Karakoy VAV Suites

The location was the one thing we liked. Our family of three found the apartment tiny, with a cramped bathroom, a poorly equipped kitchen, and dim lighting that made it feel even smaller. The online photos didn't show the actual conditions. There was also a flight of 25 stairs to climb before reaching the lift on the first floor, which was awkward with luggage and a child. The pictures really don't match what you find there.

A nightclub just around the corner stays open until 4 am on Saturdays. The apartment itself was clean, though old and smaller than we'd expected. It was cold inside, and the air conditioner only blew cold air when we tried to warm things up. Even so, we enjoyed our stay and thought it was good.

The place covered our needs, though it isn't a high-end hotel. We stayed six nights in a good central spot, but getting in meant climbing steep steps, so you'll need to be reasonably fit. Our shower leaked, but it wasn't a major bother. The duvets and extra pillows are under the lounge if you need them.

The building felt safe and the location was excellent, and Yakup the manager was friendly. It seemed like a decent budget option, though much more run down in person than in the pictures. The room had no lamp, so the lighting was quite harsh. I asked for one, but it never arrived. The kettle didn't work, the paint was peeling, and the shower head broke. It took a day to get a replacement.