Buckle in, here we go! First time in Turkey and we decided to get what we thought was a local 5 star hotel in Sultan Ahmet called Aruna Hotel. Biggest mistake. Ever. It was absolutely filthy, we were transferred to a separate apartment that wasn’t even our original rooms (which were covered in mildew, dust and god knows what). The apartment we were transferred to was ridiculous. Random shower door in the tiny run down broken kitchen, every pipe known to man visible from all the holes in the walls, stained bed sheets, disgusting chairs and couch, no decent curtains for any of the large windows which faces the street in the bedroom and so on and NO REFUND. So then comes along THIS GOD SEND! We checked out no later than 3 hours after checking into our hotel to head over to this amazing absolutely stunning and wonderful AirBnB. Extremely clean and well kept, so comfortable and beautiful! In a fairly ideal location, walking distance from a local store for necessities and food, currency exchange 10 feet from the entrance, surrounded by wonderful cafes and restaurants! And the owner? Wow! Yusuf is a complete SWEETHEART!! So so so kind and sweet and obliging! Helped carry our luggages up to the third floor, got us transportation to the airport, offered tips and advice for the area, and so much more! It was such an amazing experience that when my sister who had to check out of her temporary stay needed a place asap, I quickly suggested Yusuf! Not only did he do the same for her and the total of 7 people, he even went so far as to purchase a cute chair for my 1 year old niece, put it together for her and deliver it himself. He also assisted in not only arranging a ride to pickup everyone but also had his trusted friends who were all so respectful and kind, pick up all the luggage that was in the other location! That 9 very large suitcases in total! He went over and beyond every expectation! 100% i will be staying here again when returning to Istanbul to visit family and definitely suggesting it to my family who will be visiting in a few months as well! Dont go for hotels, go for AirBnBs! Especially with Yusuf!!! :D