My host welcomed me in person, showing me around the apartment, explaining everything I would need to know to operate the appliances and take care of the lovely apartment. He had outfitted the apartment with much more than he had listed to meet our current day perceived "needs". Also he provided plenty of guidebooks, maps, brochures, and personal recommendations about places in the area.
The neighborhood was good. I felt safe, and there were cafés, restaurants, grocery stores nearby and transportation was easy.