As with any place, there is good and bad. I like to write fair and comprehensive reviews so here goes.
The Bad:
Check-in was a nightmare. You must pick up the key from a separate location a few blocks away which requires either finding parking or illegally street parking and running inside. Locating the alley where the parking garage is also proved difficult, we passed it numerous times throughout our stay. The garage has two doors and the check-in instructions state to hit 1/2 and then 3/4. We assumed that meant on the keypad at the gate entrance and therefore kept trying unsuccessfully. It wasn’t until I messaged the host and had to wait for a response that he told me it was the numbers on the keyfob. It’s a simple addition to the check-in instructions that would make it so much clearer. I’ve seen other reviews from months ago stating the same thing but the host still hasn’t clarified it.
The shoe removal policy isn’t a huge deal except that the apartment has zero carpeting and can easily be swept or mopped. Requiring no shoes period is a bit insulting as it assumes the adults don’t have the discretion to know when not to track particularly dirty shoes inside. Wearing used slippers is also unsanitary and having no way to heat the unit, not being able to wear shoes was uncomfortable.
The cleaning rules are a joke considering we paid $103 in a cleaning fee. Wash our own towels, wash and put away dishes, remove trash, tidy up - what did we pay $100 for then? And speaking of clean, don’t look under the bed. There’s enough dust bunnies to make a sweater.
Other issues included the Dixie cup sized kitchen trash can, the fireplace that didn’t work (and the host ignored me with no apologies when I sent 5 messages including a picture showing it wasn’t working) which was a big deal since the thermostat is locked and we were unable to make it warmer any other way. The unit feels sterile, that may be appealing to some but it was the opposite of “warm/thoughtful touches.” The kitchen had plates and utensils but no basics like salt, pepper, butter. Even just a little salt would have been much appreciated. I also thought it was a bit unnecessary for the host to ask the names and ages of my guests. All they needed to know was four adults. Having to provide the ages of my 55+ parents seemed like a potential prejudice.
The Good:
Stunning view. Lots of windows that will give you a near 180° of skyline right outside your window. There are two full bathrooms and queen beds and ample closet space. Cute little dining area and a full size kitchen. The fireplace is a nice touch (if it worked for us) and the tv is large and had streaming services. Wi-Fi was fast and on-site parking was really appreciated. The place felt very clean and sleek and worked well for our family of four.