Muhammed's apartment, in reality, was exactly like the pictures and descriptions on the Airbnb website. It was very clean, and all the furniture was brand new. It also accommodated all the facilities mentioned. The apartment was really unique and truly looked like pictures that we see in interior design catalogues. This, in itself, was a great experience.
Although I was skeptical about booking the apartment at first since it didn't have much reviews, I was very attracted to the apartment design in addition to its center location and affordable cost. After talking with Muhammed for a bit, and getting to reiterate on the apartment's facilities and location, I decided to take the decision of booking it. Honestly, it was a perfect decision as everything met my expectations during my whole stay.
Emri, the co-host, welcomed us the moment we arrived and was always there to help us whenever we needed. He helped us get the luggage upstairs and ensured that our full experience was smooth. He got in touch with me before arriving in Istanbul to double check with our arrival time and offered to order us a car to pick us up from the airport. After arriving at the apartment, he told me I can contact him anytime. He was a fast responder and gave us recommendations regarding sim card offers, currency exchange hubs, and other tourist inquiries that we had. The day we were leaving, we requested to get a late check-out as our flight was midday and he welcomed that.
For the apartment, as previously mentioned, all furniture looked brand new, and was exactly as the pictures on airbnb. Clean bed sheets, coverups, and towels were provided. The bathroom also contained multiple toilet paper rolls, hand soap, and shampoo. Finally, for the items relevant to the small kitchen, there was tea, sugar, salt, coffee along with kitchenware that is just perfect for the apartment accommodation. When we asked for an extra coverup, Emri brought one to us right away.
For the building, it's fully renovated yet still has the vibes of the old buildings in the area. All apartments in the building have a similar theme and give you the feeling that you're in a small hotel.
Regarding the apartment location, it is really close to Taksim square, and is a few steps away from the main street. Across this main street, there are lots of street food options, restaurants, grocery stores, and supermarkets and it shortly connects to the popular Istiklal street. Since the apartment location is at the tip of the side street, it is considered safe. It is also very close to metro stations and you can easily pickup any taxi or Uber from the connected main street.
We were 5 people, and the apartment was just perfect. It wasn't too small, and it served the job of staying in a center and safe location, with a moderate budget and for a short-term stay.
Overall, I am defiantly willing to stay in Muhammed's building the next time I visit Istanbul as staying in this apartment shaped a part of the experience I had during my stay in Istanbul. You won't regret choosing his offerings!