First of all, we`ve booked a lot of Airbnbs within North America and this one was the best ever. Helen and John are absolutely lovely people, very helpful and made us feel home as soon as we got there. Kick of your shoes , enter and enjoy. Helen gave us a run a round in the basement and also handed us a self-made booklet that contains informations about the Wifi, how to use the TV and Netflix but also recommendations for tourist spots, breakfast diners and restaurants and much more. She also gave us her number for Whatsapp, incase we needed anything or had any questions.
The basement itself is very cozy and equipped with a large comfy bed, a TV Screen with a super large collection of DVD`s ( chronologically orderd), Netflix, a desk (with snacks <- good) , an adapter to recharge your devices, heating that Helen will adjust for you incase thats necessary and an extra heater in the basement hall incase you need one.
Theres also a mini fridge with fresh milk and water, a coffe machine and a beautiful bath room with all the stuff you need. FRESH Towels everday. EVERYDAY? EV-ER-Y-DAY!
The Location itself is conveniently situated. The Area itself is very quiet but within less than 5 minutes you on Collage street and within less than 10 to 15 minutes walking you on Queen street, both rich on breakfast diners, restaurants, bakeries and cool boutiques and consignment stores. We would recommend Queen Street but check out both anyways.
We didn't buy a weekly pass for public transport since Helen told us you can basically walk downtown which we did, everyday. We would for instance walk down to Queen Steet, eat breakfast at a diner( like at Frankies Diners or The Drake Hotel), then walk along queen street to downtown Toronto and bam, suddenly we were on the vibrant Dundas Square. While walking to Dundas Square we checked out all the cool consignment stores or checked out the dogs having a blast at Trinity Bell Park. Again, you can STROLL to downtown Toronto from Helens home within 50 to 60 minutes and explore the city while you add it. Win/win eh?
You can walk to the notorious Kensignton Market for drinks, coffee and certainly tasty bites from all over the world like Rasta Pasta (Jamaican/Itaian), Dirty Bird (Chicken & Waffels/Poutine) or Seven(Mexican) to just to name a few. Also within less than 30 minutes. Super delicious varieties.
While we were outside blowing our money on Queen West on clothes or ignor the actual calories intake per day on Kensigton Market, Helen would tidy up the room. She provided us with fresh towels , refilled coffee caps, put fresh milk in the fridge and refilled the two large glass water bottles. In our just one week stay she even changed the bed linen. The room was always super clean when we came back home. Helen also texted us everyday if we needed anything. She even bought us french pastries that we had to pleasure to come home to one night. She always was very thoughful and went the extra mile to make sure we good.
Helen and John perfectly mirror the Canadian friendliness and hospitality and left an awesome impression on us. We are looking forward to see you guys again and congratulate all the future happy campers on their stay at Helens and Johns place.
Thanks for everything,
Janina & Chris