I've stayed in several downtown Toronto AirBNB properties but this one is easily The Best.
The property is one of those long, thin condo apartments typical of downtown TO and other places, which you often see on AirBNB. But this one stands out in several regards:
- Smooth Check-In - including pictures so you know what to expect at every step
- Immaculate! - the whole place is gleaming white. You're almost afraid to touch anything.
- Spa-like Atmosphere - when you walk in, you're greeted by soothing music, a box of chocolates and towels folded in animal shapes, just like at a resort.
- Everything You Need - they really have thought of everything. Every vacation rental includes dishes and some kitchenwares, but the hosts here go above and beyond ... right down to free toothpaste and a first aid kit. The TV includes a free guest Netflix account, which I appreciate because, in other rentals, I've had later guests poach my account if I forget to log out.
- Location !!! - the City Place neighbourhood has an up-scale millennial/yuppy vibe, with everything that comes with that. Several trendy eateries, coffee shops, a newer public park, grocery stores, other trendy retail, a new library, bike rentals, etc., etc., all in walking distance. Also nearby is the Fort York National Historic Site. Good transit access. Moderate walk (20 min), short bike ride or very short Uber ride to most of the city's major attractions.
- Beautiful View (pretty much) - the property provides a gorgeous view of the city and the lake, with sailboats drifting by. Unfortunately, it also provides a great view of the rail tracks, but you can't have everything. No view of the CN Tower, but I've seen enough of that landmark to last a lifetime, so I didn't miss it.
- Sound-proof - the property is near the intersection of several busy streets, expressways and rail tracks, but you won't hear a thing until you step out on the balcony.
- Excellent Communication - some hosts act annoyed if you ask them a single question. But Shamim and I chatted via messenger at least once a day the whole time we were there. We really appreciated her attentiveness.
It's quite hard to think of any negatives at all, but for the sake of balance and thoroughness, I'll dig deep to come up with a few:
- Bad Coffee - the supplied coffee is Folgers. If you're a coffee snob like me, bring your own or go to one of the nearby coffee shops.
- No Tissues - the only thing they've forgotten to supply is Kleenexes.
- Very Strict No Guest Policy - other reviewers have commented on this. It's typical for properties to ban overnight guests or guests after a certain hour. Here, you can't even invite someone over for coffee in broad daylight - enforced by a security camera at the door. Now, I totally understand the reasons. I know many property owners suffer severe damage from young guests who rent places to throw wild parties. But, for a regular middle-aged couple like us, this detracted a bit from the "home away from home" atmosphere we're used to in other rentals. On the whole, though, this was a very small price to pay for all the other numerous positives about the place.
The biggest advantage for us, which wouldn't apply to anyone else, is that the property was a block away from my son who lives in the city. Add to this to all the other pluses and this location will definitely be our go-to favourite Toronto rental whenever it's available.