Aris might possibly be the most passionate, responsive, and lovely Airbnb host ever. Right from the first interaction when I booked the RD2 (a word play on its street name ‘Ardittou’ – it took us a while to work that out!), he responded within an hour or less. In the weeks prior to travel, he checked in to answer any questions I might have, and to say he was looking forward to welcoming us (I was traveling with my 18y/o daughter who was taking a summer language program). When we arrived, his gorgeous mother, Sophia, greeted us, with fresh cherries in a bowl on the table, fresh cheese, wine and a handwritten welcome message. It’s the little things! On our first day, he shared the ‘Welcome’ manual he’d passionately created, containing every logistical detail you’d ever need in terms of the local area, restaurants, bars, pharmacies. The apartment itself has been designed with the highest level of attention to detail, and quality. The air con is highly effective (so important during the Athens summer), the beds are big and comfortable, and the kitchen/ laundry, really modern and functional. The location is perfect – only minutes from Syntagma Square by tram, and a short 10mins walk to Plaka. We’d visited Athens many times before, but Aris couldn’t be more helpful in sharing little maps with recommended walking routes, and even calling a nearby restaurant one night to check their opening hours for us. When I needed to leave Athens a few days early unexpectedly, Aris and his mother made sure my daughter was in good hands, even cooking and dropping over her favorite Greek meal – pastitsio – to the apartment. Aris is a rare unicorn in the Airbnb host world, and I can’t recommend the RD2 more positively. We’re already looking at going back next year!