A Lovely, Modern, 1bd Apt in Center

Reviews

• Reviewer: Joost

  Comments: I have stayed in Pinar's apt at Kurdela Sok for 8 nights in June 2012. She told me that I was her first renter via this website after the students who rented the apt before had left. It's located in a lively and colorful and relatively poor popular neighborhood, in which it is one of the very few renovated buildings. This means that you get in touch with the life of real Istanbul people that you normally might not meet as a tourist in the regular tourist aereas. It is very near very well known and touristy aeras as Taksim Square, Istanbul's main shopping street Istakal Caddesi and the major aera with bars, cafés and clubs (all 5-10 mins walking). On Sundays there is a nice and busy market on the street. Lively means also quite noisy: bring your earplugs if you want to sleep early or sleep in the morning. The apartment itself has been renovated in a simple and tasteful way: wooden floor, simple but adequate bathroom and kitchen tyhe only inconvenience I acn think of is that the bathroom floor isn't perfectly inclined to the shower drain, in a way that the bathroom floor remains partly wet. The absence of airconditioning is not a problem, since the large number of windows make that there is enough ventilation. Pinar has been very kind: she even left some food and drinks in the fridge. Last but not least: istanbul is a great cuity, which will make your stay unforgettable!

• Reviewer: Rasmus

  Comments: We had a really nice time in Istanbul and enjoyed to stay at Pinars flat. It is in walking distance from the main shopping area around Istiklal and Taksim Square. The street and area is very lively (also in the evenings) and there is a local market on Kurdela Sokak on sundays. The flat itself is very nice, but staying there in the middle of summer with 35 C, air-condition would be a nice upgrade.

• Reviewer: Kodjo

  Comments: A clean and nice flat in the center of Istanbul. Close to accomodations. Pinar is a friendly host. You have laundry,little balcony etc. The area can be very busy during the market and sometimes a bit noisy in the evening. Good spot!!

• Reviewer: Cedric

  Comments: Расскажите другим участникам сообщества Airbnb о вашей поезкде. Это будет показано на странице объявления.

• Reviewer: Txeli

  Comments: Pinar's place is a cute, well-renovated house in a working class neighborhood near Taxim pedestrian area. The place is spotless, only hiccup is that it does not have ac, however if you are visiting out of season it should not be a problem. Pinar is a cool host. She responded to our last minute request and since she lives in the sme building she was superflexible with check-in/out. She was really nice and helpful.

• Reviewer: Sabine

  Comments: We can only affiliate with the previous reviews. Pinar`s flat is comfortably furnished, clean and excellently located. We spent a wonderful time in Istanbul and can only recommend Pinar`s "cosy flat".

• Reviewer: Benjamin And Johanna

  Comments: Pinar's apartment is very well renovated, comfortable and clean. We had a very pleasant stay! The flat is located in an authentic, non-touristic Istanbul neighbourhoods which we enjoyed very much. Pinar is a very quick responding and nice host. She organised all we needed for a good stay, and there was a lack of nothing! We would select the flat again.

• Reviewer: Sean & Katharina

  Comments: we had a wonderfull time in pinars apartment. the flat is situated in a very original part of istanbul, which i find great. off the beaten track, this is where you really get to know turkey. especially the market is fascinating and super tasty. the perfect place for two, if you are looking to stay in istanbul from one night to a year!

• Reviewer: Anne

  Comments: The apartment of Pinar was very cosy, nice and clean. It felt immediately like home. It was a very great location in a neighborhood very close to the Istiklal Cadessi and Taksim, but far enough from the real tourist area. Wednesday, there was a market in the street, with a lot of fresh fruit and vegetables. If we come to Istanbul ever again, we will certainly book this great flat. Pinar and her friend were also very helpfull!

