the correct exterior you should search in Google Maps for “Blue Suites by V Istanbul” (see https://www.google.com/maps?q=Cankurtaran,+Blue+Suites+by+V,+Seyit+Hasan+Sk.+No:14/1,+34122+Fatih/%C4%B0stanbul,+Turkey&ftid=0x14cab9bb8ff946a9:0xd5f89a6fefb9d16e&hl=en-US&gl=us&entry=gps&lucs=a1&shorturl=1) which shows the current exterior.
The appreciation of this Airbnb comes from its value. It may be more expensive than some other places but the when you consider the location, the quality of units in terms of construction, design and furnishings, and the benefit of such a wonderful and responsive host, the value of this Airbnb is outstanding.