This place was aesthetically wonderful and the host was communicative, gracious, and generous with her home (even gave a list of restaurant recs! Very sweet) The decor was gorgeous, view was to die for, and everything was updated and functional. Washer/dryer was a great addition, along with the patio area. She left food out for us, let us help ourselves, and had almost zero check-out asks, which I found very sweet.
Logistically, there is not a lot of clarity and this seems to be partially because the host is newer. First off, parking is not free nor available in the neighborhood. Also, it was unclear if the pool/gym was on the premises or just mentioned in the listing because there is a gym with the pool across the street, which don’t seem to be free. This is also the only “parking”, but they charged us $20/day and we were only there for 30 mins.
There is private security at the door, but not a lock box or door code, so you need to coordinate with the host to meet with her prior to check-in. A bit inconvenient, though offset by getting an early check-in time.
No signage or book explaining anything; you have to ask for things like WiFi, how to use things, what is for guests, etc.
Finally, the things I was pretty disappointed about.
- No TV. There is a projector in the bedroom, but unclear if it’s available to guests.
- No blinds or curtains in the whole place. The sun decides when you wake up and changing has to happen in the bathroom if you don’t want to show off.
- This is clearly the host’s personal home when not being rented, which was evident from full drawers/closets/fridge/cabinets/dishwasher. I have stayed in places like this before, but for the price of the four-star hotels down the street, I would expect there to be more spaces in the unit that are just for guests and more clarity on what is/is not for guests.
- No luggage/guest storage. All storage spaces are full with personal items.
I think I would give more stars if I didn’t pay hotel prices to essentially crash in someone’s very lovely apartment. I feel like I would have had a better experience paying less at a hotel in the neighborhood.