We really enjoyed staying at the Marmara Guesthouse! Once we made reservations, Elif also helped us by arranging shuttles for us to and from the airport. She was very responsive, getting back to us promptly each time we had a question. The Guesthouse was just right for us--centrally located in the Sultanamet area, and with a simple, comfortable room. Water pressure in the shower was good, and there was a small safe in the room for our valuables while we were out and about. Note that the Guesthouse is a town-home style building without an elevator, so is not the best for folks with mobility limitations. Like most of the hotels we stayed at during trip to Turkey, the key-fob must be inserted into a slot by the door to engage the room's electricity, so you cannot leave your electronics to charge during the time you are out of the room. Also, to lock/unlock the door from inside the room, you need to use the key.
Breakfast was wonderful, with homemade jams, sweets, boiled eggs, olives, spreads and a number of cooked and raw veggies. The woman who cooks breakfast was very sweet and helpful, and prepared a couple of delicious omelettes for us on request. It was great to meet Elif in person at breakfast the second morning. The staff was welcoming and helpful. We truly felt that the Guesthouse was our "home in Istanbul"!