Quick facts:
Clean
Modern
Centrally located
Good amenities
Super helpful host with great communication
The details:
If you need any special requests please reach out to Benny. He will always be a part of my memorable day in Turkey. I am forever grateful to him as my then boyfriend reached out to Benny to create an EXTRA special experience in the beautiful apartment. As we walked in I was not expecting anything out of the norm but upon arrival there was a man in the bedroom videotaping the next sequence of events. Above the bed were beautiful balloons which read "Will you marry me" My boyfriend proposed. I said yes and Benny videotaped it all! In addition he had dinner prepared for us.
Check in with the guard was relatively easy. We did have a small discrepancy as to key location (not Benny's fault the guard didn't read direction for key location properly) however Benny was an instant phone call away and the snafu was corrected immediately. Traveling to Istanbul Turkey can be overwhelming especially if you do not speak the native language. However arriving to Benny's places immediately relaxes you after what could be a long flight. Upon entry from the busy hustle and bustle street, you enter a small lobby with a 24 hour guard. Having a guard always makes me feel extra safe as there are no random people roaming around the place.
The apartment itself is clean and decorated nicely. It is spacious and has an amazing view of the surrounding Turkish landscape. Colorful homes stacked up on the hillside with domed top mosques in the distance. From the bedroom if you open the door you can get a view while laying down in the comfortable bed.
The balcony itself is spacious and comfortable for you to sit outside and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. People watching is also an option as you can see people walking on a nearby street as well as a local school. You can sit outside and hear the daily calls to prayer as well. It is truly a neat cultural experience to hear the Adhan ring through the streets. Don't worry, inside of the apartment you will not be disturbed if you don't want to hear the early morning prayer or the daily goings as the windows are thick and you will not be disturbed by the street noise in the distance.
The bathroom is modern with a nice size shower, big enough for two ;-) You have the choice of the rainfall shower head, handheld sprayer or a spout.
It is equipped with shampoo, and shower gel as well as the necessities like toilet paper and plush towels. Benny even provides some extra masks
The couch in the living room is comfortable and you might find yourself snoozing there. If you happen to be a third person on the trip, don't worry, the couch will be a good place to sleep during the night.
There are plenty of outlets in the apartment but don't forget your European adapter plug if you're from overseas.
In the building, there is a nice pool with a sauna and steam room available to enjoy. There is also a gym on premise. All of the community facilities are clean and modern.
If you are adventurous and rented a car, parking is available at the site. If you are too chicken to drive yourself like I was, the waiting zone for your driver is very easily accessible. Also, there is a small market store across the street if you need some quick items.
Even though the apartment is comfortable enough to spend your entire trip inside, the building is centrally located to some local attractions so get out and experience Turkey. Dolmabahce palace is close and you can hop in a cab to reach the location with ease. In walking distance there are a few restaurants where you can dine local cuisine options.
A stay at Benny's will not disappoint.