The host provided with detailed instructions on how to access the apartment and where to find the keys although she herself was not there as she had new borns to take care of. She checked in on me a few hours after I arrived to make sure I made it alright which I appreciated. However, she, like many Airbnb hosts expect guests to have internet and whatsapp in case there is a problem, and that is not always the case. Just a little note for future guests.
The apartment had what's necessary and was nicely decorated and maintained. The appartment is used, I believe, solely as an airbnb property and so there are little homey elements in it aside from the bare minimum. Would have appreciated a bottle of water as I arrived quite early in the morning and did not know my way around (there is a small grocery store right behind the bulding with fresh fruits and vegetables and the necessary). Would also have appreciated a change of towels since we were two and stayed 5 nights. I am sure we would have gotten fresh towels had we asked but I guess these things should be automatic for airbnb properties, as well as some elements to clean (broom, wipe, etc) if we're staying more than one or two nights.
The apartment was very close from Taksim square and metro station (as well as the Havabus transportation from Ataturk Airport) so very close to restaurants and cafes but was located in the side of Beyoglu that has not been renovated yet. The buldings nearby are run down and the neighberhood itself not worth the visit, need to cross towards Pera/Karakoy to find the more trendy restaurants and cafes. The appartment and building were clean but surrounded by garbage and run down buildings (especially view from the room). The room (and bed) is quite small for 2 people and barely gets day light so ideal for short stays.
Don't come to this area on labor day (May 1st) as the entire neighborhood was on a lock down and spent the entire day walking to get out of a what seemed like a rat maize. Handan was nice enough to give me a heads up the day before but that was a day lost - not her fault of course - in Istanbul.
Relatively good value for money and very responsive host despite being busy with her family. Thank you again for having us.