Ahmet the host is a shy speaker of English however, he will give you a tour of his 5-STAR apartment before check-in should you have doubts and then a tour at check-in. His pictures are 100% accurate!!!! It is HEATED and AIR CONDITIONED!!!
The location is key - it is ideal for both SAW and IST airports, airport shuttles stop in Kadiköy. You might want to take a taxi or if you have access to public transport from IST to the metrobus line and then it is one straight ride to the apartment. It has a transport hub (metrobus, bus, metro and high speed train) in 5 mins walk. Then there is Kadiköy bus terminus and ferry terminal.
The apartment is pristine - squeaky clean!!!! Man, I was in shock!!!! It is a new apartment in a family apartment building. The building has an elevator/lift and a staircase. The entrance to the apartment has a heavy door with a triple-turn lock (in case you want to be secure). the entrance hall gives access to the bathroom on the left, the kitchen on the right that leads to the balcony, the living room, and the bedroom. Each unit is independent!!. The bathroom is modern with a shower stall, glass sliding doors, showerheads for a regular shower, or a rain effect to just destress. Hot and cold water is just a turn of the mixer away!! The toilet is modern European wall-mounted and the face basin has a vanity, plus mirrors, a linen cupboard where you are provided with towels. There is also a washing machine should you need to wash. Instructions are in Turkish so get Google Lens on your cell and it is a breeze to operate. Should you have spills then you have cleaning agents and towels under the face basin. The bathroom is very spacious.
The bedroom has a queen-size double bed with a new firm mattress ( no backaches or feeling you are on a waterbed). There is a wardrobe with enough space for a family, an iron board, and a vacuum. The window can be opened or tilted and you have curtains for daytime and drapes to ensure you have a sound sleep in the dark. The entire apartment is well ventilated if you are a natural airflow lover like me.
The living room has a desk, tv set, cable and Ahmet has subscriptions to channels in Turkish, Kurdish, Arabic, French, German, and English. So, he caters to all the major languages of his guests. There is also a split AC unit for those super-hot summer months. There is a large sofa that is also a fold-out bed which can sleep, 3 adults. There is a coffee table. The apartment is well lit with natural light and the living room is no exception. You have curtains and drapes to filter the light and a faux balcony. You open the door and you have a rail that gives the feel you are outside. The door can be opened or tilted based on your personal preference.
The kitchen is fully equipped. table, chairs, a double door refrigerator with more than an adequate freezer, and fridge space for a family. A dishwasher if you get lazy, a granite countertop for food preparation, and a sink for washing and food preparation. There are multiple cupboards with cooking utensils and chinaware. You have a 4 burner gas countertop and a built-in oven. There is also a hood for the cooking fumes. ALL WORKS and it is a space that makes you truly feel at home. From the kitchen, you access the balcony to see the courtyard or watch birds (doves, pigeons, crows, and other species). From the balcony, you have access to the clothesline for handing out washed items. To access the line you will need to open the sliding glass doors which are different from the main door to the balcony. This is also the area for smoking and the apartment had no signs of smoking or pets so it was ALLERGY FREE!!!
What to eat???? Check the fridge door for his suggestions of local restaurants most of them deliver. Otherwise, get out and explore the community and eat from various neighborhood restaurants.
The apartment is located in a shopping district. You can explore the shops from the apartment to the ferry terminal and get items from a pin to an anchor. For haute couture and high-end shopping, you can access malls. I recommend Akasya Mall a 30-minute stroll. There is a massive food court and shops of all major fashion houses and brand names (Nike, Rolex, Apple) down to your regular department stores H&M or Turkey's LC Waikiki (LCW) which has high-quality stuff at a bargain price.
Historic sites are also a stone's throw away with mass transit taking you to all the sites.
WARNING! For non-Turks access to Malls and Public transport requires a HES code. This is part of Turney's pandemic management. Apply for it, get it and the QR code then gives you the freedom to move around. Get an Istanbul card also as the transport system is cashless.
If you are ready to travel then Ahmet's apartment in Kadiköy on the Asian side of Istanbul is a might bargain for the comfort and location!!!!