• Reviewer: Anne

  Comments: The flat looks exactly like in the pictures: very clean, newly renovated and sunny. The area is a quiet, non-touristic neighborhood, but only a 10 minutes walk from the frenzy of Istiklal Caddesi. We enjoyed it very much, especially the Sunday market. We did not meet Pinar, but her her friend Firat welcomed us to the flat. Everything was perfect and I would definitely recommend the flat!

• Reviewer: Susanne

  Comments: The flat was really the same as the pictures show - it is very cosy! Also the equipment of it was very good - the kitchen had everything you need. There was even a hair dryer in the flat. We also used the washing machine in the basement which enabled us to keep our luggage small. Which was important to us as we spent there 3,5 weeks and with two children (3 years, 8 months). Pinar and Firad were so nice and gave us extra mattresses that we put on the floor so that the four of us could stay in this apartment. It was also great to have WLAN which worked pretty well. Opposite the apartment there is a small grocery store (and several more in the street) where we bought most of our food. Generally, the people were very friendly in the neighbourhood, a neighbourhood with "normal" people, not touristic at all. Which we liked a lot and was also one reason why we took this flat. Secondly, it was the location of it: maybe a 15min. walk to Beyoglu. It was very easy to communicate with Pinar, she was very accommodating so that we would love to be her guests again. Next time...! çok teşekkürler!

• Reviewer: Ben

  Comments: The apartment is great and in a really good location! The market on Sunday is amazing. Firat was a great help and suggested places to eat and go in the evenings! He also came and rescued us when I locked us out of the flat!

• Reviewer: Anna

  Comments: We spent an amazing 3 weeks in Istanbul. The location, the flat, the wifi, the neighbourhood - everything was awesome. The flat is huge and there is a lot of room to relax, work, rest, or people watch at the windows! The water was shut off one day - but that had nothing to do with the flat as it was the whole neighbourhood. The flat isn't exactly as it is in the pictures - it is definitely more worn than they appear, but still a great place. The market on sunday is an added bonus - as are the hills to help burn off some of the cheese we ate! :) I would love to stay here again and highly recommend this place to anyone. Thanks again Pinar!

• Reviewer: Inken

  Comments: + The apartment is sweet + There are 5 other People who are very nice + During the day the neighborhood is nice - at night it was very spooky, their are many men on the street + Dining options and Shops, very good, lots of people to help you learn Turkish if you like - For this area the rent is to much (we were their for 5 months) - in winter it is very cold in the Apartment, the Windows are not good, when it rains, it's damp inside, it is very windy. - Tarlabasi has Problems with electricity and water supply - in the garden their are a lot of cats, sometimes they became disruptive to my sleep

• Reviewer: Mai

  Comments: We stayed at Pinars place for about 6 months, and absolutely loved it! The apartment has the best location imaginable, close to the center and with a wonderful sunday market right outside the door. The area is super charming and has some of the tastiest and cheapest food around. Highly recommended!!

• Reviewer: Liz

  Comments: Pinar was an excellent hostess. She was home from Kenya during our visit, and even took us around the city and out to a Turkish dinner. Wonderful! The apartment is as listed - it is lovely, clean, bright, and big. It's on a quiet street, very comfortable, and has all amenities you might need. There is a wonderful street market outside on Sundays. Wifi is 3-8MBS, but that is common throughout Turkey. I would recommend getting a SIM card with 3G to tether if you need fast Internet. One issue to know before you book: This apartment is solidly in the ghetto. It is very close (3 blocks) to the nice, touristy part of town. But make no mistake - this is the ghetto. Example: A homeless guy slept in our doorway for 3 nights (Pinar's friend quickly took care of this), and there was presumably human feces left by this homeless man outside our door for a few days. So while this place was fine for us, just be aware of the location - I would not recommend this spot for families with small children, or anyone who feels uncomfortable around overt poverty. It is not dangerous, however. I never felt unsafe - the area is just unclean, and there are a lot of squatters. So if you're ok with an area with "character" - this apartment will be perfect for you! Overall very nice and exactly what we expected.

