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I have been using Cross-Pollinate for about 10 years now. The service is consistently great and I can always find just the kind of apartment we like, at the right price. - Hirani Himona
A really great idea - with a network of hand picked little rooms/guesthouses. If only we could have this in more city destinations! - Zoe Buck
I love Cross-Pollinate and every time we go to a new city I look to see whether they have some accommodations over there. - Arantza Aldea
The two places I have stayed at from Cross-Pollinate have been among the best across Europe. Highly recommended. - Nicholas Burn
Thanks a lot to Cross-Pollinate for the opportunity to experience a city as an insider! We really enjoyed our stay in Rome and Venice and look forward to more. - Tatiana Marchenko
Cross-Pollinate was very helpful when the owner of the B&B wanted to charge us for the baby under 2 y o. It would have been difficult without them since the owners did not speak any english. - Yulia Pichugina
This was our only stay with a C-P apartment and we were very pleased with the entire process. Will look to use them again on our next Europe trip! - Anthony Giglio
Great web site and quick response from the team a CP made the whole experience easy and hassle free. I have already recommended CP to quite of few of my airline industry colleagues and I'm sure they will make use of their excellent service. - Shane Pickles
Cross-Pollinate was extremely helpful! They found us a place to stay in our price range when many other places of business couldn't help us. - Sarah Seminutin
Cross-Pollinate was very easy to use, and it is so much better to stay in places like these than big corporate hotels; you get a much better feel for the place. - Kaspar Deane
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Cross-Pollinate was fantastic and easy to use. We used Cross-Pollinate to book a room in Florence (the second leg of our trip), which was everything I thought it would be. We have recommended Cross-Pollinate to our friends. - Barbara Carlin
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Cross Pollinate was just the best. I had tried a couple of places before coming upon them. As soon as I sent the first email I stopped looking for any more websites. I just wish they expanded to every city in Europe. Their knowledge, helpfulness, etc. was second to none. - Caroline Collis
Damir's Penthouse in Taxim
This 2 bedroom apartment of about 85 square meters is in the heart of Istanbul, in the perfect location of Taxim, on the main road next to the main police station of the district. When you cross the street, it is where the nightlife, shopping and museums are located, and behind the building a historical neighborhood which is currently going through gentrification. The neighborhood behind the apartment reminds a bit of Nepal streets, with kids running around and laundry strung from one building to another.

The building is an 100 years old, in Greek style with high ceilings. The owner renovated the apartment himself, protecting the original style and restoring the wood windows and floors. The apartment gets a lot of light, has a good panoramic view of Istanbul, and is a great place to watch the sun set. Contemporary style with some traditional decorative elements. When you walk in to the flat, you are in the hallway facing the bathroom and the open kitchen is to your right with the living room off of that. There is a bedroom on one side with 1 single and a single sofabed and a bedroom on the other with a queen size bed. The couch in the living room can be used to host a 5th person (ideally a child).

Next to a fish market, Nevizade the historical nightlife area, public transportation, and British consulate, as well as easy access from the airport.

Ideal for people who want to be in a central location yet still next to a local neighborhood. Also, who do not mind climbing up 5 flight of stairs, the only negative point - not perfect for elderly or people with disabilities.

Damir, the host, is from Kosovo and has lived in Istanbul for 15 years. He is an excellent host who keeps in touch with guests during their stay and assists them with taxis, sightseeing, and restaurant suggestions.

The apartment has a positive energy, and gives a peaceful respite from the chaos of the city. It is suitable for families and as the host has a child himself can provide stroller, crib, and a foldout bed for child.
Amenities
  • air-conditioning in living room only
  • double glazed windows
  • eat-in kitchen
  • tea kettle
  • toaster
  • cable/satellite TV
  • WiFi (€ 2.50)
  • DVD/CD player
  • CD player
  • small extra bed for child
  • crib
  • stroller & highchair free upon request
  • hair dryer
  • iron
  • linen and towels provided
  • washing machine
  • 5th floor
  • no elevator
Booking details
Booking details: vacation rental apartment (2 bedrooms / 1 bathroom), sleeps max. 5 people
Payment accepted: cash on arrival in euro
Minimum stay: minimum stay of 3 nights
Cancellations allowed up to: 5 days before arrival
Occupancy: double
Bed options: 1 queen (160 cm) or 1 queen & 1 single
Policies & Extra Charges: non-smoking, check-out time is 11 am, apartment will be clean by 1 pm on day of check-in, luggage cannot be held before check-in
Spoken Language(s):
Rates and Availability
Location
 Damir's Penthouse in Taxim
A
Hagia Sophia
B
Topkapi Palace
C
Blue Mosque
D
Dolmabahce Palace
E
Galata Tower
F
Taksim Square
G
Süleymaniye Mosque
H
Miniaturk Museum
I
Istanbul Modern Museum
J
Grand Bazaar
K
Bagdat Street