Bright and characterful
2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Hendek apartment is in an elegant 19th century building only 100m away from iconic Galata Tower. The whole building was refurbished recently and is managed by us, so we are able to keep the lovely original marble staircase and communal entrance hall in very good repair. There is one apartment on each of four floors.
The streets below are atmospheric with small, trendy boutiques and cafe-restaurants, yet are quiet and residential at night. Galata’s pedestrianised area is just around the corner with its lively pavement cafes and restaurants plus all the buzz of this bohemian district. You’ll quickly feel part of neighborhood life in all its character.
The apartment building is only 2 minutes walk from Sishane metro station, 1 minute walk from Tünel funicular and a downhill walk to connect with the tram for Sultanahmet. Famous Istiklal Avenue is less than 5 minutes walk up the hill.
The apartment’s original panelled front door opens into a spacious, central hallway. Double doors to the right lead into the bright and comfortable living room, with a stylish circular dining table and cosy seating area, including two sofas and an armchair.
There are two good-sized double bedrooms, each with high quality crisp white linens. One bedroom has a double bed and one has twin beds that can be put together if required. The kitchen is a practical size with a small breakfast table. It’s well-equipped with gas hob, fridge freezer, dishwasher and washing machine. There’s one roomy, full sized shower room plus a second small loo and a second small shower room. The apartment is 100 m2 in total, light and bright with large windows and high ceilings.
Many original architectural details have been kept 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 one more.
Guests will have the complete privacy of the entire apartment.
Very comfortable apartment in an excellent location
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. more reviews are on tripadvisor
- Free WiFi Internet
- Satellite / Cable TV (LCD)
- Central Heating and Hot Water
- Air-conditioning
- Full Fridge
- Washing Machine
- Dishwasher
- Hobs
- Microwave
- Baby Cot (please request in advance)
- Toaster, Kettle, Iron
- Hair-dryer
Click on pictures to enlarge
