This is a simple, solid place with a super host. I was really happy with the location. While you think you are in the middle of a bunch of tired, half-occupied buildings used as shoe factories — ok, you are — a short walk (ten minutes max) and you are practically at the Hippodrome. A little further and you get the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia... It seems the once neglected area is being discovered. A nice hotel is just down the street and there a great little cafe on the corner. The apartment is basic: little kitchenette, comfy bed, hot water. The windows do a great job of keeping out shoe factory/street noise, which never bothered me (and I’m a relatively light sleeper). The climb to this particular apartment is two flights of narrow, curvy stairs but I didn’t find it problematic.
And Hikmet — what a guy! His son met my taxi and hauled my suitcase up a few streets and into the apartment. I happened to find Hikmet and his family on the shared balcony one night and was immediately coaxed into joining a jovial bbq. He has an impressive story. It’s worth chatting him up during your “Turkish breakfast.” Thanks for the chat and hospitality, Hikmet!
Budget travelers looking for a solid apartment with a fantastic host and a very convenient location, you just found your apartment!