Tolga is a great host. He is very responsive. My stay over there was good and I’d recommend it.
Pros:
1. Price point - It’s not very expensive and has most of the amenities you need
2. Location - Located 5 mins walk from Taksim square where you can get the metros and bus. 5-10 mins walk from Istiklal St.
3. Communication - Tolga is highly responsive and gives local suggestions. He offered me to keep my bags next door since my flight was late. I messaged him one day that I am unable to operate the washing machine and he sent a guy in 20 mins to help with it.
Cons:
1. Stairs and incline - You have to get up 3 floors through circular staircase. It is a challenge when you have 2 huge suitcases. Luckily, Tolga’s guy helped me to carry 1 suitcase.
The neighborhood is on the incline while walking to Taksim. That can get challenging at times. However, most of the Istanbul is that way.
2. Smell - Literally everyone smokes in Istanbul. So the streets would smell like cigarettes