This has been one of my best Airbnb stays.
About the apartment -
It is OUTSTANDING!
It is exactly how it is shown in pictures. Inch by inch. If you are an art lover you will find it drop dead gorgeous. It is meticulously designed and every corner of the house is decorated. The apartment is extremely well furnished and everything is well thought out. Right from bed covers to kitchen utensils there is nothing you will have any complaint about. Also, as a bonus they have netflix - So after a tiring day you can watch TV in their cozy living room!
Cherry on the cake is - It is one of the rare buildings on the street with a LIFT!
About the Location -
It can't get any more perfect!
This apartment is in a building named Suriye Passage which is right on Istiklal street. The metro station is a 3-4 mins walk and tram station is right outside the building. Tram frequency is extremely poor but the metro is well connected. If you prefer to travel by taxi, use - The marmara pera hotel (which is behind the building) as your pick up & drop location because taxis are not allowed on Istiklal street during the day. However early morning they are. If you have a lot of luggage, try to leave for the airport early so you can get the taxi to Istiklal street and load your luggage easily.
About the host -
Murathan is extremely sweet and a very kind man. He was always available to communicate and helped us with many things even apart from Istanbul stay. He was also willing to go out of his way to help me with a personal issue. Best host I have interacted with thus far.
Other tips -
The Pera Palace Hotel (one of the oldest hotels in turkey & the most iconic one on which there is a netflix movie) is right behind this building. I would highly recommend going for lunch or dinner there. It's quite a delightful experience and their food is very good.
Overall - I would definitely recommend staying here if you are luckily to get the apartment on your dates.