Astrid was incredibly responsive via email and a pleasant--and very trusting!--host. Her apartment is just outside the ring road in a hip little neighborhood just two blocks south of Nachsmarkt, the open-air market and nightlife destination. The closest U-bahn station on the Ring Road is Karlsplatz, which is perhaps a ten-minute walk. Or you can take the 59A bus from there right to her door. For those not so used to Europe, the high ceilings and stone staircase were striking. And even though the room is small, it has plenty of drawer and wardrobe space, three different lighting options, and a lovely tall double window. Astrid clearly has a touch for design. The place really gives a feel of being in Vienna, with many charming artifacts, a super tall wall of books in the hallway, and thoughtfully selected furnishings throughout. The wifi worked great. She offered use of her kitchen, but I didn't use it much, as there were so many spots nearby to get a good cup of coffee and a sandwich. The Kebab Haus a couple blocks down had crazy delicious Middle Eastern food. But a Billa grocery store is almost right underneath her place should you want to go that route.

For anyone looking for a memorable visit to Vienna, I can recommend Astrid's flat without hesitation. A high point of my stay, for sure.