Rifat quickly responds to you and will greet you on your first day. He recommended to us a good place to eat and it was! He accommodates to our needs and is a nice man. There is also a nice man living on the first floor in the building who will help you with anything you need, but he does not speak English so it is recommended that you have Google Translate handy.
The place itself is located in a very local area, so you don’t feel like you’re in a tourist area even though it’s a 10 min walk to the Sultanahmet district. It gives you an authentic experience. Just walk around the area and you will get access to cheap, local food along with a few minimarts where you can buy fresh fruits/water etc. The hotel is located among local houses, which can be a little noisy but makes it lively. This area also feels moderately safe. The prayer call is loud can be heard from the nearby mosque. There are also the lesser known free attractions around the area such as Küçük Aya Sofya and also Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque within 500m.
The place is also located 10min away from 2 tram stations - Sultanahmet and Cemberlitas so you can easily access public transport that way. Even though you can take the tram, it is a manageable 10-20min walk to many attractions in the Museum Pass. You can even walk to Spice Bazaar, Grand Bazaar and Eminonu Pier from the apartment, taking maximum 30min. Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya and Topkapi Palace are only 10 min away. Only do that if you are fit!
Even though it’s 10min away from the main attractions, you have to take note that this part of Istanbul (old city) is very very steep and hilly and the roads are cobblestoned (not luggage-friendly). Elderly people, lazy people or people with walking problems are not advised to stay here because it is quite a hike back and forth from the apartment. If you want to be more active and healthy, it will be a good idea to stay here.
Laundry is available in the building for free but you have to dry the clothes yourself. The apartment may be lacking in shampoo/soap so please bring your own in case. An ironing board is also available, along with a fridge and a cooking area. Do not expect a luxury stay in this apartment, it is small but functional and practical. Beds are pretty comfortable and apartment is clean which is lovely.
Thank you Rifat for the great stay at Sophia Studio Apartment!