A fantastic experience. Isik is a great host -- responsive and friendly -- and the apartment is even more charming and pleasant than pictured.

The best feature, though, was the location in Beyoğlu. The Havatas bus from Ataturk Airport drops you at the north end of Taksim Square, five minutes from the apartment. Isik met us at a cafe and walked us to the apartment.

It's a 2 minute walk from the apartment to the Taksim metro / funicular stop. It's a 3 minute walk as to the top of the main commercial street, Istiklal Cadessi, a pleasure to stroll down, day or night, where great restaurants, cafes, bars and shops abound.

If you're in a hurry, taking the funicular and Tram #1, you can be at the Blue Mosque in 30 minutes. Or you can explore the winding streets leading down to Sultanahmet on foot, and come across something interesting every 30 seconds or so.

We can't wait to come back to Istanbul, and would stay with Isik again in a heartbeat!