Istanbul Sweet Home – Guestbook
October 8, 2008
Owner’s Remark Dec 14, 2006
Dear Brigitte,
Thanks for your comments.
I will buy a couple of more pots and pans and place them in the kitchen for next guests.
Thanks for mentioning the point about the azan (Islamic call to prayer called by the muezzin five times a day from a mosque’s minaret), which is part of the music of this city, and especially of our street, together with the church bell, street sellers, and kids playing on the street…but you are right, the one early in the morning might be a bit surprising, if you arent used to… but after a while, we don’t hear it at all…like a lullaby :)
Those who are planning to travel to Istanbul and looking for an accommodation should know that it is almost impossible to find a place which is far from a mosque or a church in the old, historical parts of the city, such as Sultanahmet, Beyoglu (Pera) etc.
Best Regards,
H.Metehan Ozkan
Brigitte Jelen Dec 14, 2006
Dear Metehan,
We have now returned to Irvine, after a very long flight (and a one night stop in Paris).
We had a wonderful time in Istanbul and are very eager to come back, hopefully next summer. The apartment was very nice, beautifully decorated, with all the modern amenities. You are also a very efficient manager, I must add. Everything went perfectly as planned.
Now that I think if it, the only thing that could be changed are the pots and pans in the kitchen. I was cooking every day and it would have been nice to have better pots with lids. That’s all I can think of.
Oh… if only you could turn the volume of the “call to prayer” a bit lower…
That was tough to get used to, especially at 6am!
.
Best wishes
Brigitte
tammy Dec 8, 2006
Had a wonderful stay in this flat – know the owner who has a wonderful eye and it shows in this charming apartment. It is like walking into another land with the touches of East meets West – a fantastic location right in the heart of the city but quiet at night a great relief for the hustle and bustle of daily life. The best part was overlooking a charming green leafy garden of the church – and the 3 minute location of wonderful cafes and shops.
Caitlin Roxburgh Dec 5, 2006
This flat – the Galata Arms – is in a wonderful posistion and has modern touches along with a rustic and homely feel. The srroundings and views are charming and I would recommened this flat to anyone young, old, male or female especially for a city break so what are you waiting for go and book it now!!
Yumna Siddiqi Sep 15, 2006
We had the most delightful holiday in Istanbul that I’ve had in many years, and the pleasure of it was largely thanks to Metehan and the flat we rented. Metehan arranged for a taxi to receive us, and even though our flight was three hours late, Kadir was waiting for us with the taxi. We were driven to a splendid flat in the neighbourhood of Beyoglu. The flat was airy and bright, and beautifully furnished. The beds were comfortable and the kitchen well-equipped, so that we were able to cook an elaborate dinner, at which Metahan and Tarkan graced us with their company. Metahan was exceedingly kind and helpful, and directed us to terrific restaurants and generally helped us navigate the city. After roaming around, we would return to our apartment and enjoy the magnificent view from the terrace of the monuments in the old city lit up at night. The view was to die for! The flat was very conveniently located near Taksim and we used both public transportation and taxis with ease. When we locked ourselves out at night, Metehan arranged for someone to open the door within about five minutes. Everything was managed with ease, grace and efficiency. We want to go back as soon as we can!
Owner’s Remark December 4, 2006
Dear Lyne,
Thanks for your remarks.
The TV has a standard package of all channels provided by Turksat Kablo TV company; http://www.turksat.com.tr/kablotv/harita.html , I hope one day I will also buy a DVD.
A small booklet for the bus lines published by the municipality would be helpful for us too, but unfortunatelly there is not such a thing…except the website http://www.iett.gov.tr/en/index.php
Hope to see you again!
Metehan
Lynne D. December 4, 2006
The location is perfect and the neighbourhood well served by local shops. I felt very comfortable and safe walking around the area of Cihangir, even at night. It is possible to walk to the Bosphorus from here and even to Sultanahmet which I did a few times.
Taksim metro and bus stations are just a 5 minute walk, so everything is accessible during your stay and there are always taxi’s passing by the top of the street waiting for a hire.
I walked to Dilmer Language school every morning and it was a pleasant walk, passing some wonderful bakeries and kebab shops on the way.
The flat itself was very comfortable and was like a home from home for me. The desk area with internet access was perfect for keeping in touch with home and helping with my studies.
The only thing I would improve on was the TV reception or provision of a dvd player because even though I was learning Turkish I could not follow all the local TV channels :-)
The books and maps available in the flat were ideal for when I first arrived. It may also be useful to provide information on local buses however.
Thank you so much for everything and I hope to be back again soon.
Kind Regards
Lynne
Andrew Dec 3, 2006
I stayed at Galata Arms for a long period. Quiet and leafy but two minutes walk to the tram street, Istanbul’s Soho. Very well equipped (everything works!) -amazing paintings on the ceilings – not to mention the arms! Recommended
George A. Nov 24 , 2006
If somebody wants to live and work in Istanbul: iF his (or her) work is creative: and if there is a sense of some romantic in his hart, the small flat on Serdar ahmed street is a perfect place for him. It’s real, old but fresh a nd moving street, Quiet and noisy and and you feel there as a part of something very Yours. place newer disturbs you, it just helps.
there are five minutes of walk up to Istikal and strangness of the place is very visible: you live close to noisy and active tourist avenue, and at the same time you live ina a totally real istanbul.
in flat you feel yourself as a part of strange but very warm world:may be it’s a imaginary Istanbul, the place of some so sweet retro urban fairy tale. no, the place is really modern with all modern things inside, but it’s old and charming a t the same time.
thank You, friends for Your taste and vision of Your magic city
Yours, George.