• Reviewer: Nanci & David

  Comments: We stayed in Pinar’s apartment for 1 month in December and January. We found the apartment to be clean and bright and very much like the photos. Pinar was visiting from Kenya and we had the opportunity to meet her. She was very friendly and was quick to clear a couple of issues with the house when we moved in. The kitchen was adequate and we were able to prepare our meals in the house. There are stores nearby but selections are not great and visits to multiple stores might be necessary to find what you need. The washing machine on the lower level was a welcome addition. As others have done, I would have to mention that the neighborhood could be seen as rundown and difficult for some. The apartment is located a short distance from Istiklal Avenue, however the hill up to Istiklal is very steep and you have to walk in the busy road most of the way. It could be seen as dangerous to some. We also found public transportation difficult unless you first walk to either Taksim Square or Tunel Funicular which are both nearly 20 minutes away. There is a tram on Istiklal but it is not reliable. The neighborhood can be noisy, but we found it to be nice when we met people in shops in the neighborhood. The Sunday market outside the door would be a highlight for anyone visiting.

• Reviewer: Merve

  Comments: This lovely house is in a unique and must seen historic neighborhood in Beyoglu. We really enjoyed being 4-5 minutes away from the mid point of the most famous avenue called Istiklal Street. The hosts are kind and nice people. It's the right choice if you want to enjoy your visit in Istanbul.

• Reviewer: Kaori

  Comments: +Good location, confortable flat, kindness host family+ The flat located 5min from Omer Hayyam bus stop,10 min from Istiklal street,20min from Taksim or Sishane metro stations on foot. Many small supermarkets are around the apartment. Every sunday we can see big street market in front of the door. Rooms are clean and pretty same as photos. I stayed in winter time, it was snowing it was so cold outside, but inside was warm by heating machine. Also there was a airconditioner in bed room, but I didn't have to use it. Enough speed wi-fi, foldable dining table(I used this as a big pc desk), enough kitchin stuffs were there. I really relaxed in this flat. Thank you Pinar!!

• Reviewer: Christopher

  Comments: I stayed at Pinar's apartment three plus weeks for what amounted to a very comfortable stay. The apartment itself is excellent value -- spacious, cozy, & with everything you should need. I loved spending hours reading on the cushions in the bay windows overlooking the street. It's very well located less than a ten minute walk from Beyoglu and Taksim. The neighbourhood's somewhat rough character could be an issue for some people, but really, they shouldn't be put off -- everyone I came across was friendly and I never felt unsafe. Tarlabasi is a lively, fascinating area, with one of Istanbul's more interesting stories. One night I was invited to join in the dancing at a Kurdish wedding celebration just down the street. The shopkeeper with the food stall across the way was unfailingly helpful. And Sunday mornings are a nice surprise when the entire street is given over to a market, which is when I did most of my grocery shopping. (You step out the front door and there's a guy selling olives or cheese or spices for the day.) When I eventually return to Istanbul I would definitely consider staying here again.

• Reviewer: Orhun Ege

  Comments: Konumu itibariyle hosnut olmasak da ev ile ilgili bir sıkıntı yaşamadık

• Reviewer: David

  Comments: Pictures do reflect the place, clean and new, which is in a renovated house in a slowly gentrifying area. Pinar and relatives were quickly responsive and helpful with all issues. Will rent it again for my next long term visit.

• Reviewer: Emmanouil

  Comments: warm and comfortable apartment in family style neighborhood ,you will feel like a local and surprise yourself during on Sunday market, not far from the touristic area by walk , leave yourself free to explore around the unknown part of historic area of Beyoglu!

