Practical and Cozy Flat Near Taksim İstikal

No recommended

1.0

DO NOT GO TO THIS PROPERTY!!! I paid for it and it turned out to he totally different. I did not even stay one night. I took it for 18 nights and they didn't accept to give me a refund!!!!! The property is on the 4th floor, no elevator and stairs are very scary! Also booking.com did not handle it right so never again!

− Nothing! It doesn't even look the same!!!

Unexpected "Bonus": Brothel Next Door, Noise, and Misleading Listing

2.0

- The apartment itself was clean; - Well-equipped with appliances (AC, washing machine, etc.); - The host met us on time despite our late check-in (around midnight).

− 1. Location. Close to Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, but not suitable for long stays. The street at night is full of drunk people, transgender sex workers, and suspicious men. We later realized there was a brothel literally in the basement next door: shouting, swearing, and loud activity continued all night (audible even through closed windows). After 9 PM, it felt unsafe and uncomfortable. 2. False square footage. The listing claims 50 m², but in reality, it’s no more than 30 m²(confirmed by a sign inside the apartment). For a two-week stay with luggage, it was cramped (the wardrobe barely opened because it was right against the bed). 3. Host’s personal belongings. It felt like we were "house-sitting" – his underwear, suitcase, and other personal items were left in shelves. This is not a professional rental. 4. Water pressure issues. The shower had extremely weak flow, distributor of the rain showerhead was broken, and even after disabling it, the problem persisted. The microwave didn’t work (just for decoration). 5. Noise pollution. Sleeping without earplugs was impossible – constant yelling, swearing, and foot traffic all night. 6. Unapproved protest & police lockdown. One Sunday, the entire district was barricaded by police due to an unauthorized LGBT rally (authorities clearly tried to prevent it). Normal movement was impossible—streets were blocked, and we lost a full day stuck inside. Meanwhile, neighbors from the brothel next door spent the whole day screaming outside, cursing at the police and causing even more chaos. Verdict: If you value safety and peace, avoid this place. The host called the neighborhood "the heart of Istanbul," but the listing says nothing about the nightly chaos. The price might be fair, but only with full transparency about the area’s reality.

Value for money, cozy and comfortable

9.0

Nice location, just few steps from Istiklal, shopping, cafes, transportation etc. Flat is small but equipped and comfortable.

− 4th floor, spiral staircase, no elevator.

Small but cosy apartment at the heart of the city centre of Istanbul, yet quite.

10.0

Although this flat is quite small, it has everything one might need for a single traveller, a couple or a couple with a child. The flat is only 100 metres from Istanbul's main street, Istiklal Caddesi, in the busy Beyoğlu\Taksim district, however, due to its location it does not have the noise that the main street has. There are several 24\7 kiosks near the flat where you can buy everything you need, a bakery, a hairdresser, and traditional Turkish coffee shops and tea rooms. On the main street Istiklal, just 100 metres away from the flat there are many cafes, shops and restaurants. The flat is not suitable for elderly or disabled people as it is on the 4th floor without lift. The owner of the flat is very kind, lives nearby and is always ready to help. He met me downstairs and helped to lift up the luggage and on my way back to the airport helped again with the luggage and called the taxi. The apartment is a real good option to stay for those who like to be at the city centre and at the same time to be in a more quite place.

Exceptional

10.0