Homage Istanbul, tucked away in a tranquil street in the historic Beyoğlu area, rich in culture and the arts, is owned by Kaya On Coast, the team behind the celebrated ÇokÇok Thai restaurants in Istanbul and Ankara. The modern apartments feature stainless steel kitchens that open onto a stylish, comfortable living room with large flat screen television and iPod dock. Complimentary Wi-Fi is provided in each apartment and on the roof terrace. Pilates and yoga classes with a private instructor can be booked from the apartments. Guests are entitled to a guaranteed table or delivery from the nearby Çok Çok Thai with 10% discount.

The newly renovated 1930s building has been brought back to its heyday under the watchful eye of the conservation architect, Prof Dr Çiğdem Eren and features contemporary interiors by the talented Serhan Gürkan of GMG Inex and Kay Ngee Tan Architects Singapore. The building stands alongside the Armenian and German churches, the Emin mosque and the French hospital to name but a few of the neighbouring landmarks.

HOMAGE İSTANBUL

A writer’s view, by Pat Yale

Homage İstanbul

For those who’ve already done the Ottoman attractions of Sultanahmet and are looking for the chance to put down slightly deeper roots in an area that is more edgily authentic the Homage İstanbul apartments in barely noticed Aynalıçeşme, off Şişhane, should fit the bill perfectly. This is a part of town that abuts run-down Tarlabaşı but still has the feel of a proper residential neighbourhood with small shops and a pair of churches just down the road. The more upmarket attractions of İstiklal Caddesi and the streets just off it are no more than a 10-minute walk away.

Designed with the needs of those planning to stay for a week or so, these delightful, colourful apartments really do feel like the home from home you would choose if your preferred aesthetic includes a touch of the orient. It will not come as much of a surprise to learn that the owners have a long-time link with Thailand.

Typically, an apartment comes with a comfy sitting room with good wifi and a large television screen that opens onto a neat little kitchen-diner that mixes gleaming woodwork with modern metal-faced amenities including a dish-washing machine (there are shared washing machines in the building), cooker and fridge. All the basic crockery and hardware are supplied too.

Across the hall, a comfortable master bedroom comes with a particularly striking headboard while the “spare” bedroom features a very attractive matching arch. As in most 19th and 20th-century İstanbul homes the bathroom is relatively small which means a great shower but no tub.

Two of the apartments share access to a small outdoor deck with a giant fish tank, a welcome feature for summer. Otherwise, there’s a roof terrace with views too.

For the adventurous the famously lively Tarlabaşı market gets into full swing on Sundays. A small museum to the Polish nationalist and poet Adam Mickiewicz is also nearby.

Pat Yale is an architectural writer and journalist based in Cappadocia. She is the co-author of Istanbul – The Ultimate Guide and winner of the 2015 Ancient and Modern Prize for her ongoing project to explore Turkey in the footsteps of Gertrude Bell.