Ali's place was amazing, and Ali was a great host. We stayed at this apartment as the last stop on our honeymoon, and we wished we could have had places like this to stay the entire time. Highlights of our stay included using the steam room and dancing to the jazz records he had on vinyl. He was a very thoughtful host. He gave us plenty of info ahead of time, provided written instructions on how to use various things (like the steam room) in the apartment, and even had suggestions for great restaurants in the area. One quirk about Istanbul that surprised us was that it's very hilly -- don't be surprised when a short walk somewhere from the apartment is steep -- but it was very manageable. My husband and I were very glad we chose to stay at Ali's flat and not at a hotel.