Basma's flat is in an excellent location. It's about a 2 minute walk to the tram stop and it takes about 10 mins to get all the Istanbul sights and attractions. The room is small but a fine size for one or two people. The bed is extremely comfortable and we slept very well, except for the heat which meant that we had to open the window, and consequently got eaten alive by Mosquitos! So if you stay, be sure to stock up on insect repellent!

Unfortunately, our experience at Basma's place is not what we were expecting. There was another couple staying in the flat and it felt rather crowded. 5 people living in a tiny 2 bed apartment doesn't really work. Basma sleeps in the living room which is connected to the Kitchen. Tea and coffee making facilities were in the hall outside the room, not in the kitchen,and we felt awkward using the kitchen facilities, especially when we were locked out of the living room in the early evening and had to wake Basma up in order to get to the kitchen and make dinner.

The kitchen is tiny, was not clean and was extremely cluttered. There was no bin in our room and we were 'expected' to take out our own garbage and put it in a street bin. The bathroom was also not very clean. There were notes all over the apartment telling us what we can and can't do so it felt more like a hostel than a home.

We got locked out of the house on one occasion (the front door handle is broken and very hard to use) and Basma didn't answer her phone so we had to sit in the hallway for half an hour (which didn't smell very nice).

All these things wouldn't have mattered at all if we had felt truly welcome at Basma's place. But Basma did not seem interested in us at all, preferring instead to be in silence on her computer whilst we were sitting in the living room with her trying to make conversation. Basma didn't offer much particular help or advice about Istanbul and where to go, despite us asking.

In all, Airbnb is obviously a good business for Basma. However, even for the price (which is excellent for this location in Istanbul) we were sadly not satisfied Airbnb users on this occasion.