Very nice and new place. Good location near Taksim. Nice bars and restaurants around which are not too expensive. Very lively neighborhood. It also appeared to be safe. But you have to accept some noise on weekends.
Our host Begum was very friendly. Unfortunately, she left the company who operates the apartment house, so I can't really say something about the others.
If you're concerned about the protests on Taksim square and in the neighborhood, take a look at the Facebook groups the protesters use for their planning or just ask some Turkish people on the street. Like this we were able to evade the protest on Saturday during our stay. We met with a friend and spent the night at his place.
Despite this, Istanbul is an incredible city and was well worth the 'risk'!