One of the best aspects of our visit in Istanbul was where we stayed. The apartment is clean, cosy and warm, just as advertised. We had everything we needed for a comfortable stay with the added bonus of a rooftop terrace that we could use privately whenever. It featured a great view to the Marmara sea , a second kitchen, and 2 Hookahs- great place to relax after long hours of walking through the urban jungle that is Istanbul. The apartment has air conditioning for the summer and radiators for the winter, new furniture and clean, spacious bathroom. The location is close to major tourist sites, right in the middle of the shoe making district between Sultanahahmet and the Grand Bazaar.
Hikmet and his family were wonderful hosts, always available, generous, and positive. We found them very easy to communicate with despite some language barriers. They cleaned and changed towels every day even when we said it was not necessary. They also cooked us Turkish breakfast one morning and provided private parking in front of their house with 24h camera surveillance. Hikmet met us within minutes when we requested the car and even when we had some silly questions like where to buy wine nearby. [Hint: be ready to haggle and negotiate prices in this neighbourhood, especially when they are not indicated- it is part of the experience].
The building has 3 identical apartments well managed by Hikmet, his wife, and two daughters. They live 5 minutes away and only guests occupy the building. We felt safe and it is not as noisy as other places we have stayed previously. Hikmet arranged a reasonably priced airport shuttle for us and sent his brother to help us with the bags and to make sure we waited at the right spot. The man did not leave until we were safely on the shuttle. The many small gestures certainly made the difference for us and I strongly recommend this place for short or long term visits.