Asta's and Cetin's home in Istiklal is fantastic for those seeking adventure in Istanbul's core. You're a few steps away from Sishane Metro Station and a 10 minute walk from Tophane (the tram station), and they'll both carry you to wherever you need to get to and back. Asta and Cetin provide an Istanbulkart for their guests and it's easy to top off and convenient to use!
The apartment is beautiful and cozy. It's outfitted with everything you'd need during a stay in Istanbul (whether it's a short or a long one). Asta and Cetin are both very responsive and before we arrived they sent us a message with what to expect when we'd arrive and a phone number if we needed to call. Their welcome message is the beginning of the check-in process (which is smooth and easy). My spouse and I took a cab from Istanbul airport, and Asta and Cetin's friend Hashim was waiting for us to guide us and help us with the bags up to the apartment. Hashim was kind and welcoming. He also gave us the keys and Istanbulkarts and was there for us whenever we needed him throughout our stay.
The highlight of our stay for us was the recommendations from Asta and Cetin. After you're all checked in they send you a PDF file that has a rundown of the apartment, the area, the city, restaurants, where to drink, what to see, what to do (etc.) We found this to be very helpful (especially when it came to eating; each spot we ate at their recommendation was fantastic). I wished every host in all places would follow a similar model for their guests arriving from out of town (especially if they don't know the city!)
Overall, our stay was exceptional and lovely. We look forward to staying there again if we're in Istanbul in the near future!