There are pros and cons to staying at Galateia. It has fabulous views not from the verandah which had many pots with dead un-watered and uncared for plants as well as a sad looking BBQ, but rather from the large picture windows which gave us never ending pleasure. We stayed on the third floor in apartment 7, your view may be different depending on the direction and floor. The bustling and fun Istiklal street and the Sishane metro are a few minutes’ walk up a steep cobbled street. If you decide to stay at Galateia you should be aware that the small street it is located on is a very steep cobbled lane which can be quite challenging to walk up, however walking downhill to the tram stop is the best way to get to major sites. There are many restaurants in the area and small shops to buy necessary supplies. You will need these as this is the only Airbnb, we have stayed in which does not provide a welcome package, as well as no kitchen basics. No salt and pepper, no dish soap, no dishwasher soap, no kitchen hand towels, no cleaning materials, no kitchen garbage bags and no coffee maker (although they supplied three coffee presses after we requested them). The kitchen counter is now rather old with a huge split on the surface, and the lack of basic essentials was disappointing for our seven-night stay. We left supplies for the next guests. There was no written information usually supplied by hosts as to where to throw out the garbage, or the best places to eat, a road map etc.
Our double room had one hand towel and two bath towels, we requested more, and they supplied them. The hot water was not working very well, and it was fixed quickly which did not adversely affect us. Our stay was pleasant, the apartment was quiet, the bed was comfortable, the staff were accessible. The views are amazing.