I'm glad to read these positive comments. I've only even considered the listings with several good reviews, and I've contacted two landlords in Istanbul. One listing was a dummy listing with the calendar completely filled through 2012 - the landlord was upfront and truthful about it, but I still think it deceptive. The second apt listing in Istanbul was great, but that landlord would not commit more than 8 weeks out even though his calendar was open.

I know that extra fees are "supposed" to be listed, but I sincerely doubt that many are. I'm also not crazy about those airbnb filters - they seem to have many holes. What I really fear is that I might be asked to put down a large security deposit in cash, and then have trouble getting it back!