My stay in the apartment was from July 10 - August 10. Mabel and her husband were gracious and professional. Mabel allowed me to check in 3 hours early since the apartment was ready. I appreciated the convenience of going directly from the airport to the apartment. Mabel is flexible on this point and will oblige guests if she can. In addition, Mabel and her husband helped me with an Argentinian visa/customs issue. Their assistance saved me a lot of time compared to if I had approached the issue alone. Mabel's husband went out of his way to help, even taking time from with job to do some research and direct inquiry. I am appreciative. In sum, the hosts are professional and guests will have a trouble-free experience.
One question I asked prior to reservation was about building construction in the area. The answer is YES. There is some construction near the apartment (diagonally across the street from the bedroom window). The sign in front indicates that construction will end in March, 2016. The construction noises are not too bad, sometimes nearly silent, but sometimes loud enough to wake you up early or from a nap.
Another question I had was about noise level in the building. In fact, most noises come from inside the building rather than from outside. Acoustics are poor, as in many big city apartments, especially in this lower price range. There is a sometimes incessantly yapping dog. Many days vocalists who live in the building practice songs accompanied by the piano. The apartment is by an old-fashioned elevator with two metal doors. Plumbing from the neighbors is heard morning and night. Etc.
That said, sometimes the apartment was nearly silent and even when there were these sounds it was usually (though not always) very disturbing. It should not be a big issue for guests who are short term and who are out much of the day. On a positive note, I did not hear noises from the local bars, discos, street scene, etc. and the building was nearly silent from 11 - 8.
The building and neighborhood are 100% safe, in my opinion. I love Mabel's art and wish she would add more to the apartment, making it even more like an artist's studio. The apartment is clean (with the exception of glasses and cups). The apartment is compact. The bedroom has black-out roller shutters and a ceiling fan. Both the living area and bedroom are bright and cheerful. The balcony could use plants and it is a bit small and cramped. The view is not 180, which was disappointing; I should have observed the pictures more closely that a telephoto lens was used; the balcony is wedged between two walls and the view is 45 degree angle or so. Still, at the price point and superb location, it is nice to have balcony and view.
I would recommend this apartment for its great location, low price, and overall good package.