Firstly, if this is available, I recommend you book it. It's an absolute gem and the caring graciousness of Sonia is even rarer. She was incredibly prompt with communication - moments after confirmation I received detailed instructions about checking in and getting setup with the wifi. Shortly after she was kind enough to accommodate an early checkin and then let me know that she's available by text for anything that I may need. Sonia is the best part of the AirBNB and the apartment itself was everything as described and more. It's warm and cozy atmosphere, super clean - the kind of clean you smell in the air when you open the door and every surface and floor was immaculate. I knew immediately that she took pride in providing an exceptional environment for her guests. Little touches were so unexpected, coffee and tea in the cupboard, an interesting selection of books on the shelves, a chess / checkers / backgammon board (with instructions) and dominos too. Fancy wine glasses and a wine key because "all you need is wine" and I'd like to hint hint that I have a suspicion that she's a fan of the red ones (if you felt so inclined to thank her, as I believe you will be).
What else... the bed, definitely a queen, and very comfortable. Lots of extra blankets and I peeked a twin mattress stashed below. The couch is a pull out so I'm guessing 3 adults can sleep comfortable and 4 if they share the bed.
Nice hot water and good pressure too. She even provided a fancy shower gel "violet leaf and blackberry" so I smell floral and fresh (yet, bring your own shampoo). While I didn't take a bath, the tub looks very inviting for that. Sparkling clean as the rest of the apartment.
The neighborhood is nice and quiet and the street ends with a nice park / playground at the end of a cul-de-sac. There's a pathway to the GO train station only a few minutes away and another path branches off toward a quiet nature trail. Several parks within a short walk away. Great for people with kids and or dogs. Oh, pet friendly, yes this is a gem. You wouldn't know a pet had ever been here because it's so clean.
My stay came during a cold spell of some feels like -17° c outside but you'd never know it because the apartment was toasty warm but not overly hot.
I've never never met Sonia before but we had a wonderful conversation and I knew indeed that a new friendship was made. She's very kind and sweet and a great listener.
I forgot to mention that the kitchen amenities are fully provisioned: fully! There's full size fridge and freezer, filter water pitcher, an industrial blender, a programmable pressure cooker, toaster oven and regular toaster as well, microwave, electric kettle, keurig machine, and of course all of the pots, pans, dishes, cutlery, cuttinf board and cooking utensils that you'd need. It's hooked up and ready for making some meals. Sugar in the cabinet and some other treats in the freezer that I helped myself to.
I don't watch much television but I tried it out and it more channels than I'd ever need as well.
The internet was very fast; zero connection issues.
Hmm, I guess I'll wrap this review up now and hope that it was helpful for anyone wondering if it's a good choice or not.
For me, it was wonderful and I'm sure that I will be back if I once again need a place to stay on this side of town.
Sincerely satisfied with such an unexpected surprise.
Many thanks Sonia!
-Christopher