It was my first time to Turkey and my first visit to Istanbul. We lucked out by picking this great apartment, in this great neighborhood Sultanahmet, which turned out to be the two best choices!! It was so nice to come “home” to a cozy, clean, relaxing space after a full day of walking all over.
The apartment is spacious, clean and tastefully decorated. It has all the amenities: A/C, insulated windows, washer/dryer, drying rack, ironing board, satellite tv, and free wi-fi. A bonus was the stunning view of the Blue Mosque out the kitchen window!!!
There was also surprise extras that were provided, like toilet paper, Kleenex, hand soap and a jug of bottled water. Thanks Marco!! I have rented many houses and apartments in Italy and I always have to bring/buy the household necessities: toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, Kleenex. So to have some of those things on hand was a very pleasant and unexpected surprise.
The apartment and neighborhood is perfectly located. All the major sights to see are in close walking distance (The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Archaeology Museum, Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, Arasta Bazaar, Istiklal Street, Galata Bridge). The apartment is also close to all mass transit: tram, Sirkeci train station, and the ferries. And it is close to the sea, on both sides.
Marco, the caretaker gave us a thorough and quick apartment orientation/ download the night we arrived and everything went great and was smooth sailing.
We also chose and paid to have the transportation service to and from the airport. I found it be very convenient and well worth the cost. It took away any unnecessary last minute worry.
The neighborhood is touristy but it quiets down at night. The area is full of restaurants and shops to visit. There were so many choices. We had great meals every night.
To sum it up, when I go back to Istanbul I would stay in this apartment and I would highly recommend this apartment to anyone going to Istanbul. The apartment is perfect for a large family, two smaller families, 3 couples, a group of friends, or a girl’s get away.
Thanks to Fernando and Lauren, the management company.
And thanks to Marco and Elif, the care takers.