Petra is a great host. The communication was always clealr, helpful, straightforward, and honest. When I asked a few questions about the apartment prior to arrival, Petra went there to check before writing back. Since I expressed a concern in regard to the firm mattress, a mattress topper was waiting for us upon arrival. When we realized that we had to leave early, Petra was very understanding and flexible. Petra, thank you for your hospitality!
The apartment itself surprised us in many ways. It is significantly more spacious than the impression one gets from the pictures. High ceilings, large windows, lots of sunlight and air (the windows face the back of the building, but it high up, so it is very bright and open) all create a very nice feeling. The bed is firm but comfortable (Petra, you were right, we did not need the topper!). Clearly a lot of thought and effort has been put into decorating the place. We appreciated all the little things: a very nice welcoming fruit basket (we enjoyed the fruit, thank you!), several beverages waiting for us in the fridge, coffee, different soaps and detergents, shampoo, extra towels, pillows, etc. According to comments on other airbnb places in Vienna, none of this is a given.
The apartment is in a beautiful old building. There is a lift, but one has to walk one whole set of stairs to get to it.
We found the location perfect. It is in front of a small park square, on a quiet street, in a residential neighborhood, yet very central (20 minutes walk to the center), close to public transport. Everything we needed or wanted was nearby: a café right next door; several supermarkets (Hofer is just a few minutes walk down the street), coffee shops, bakeries, a fruit and vegetable market, etc.
The only thing we did not like about the apartment is that all windows face one side of the building (the back), and the other side (including the kitchen) face an inner corridor of the building. According to what local friends have told us, this is not such an uncommon layout in older buildings in Vienna. Perhaps this is a matter of getting used to, but the fact that the kitchen felt a bit dark and the air there felt a bit stuffy, took away from the enjoyment of cooking and spending time there (which was a bit unfortunate, since there is a nice table with chairs). Plus, it felt like there was less privacy in that part of the apartment (the neighbors can not see you, but they can hear you and you can hear them -- like I said, this is probably a matter of getting used to). We ended up mostly bringing drinks and food to the living room and eating at the desk, but for a long term stay this would probably be a bit of an issue for us.
Having said this, if you are looking for charming cozy (but surprisingly spacious!) nicely decorated, well equipped apartment for a short term stay in an old building in a very pleasant location, with a n incredibly helpful and considerate host, then perhaps this place is for you!