Summary:
We spent 7 nights at this place.
I don't recommend it. It's new but it has been milked without any maintenance. It's not suitable for old people or people without a car. I booked it based on all the 5 stars reviews and the fact it's labeled "super host". I wanted to cancel but this host cancellation policy didn't include any return and I have paid for a full week.
Pros:
The Host Yakup is a very polite, nice and Communicative. He provided transportation for a fair price. The booking price was great given the size and location of the apartment.
Cons:
Location:
The location is relatively good. It's 10 minutes away from Taksim, metro and Istiklal st. It's close to many small restaurants and markets.
However, the only way to get to the place is through a very steep road so any old people will find it extremely difficult to walk uphill. The sub street that lead to the apartment is ALWAYS blocked by a shop owner car and you have to fit in the remaining space between the car and the wall to walk. If you plane to spend the day in the apartment, you can expect a lot of noise as the building is surrounded by two noisy schools (basketball yard was in front of us)
Building and unite conditions:
3 floors building. This unit located in the second floor. Recently built. Elevator available but very small (2 people max.) The walls are very thin. we were hearing the boys parties until 3:30 AM.
Living room:
The sofa bed were comfy although dirty. The rug was dirty too and filled with spelling spots. Two big windows with good natural light access.
Bedrooms:
Mattress were good. The sheets, blankets and pillowcases where old and dirty. The queen bed smelled like cigarettes. The other one smelled like mold. Water heater were placed in the bedroom which is loud and make the room hot like hell!
Unavailable Amenities:
No dish washer, No hair dryer, No AC in all bedrooms (very hot during summer), No venting fans in the kitchen or bathroom. Expect the whole place to smell food while cooking. No cleaning equipments. The place became like shit during our stay. I've asked Yakup for cleaning equipment but he didn't prove any.
Kitchen items:
Very simple, one sticky pan, two
Small pots. one bad knife, glasses, dishes, coffee pot, tea pot.