This appartment is a really nice place for a short or long stay! The house as well as the appartment are newly constructed and therefore very clean and not used at all. The interior of the flat is very beautiful. Furthermore it contains mostly wood elements which gives the appartment a very homey and cozy feeling. I loved the smell of wood. Moreover you can find everything you need!
Located in Ortakoy, you can perfectly reach all other important sightseeing hotspots but as well the night life easily and fast. There is a minibus (dolmus) going directly to Besiktas for 3 Lira, where you can see the Dolmabahce sarayi and the Besiktas Stadium for football lovers. From thereon, you can go to the Asian side like Kadikoy by ferry or to Taksim. Ortakoy is also famous for its clubs with beautiful Bosphorus view . Not to forget the very beautiful Ortakoy mosque.
Even though there are so many tourists in Ortakoy (and maybe throughout Istanbul), the neighbourhood has stayed authentic Turkish with its character of the Old Istanbul. Next to the flat, there is a sweet Turkish breakfast place with soul, where I enjoyed lots of coffees, teas and of course delicious Turkish breakfasts. Furthermore, there are a lot of small, cute shops to discover and eat in the neighbourhood.
My personal advice is not to stay in Fatih where all the big mosques are. It is very touristical, conservative and far from nightlife. Definitely the area is a must-see but that does not mean you have to stay there :). Also I woud recommend to discover the northern part of Istanbul like Bebek, Yenikoy and Sariyer where there is plenty to see like Rumeli Hisari and to eat and drink.
Mert and his lovely family hosted us perfectly. Every of our wishes were heard and fulfilled. He is a very kind host. This house is a Triplex which is a safer option when it comes to earthquakes. Unfortunely something you have to bear in mind when you visit Istanbul. A perfect place to stay in and rest after a long day in the jungle of Istanbul.