• Reviewer: Kelly

  Comments: Pinar's flat was a disappointing experience. The main difference from the photos is the bathroom - it's really old and needs remodeling badly. I even wore flip-flops in the shower. There is no shower curtain or separation of the shower area, so water gets all over the bathroom floor. Despite what the listing said, there was no shampoo or hair dryer. The neighborhood is also rough - really poor and not somewhere I would want to walk at night alone. We booked Pinar's flat very last-minute after another host cancelled, which was very flexible of her, but 45 minutes after booking she informed me the flat was being painted and we had to stay in another room for the first night. The "other room" turned out to be a room in her nephew's downstairs flat. We had no idea we would be sharing a flat for the first night, and the flat we booked wasn't ready until 7 pm the next evening because they hadn't cleaned it. She didn't offer us a discount or anything for staying in a shared flat instead of the one we booked, or for the very late check-in. In summary - this place might be fine as a long-term choice for students on a budget, but if you're in Istanbul for a few days and are looking for a nice place, stay somewhere else.

• Reviewer: Tatyana

  Comments: Everything was ok but the appartament is rather dark not like on the pictures , if you switch on the light it’s dim particularly in the evening , it was very cold to take a shower so we couldn’t because it was too cold ! And as for the area that was very important ! It’s like Arab district and in the evening it was not pleasant and not safe for us to come back home ! Very dirty street and if you are two girls you will be scared to come back alone ! And it is very noisy because in the morning the cars come , people cry so we didn’t sleep ! P.s the new phew of piñar is a good pleasant person who showed us everything

• Reviewer: Catherine

  Comments: Great place to stay in Istanbul!

• Reviewer: Islam

  Comments: Pinar and Baran were very communicative and helpful. Provided me with all I needed!

• Reviewer: Katharina

  Comments: Pinar's apartment is ideal for both short and long-term stays. If you enjoy walking, it is perfectly located to discover the city by foot. The place is spacious and quiet, as there is not much traffic. The market on Sundays is a particular highlight as it is literally outside the front door. Baran, Pinar's nephew, is there to ensure that you find everything you need and is a terrific help. I spent a month here and am happy to recommend it to anyone visiting Istanbul. What is more, both Pinar and Baran are extremely forthcoming and very quick to respond to any questions.

• Reviewer: Andreas

  Comments: Smooth check in & out! Pinar & Baran were very responsive and helpful! Very cosy apartment! Thanks a lot.

• Reviewer: Tazegul

  Comments: Very nice, good value!

• Reviewer: Max Et So

  Comments: Very nice flat in a popular area, close to buses from/to both airports. Baran was really nice and helpful. The flat was clean and looks like the pictures. We recommend it!

• Reviewer: Laura

  Comments: Grand appartement ! Un cadre idéal pour des vacances ! Prêt d'une rue assez passante, la chambre est située du côté opposé donc parfait ! (pour les oreilles sensibles comme moi, je conseille tout de même les boules quies) (Website hidden by Airbnb) 10-15 minutes à pied de la grande rue menant à Taksim Square, où l'on trouve vraiment tout. L'appartement est située dans une rue descendante de la grande rue Tarlabasi, un ami m'a tout de même conseillé en tant que femme seule de ne pas trop y traîner la nuit, car on s'excentre un peu) (Website hidden by Airbnb) Le neveu de Pinar est très réactif aux questions et dispo pour aider, donc hôtes au to (Website hidden by Airbnb) Je recommande cet airbnb pour tous les couples (avec 1 enfant aussi je pense que ce serait parfait)!

• Reviewer: Rose

  Comments: I’d recommend a couple looking for a central private flat in Istanbul to stay here! The location was excellent, very close to our favourite areas of the city with hip bars and independent shops! The flat met all our basic needs, although not to the standard of a hotel we were barely in the flat as there was so much to do nearby! Pinar and Baran were very helpful and always responded quickly to any questions we had, perfect hosts. Thanks so much to both of you for letting us stay, we loved exploring the city!

• Reviewer: Antonio

  Comments: Good for couples looking to for some privacy and good location to do some sightseeing and feel the Turkish way of living.

