While we never got to meet our host Alex, communication was always helpful and pretty fast. We had been given directions to a place nearby where we found the keys and had to insert a code – this was actually pretty funny, felt a bit like McGyver.
The location on the map of Berlin worked well for our purposes, as there are convenient bus lines stopping just across the street.
The actual location of the house and in particular of the flat, however, is at least not for the faint of heart. The house is right next to a pretty busy crossroads and the flat is on the ground floor with the bed/living room facing the street. This being said, we felt very much exposed to the urban life of Berlin – which may not bother you if you plan to spend all the time outside and just be home for sleep. However, if you look for a more intimate place where you can withdraw from the big city life outside when you feel like it then you will be disappointed. The host did a good job mounting curtains in front of the windows towards the street so you can block out the sunlight at least. However, the noise from the street in the morning, from neighbours above (*) and the pub next door (right on the other side of the wall where the bed is), can’t be blocked out. * The neighbours were super noisy (conversations, arguments, video games, summer hits of the 90s on their stereo on and off until 4 am on a Tuesday night) to the point where we couldn’t get sleep – but gladly only during the first night out of the three nights we stayed there. I told our host about it anyway and he promised to talk to them.
While the flat is equipped with all the useful things that you would expect, it lacks charm, blame it to the big room, high ceiling, lack of furniture etc. The host hung several paintings to create some atmosphere but at least the one with the lady who looks like Ozzy Osbourne made a creepy impression on us. All this means: it is a good place for people who just want to crash at a place and hit the city life. It is certainly not the right pick if you happen to be on your honey moon. Also, solo or female travellers - in particular when arriving late in the evening - may feel a little uncomfortable in this setting.