Garen was a great host. The flat is in a hilly section of Istanbul that is a working class neighborhood, but my family of six loved it. Each day we would stop at the corner market half a block up where my kids gave the owner hugs and the owner gave my kids candy. We become good friends with the store clerks about a half block away at the main supermarket and keep up with them on Facebook. The flat had everything we needed to stay their for a month and was very new and well equipped. The market literally right outside your door step every Sunday is something not to be missed. You are within 5 minutes walk of Istiklal street and all the night life you could want. We were very happy with our stay and plan on going back next time we are in Istanbul.