My favourite thing about Başak’s place is its central location. Cihangir is a charming, traveler-friendly neighbourhood, perfect as a base from which to access all of Istanbul. It is close to key transportation hubs, full of restaurants, cafes and bars (including many places for a good Turkish breakfast spread), shops, gyms and more -- lively, yet residential. Cihangir is also a <10-minute walk away from the gorgeous Bosphorus. Even though I was travelling as a single woman, I never felt unsafe walking home!
A few things to note:
- The room’s windows face west so during the summer months, the room bakes in the afternoon sun. I had to purchase a standing fan to make sleep bearable. (Left it for future occupants -- you’re welcome!)
- The other rooms in the apartment are rented out/listed on AirBnB so be prepared to share the space with a rotating crew of travellers / students / remote workers.
- I would describe the place as “shabby chic”. There is a charm to the place but quite a few things broke during my stay. Başak lives outside of Istanbul, but you can reach her by phone to get things fixed.
- Drinking water is not provided so you have to coordinate with the other housemates to get it ordered or do so yourself.
- The place is equipped with WiFi but I found the bandwidth too weak to support smooth video conferencing calls for work.
- The cleaning service for communal areas is irregular. Though your room will be cleaned ahead of your arrival, you will be responsible for cleaning throughout the rest of your stay.
Otherwise, as described on this listing:
- The kitchen is equipped with all the cooking utensils and some basic ingredients you would need for simple cooking.
- The washing machine works well and a drying rack is available for use.
- You have access to a balcony that is lovely for fresh air in the mornings and nights.
- This room is spacious and the bed is huge.
- There is also a working elevator in the building to ease your climb up to the 5th floor after hiking the city’s hills!
Even though we never met, Başak was responsive and accommodating throughout my stay.