This flat was great to stay in!
We were sent information on a cafe to tell the taxi driver to take us to from the airport where Gaye would meet us and walk us to the flat, as the flat is difficult for taxi drivers to find. Our driver had trouble finding the restaurant, bit we were able to call Gaye and she gave the driver directions, which was nice because we know no Turkish! Gaye was very helpful when we arrived, told us about getting around town and what to do, and recommended some good restaurants. She even set up the car from the airport that comes right to the front door. If we had any issues or questions she responded to my texts in a timely manner.
The flat is nice, has everything you would need for a comfortable stay. I liked the decor, it definitely is very cozy.
The neighborhood is nice and was a lot of fun to explore, lots of stores open late, as well as good restaurants and coffee shops. I think it's an older area, but I liked it, I got a real feel for the real Istanbul that I probably wouldn't have gotten with a hotel. The location is very close to the major touristic areas you will want to see. We opted to take cabs everywhere, we got them by the cafe on the main road, prices were good. It was a little difficult explaining to cab drivers how to get back, but of course we didn't know Istanbul. There are several restaurants on the same road with the same name, but we managed it!
It was a nice place to stay for a week with our toddler. Turkey is very good to children! There were other guests in the other flats but we hardly knew they were there. The flat is very clean and mostly quiet, and I felt safe going to a grocery store alone at night. It was nice to sit in the sitting room at night and unwind.
You do hear rosters, loud cats, and the call to prayer early in the morning, but I took it as part of the charm and mystique of visiting Turkey!
We really enjoyed our stay and I was glad I made the decision to stay at this place! More than just a place to sleep!