My experience at Laura's apartment was mixed. Communication was below average; I had to write more than once to confirm the check-in time. Once Laura wrote back, she informed me that the cleaning person would check us in. We arrived to a very nice couple (the cleaning person and spouse?) who showed us a few apartment basics (how to regulate the heater, lock the door, etc).

The CONS:
- The bed was terribly uncomfortable and made a lot of noise. Much better sleeping on the futon in the living room.
- The shower did not drain, a problem noted in past reviews which has not been addressed.
- The shower head is low and can't be secured at a higher position (it's broken) making it hard to shower if you're more than 160 cm (5 feet) tall.
- The noise level outside was unbearable on a Saturday night well into the morning (4am) keeping us up, even with earplugs.
- The upstairs neighbors are loud, though this wasn't such an issue after 11pm.
- There was a Jar in the apartment asking for 1.5 Euro per guest per night for Bologna city tax. While we are aware that some cities collect taxes, according to airbnb's policy this fee should either be worked into the cost of the accommodation or collected by the host upon check in, in which case it should be noted in the listing, but there is no mention of it there.

The PROS:

- Apartment is spacious, bright, and clean.
- Design sensibility was good, and even though the kitchen is small, it's charming.
- Dining area is terrific.
- Apartment is centrally located.

The apartment has a lot of wonderful touches -- BUT they have seen better days. My sense is that this was once a terrific place to stay, but since there are enough positive reviews from the past, the host has lost interest in maintaining the apartment or engaging with her guests.