• Reviewer: Andreas

  Comments: the apartment of Pinar is located not far (approx. 5 minutes by foot) from the main shopping street and is beautifully and functionally furnished.

• Reviewer: Viky

  Comments: We had a wonderful time here.

• Reviewer: Aminata

  Comments: Very nice stay. Our host was really welcoming and helpful. The Appartement was really clean and conform to the description and pictures. I wholeheartedly recommend them

• Reviewer: Jenny

  Comments: Adorable newly renovated, comfortable flat. Everything you need is provided, including a well-equipped kitchen. Pinar's nephew Baran helped us with check-in and questions, and since he lives in the building that was very easy, and he was very friendly and helpful. The immediate neighborhood feels rundown, but the flat is walking distance to restaurants, transportation, coffee shops. It's a good value for such a large place, but the tradeoff is being a little farther away from the action.

• Reviewer: Jennifer

  Comments: Thanks to our host for having us. Istanbul is definitely worth a trip. Pinars appartment is lovely and clean. Communication with her and Baran was easy. He helped us with first steps when we arrived. The neighborhood is not that nice but we didn‘t mind.

• Reviewer: Angelique

  Comments: Pinar’s apartment is absolutely gorgeous. It is bright, clean and spacious. It is well appointed with everything you’d need for your stay. It’s located in a lively and colourful neighbourhood. There are grocery stores and restaurants nearby and a market in the street every Sunday, selling fresh produce. This place is wonderful, I would highly recommend a stay here.

• Reviewer: Sharon

  Comments: We had a lovely stay at Pinar’s apartment during our week in Istanbul. We met her nephew, Baran, on arrival, who lives in the apartment below and was friendly, helpful and quick to respond to any queries we had during our stay. The apartment is well located, 5/10 minutes walk from the Nevizade restaurant area and bars to the South. The only thing I would recommend to other guests is to bring earplugs as the apartment is very close to a mosque. We really liked the apartment - it was exactly as the photos- clean, bright and spacious.

• Reviewer: Ryan

  Comments: I stayed at Pinar's apartment in the Tarlabasi neighbourhood of Beyoglu for one month. The 1-bedroom apartment is spacious, clean and well maintained. The bed is firm, but comfortable and with radiators in every room it was sufficiently warm at night. (My stay was in the late fall, when the Istanbul weather is a little unpredictable.) The kitchen, though small, was perfect for cooking and Pinar provided nearly every kitchen item that one could need for meals small or large. Contrary to what you might hear or read online, Tarlabasi is a safe and very interesting neighbourhood. It is very much a local area, where people live their lives, go to the local stores, drink tea for hours at the local shops, and go to the amazing and enormous Sunday market that is right on the same street as Pinar's building. It is very close to more touristy & fashionable areas (Istiklal Street, Galata, Taksim, Cihangir, Karakoy, etc.), but it is not a tourist area. So if you want a relatively quiet and relaxing place to stay, where you can see how "normal" people live in Istanbul, I'd highly recommend Pinar's apartment. Pinar and Baran, her nephew who lives in the building, were extremely helpful and responsive to my queries. I would stay at Pinar's place again & recommend it for open-minded and thoughtful visitors to Istanbul. Çok teşekkürler Pinar!

• Reviewer: Aric

  Comments: This apartment is one of the true treasures in Istanbul. Huge space, lots of light, perfectly decorated, comfortable bed + couch... everything was perfect. And the Sunday market is just about the most local experience you can have. When I come to Istanbul, this is the only place I will stay at. It's perfect. Per the comments on the neighborhood, this is the real Istanbul! None of the touristy fake stuff you'll get up on Istiklal. Families live here, chat here, hang up their colorful laundry together, so you truly do get an actual feel of the city. Book this place immediately, and for longer than you think.

• Reviewer: Graeme

  Comments: We had a fantastic stay at Pinar's place. It is well located and many of the attractions of the city are easy to reach.