2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, for up to 6 people
hendek apartment is located in an elegant 19th century building, freshly renovated, 100m away from the beautiful Galata Tower. The whole building was refurbished in late 2011.
Below the building are friendly electricians’ shops (as well as cafes, restaurants, small grocery shops and artistic boutiques a few steps away) and you will quickly feel part of neighborhood life in all its character. The street is lively in the day but the shops close in late afternoon, so nights are quiet allowing for restful sleep. The building has a private entrance and stairwell (lovely original marble) with one apartment on each floor.
There are two good-sized double bedrooms (one with double bed and one with twin beds that can be put together). The kitchen is a practical size and well-equipped with gas hob, fridge freezer, dishwasher and washing machine. There’s one full-size shower room and an additional small loo. The apartment is 80 m2 in total, light and bright with high ceilings throughout.
Many original architectural details have been retained and some of the walls have exposed bricks, giving a cosy atmosphere. The bedrooms comfortably accommodate four people and the large sofa-bed in the living room can manage two more if necessary.
We arrived on a Wednesday night and were greeted by the nicest host (Fuat), who explained how the hot water and heating worked, and was also very kind to give us recommendations for food for that night and the following days.
The apartment is exactly as it is described on the site (a very good renovation with character), that felt very safe and quiet (we actually felt very safe anywhere we went in Istanbul), and had enough comfortable space for 4-6 people (and up to 7 people if they get along). We were gladly surprised by the amount of useful appliances in the kitchen and the comfortable beds (…quality of the linens and towels).
Located in a very popular area, just ~100 metres from the Galata tower (very handy landmark to give directions to taxi drivers), and 5 mins walk to the Istiklal avenue (very good spots for food/drink off the main street), it really has the best restaurants and bars (with and without views) close by (i.e., walking distance).
Around the apartment there were also two main supermarkets (Migros + Spar, I think), and a couple of fruit stalls were you could get your morning juices (grapefruit was an eye opener, very tasty). Coffee was more of a challenge (although we did have a French press in the apartment), but we managed to get good/strong ones on the second day from a place around the tower and on the way to the tram.
Liked best – the actual apartment, and the fact that it was close to night life, but in a quiet street
Liked least – cannot think of anything
Jorge from Ireland
- Free WiFi Internet
- Satellite / Cable TV (LCD)
- Central Heating and Hot Water
- Air-conditioning
- Full Fridge
- Washing Machine
- Dish-washer
- Hobs
- Microwave
- Baby Cot (to be asked in advance)
- Toaster, Kettle, Iron
- Hair-dryer
