Generally, we enjoyed Bligehan’s apartment, although we were only there for two nights. It is certainly larger and has more character than a standard hotel room in central Istanbul.
The positives were the size (about 50m), the city view (especially pretty at sunset and night-time), the relatively quiet but handy location – walking distance to restaurants, markets and sights such as the river for Bsphorous tours and the Grand Bazaar- the free WiFi (which was a bit “dodgy” but improved after his brother, who lives in the apartment opposite, moved the router) and the helpfulness and responsiveness of Bilgehan, himself, who wasn’t there for our visit but sent us information and kept in touch. The apartment was also clean and tidy and had the basics needed for self-catering – fridge (old but working), gas-burners, kettle, sink, simple crockery and cutlery.
The negatives include that the building is really old and run-down, there is no lift and the 210 steps up the spiralish, dark staircase were rather challenging for us, even though we are fairly fit older people (aged 59 and 60 respectively), especially with luggage or after a long day’s walk in the heat. Fortunately, Bilgehan’s brother helped us with one bag when we first arrived. This place certainly wouldn’t be suitable for anyone who is unfit or disabled…much more suited for younger, fit people. There is no oven, microwave or TV (although the lack of TV was not a problem for us) and both the kitchen and bathroom are, indeed, in need of a “make-over,” (sorry, Bilgehan, but putting damp cloth over the drains does not really help reduce the bad smell coming from the drains – there are environmentally-friendly products you can buy to help with this!); there is no light in the bedroom area and the wardrobes and drawers were full of what we assume were our hosts clothes and shoes…it looks someone usually lives there and just put their stuff away because we were coming! The latter was not an issue for us as we were only there for two nights and really didn’t need to unpack our suitcase…presumably the clothes are taken away for people who stay longer???
Overall, the apartment was reasonable value and a fun experience, but just more suited to a younger generation. In addition, we have probably been spoiled by the comparative luxury of the apartments we have stayed in prior to this one… e.g; Split, Belgrade and Athens…at cheaper prices.