THE HOST: Let me start off by stating unequivocally that on a scale of 10, I would give this airbnb a 100! We had an absolutely marvelous three weeks in Melbourne (in Jan). Brian and his place played a significant role in our feeling of well being. He was such a gracious and thoughtful host -- the finest. Right from the initial contact to our departure, he was extremely responsive to our enquiries via email, text, phone call. He met us at the apartment, helped carry up our luggage to the first floor and walked us through the place thoroughly and shared fun facts about the neighborhood. He also gave us a binder full of information on local restaurants, transport, local gym....He was such a valuable fund of information. Over and above this, it was his sensitivity to our needs that made our stay so beyond special. When we arrived, the apartment had all the standard appliance and more except a microwave. Sensing our reliance on it, Brian went and bought a new MW (even without us requesting it) and came and installed it despite the pouring rain. Similarly, we needed an umbrella and Brian gave us his spare one. He gave us a street parking sticker for the time we were there. And there is more. He offered us two free tickets to the Australia Open!!! How incredibly generous is that.
THE APARTMENT: Spotlessly clean; well lighted and ventilated; has all the standard appliances including a dishwasher, washer & dryer (and in excellent condition). The living room and the bedroom are quiet and tastefully furnished with lots of potted plants. The apartment has a lovely balcony surrounded by a dense canopy of trees. You almost feel like you are living in a tree house. It was so quiet and tranquil.There was a generous supply of herbal tea, fruits as well as crackers, cheese, condiments... waiting for us. What's not to like about such a well appointed place.
THE LOCATION: Fantastic location. Right off buzzy Toorak road; Less than 5 mins walk to the South Yarra station; Chapel street with its plethora of restaurants and shops, right around the corner; Prahran Market, a mere 10 mins walk from the apartment. The Snap Fitness gym and the Cosmo Cinema a mere 3-5 mins away...and Flinders Street station (heart of Melbourne) only 2 stops away by train. There is also a tram that takes you downtown. If you enjoy walking (like we do), the Botanical Gardens, Southbank, the Melbourne Cricket Ground, The Tennis stadium, downtown are all very doable by foot.
So the next time I visit Melbourne, my first choice will definitely be Brian's airbnb and I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending it to others.