Raouf is very responsive and friendly - an excellent communicator and accommodating host. Our experience felt like staying with an old friend. He was available and reachable, but was never in the way.
Accessed through a side gate through a secure system, the basement unit is spacious, clean, and well lit. Complete with amenities, bath is luxurious. Living room has a couch and coffee tables, with streaming tv for those winding down moments. Kitchen has four electric plate burners and a large toaster oven, compete cookware and utensils for those times one wants to dine in. Fridge is a good size with necessary condiments and some surprise refreshments. French press coffee for traditionalists like us but instant coffee for those on the go. Bedroom has a comfortable full bed, with clean beddings, and huge closet space with a luggage rack.
Location is in the heart of Leslieville, a hip enclave east of downtown Toronto, the place is a short walking distance to the streetcar stop to downtown passing through the major attractions, and close to family-owned restaurants of all ethnicities, and bars and pubs. We walked a lot, around the neighborhood and the boardwalk at the Beaches, and took the 501 and 503 streetcars to downtown attractions (and Union Station) and back. Grocery shopping is a good walk though ridesharing services are aplenty. Convenience stores for quick needs in every corner, while adult beverage stores accessible five-min walk away. The address was very convenient for us, for our sightseeing and family visit purposes. During our stay in late October, we missed the summer activities like flea markets and festivals around the area, but enjoyed gorgeous and colorful fall weather instead.
Meeting us at check-in, Raouf did tell us that the house was old, and that one would be able to hear the footsteps above from the unit, as one would expect. But the noise was not loud and did not bother us, as he was respectful especially during nighttime hours. My partner and I loved our stay in his unit; we were comfortable and felt right at home, and the total experience exceeded our expectations. We look forward to booking his unit again, when we head back to Toronto in the future, for ourselves and family members.