This place is very good for first time in Istanbul travelers, as we were. Everything around Alihans place is a must see, and it is very nearby. Alihan has some good informations about cheap and good restaurants too. His house is fair when it comes to prices.
We choose to pay a private car from Alihans place from and to the airport, and felt safe with this decision. Even taxi is half the price, it is not worth it.