This apartment has these pluses: large spacious apartment, excellent layout has the master bedroom and bathroom in the back and the other bedroom in the front for privacy, comfortable bed, excellent modern windows which easily opened both sideways or from the top for ventilation, comfortable, good value and excellent location with restaurants, grocery stores, local markets, laundry were all within a block or 2. An ATM was across the street. Marco and the driver were both excellent.
The downsides – except for one – were minor but all together were irritating. the TV sound did not work; the kitchen sink faucet sprayed water at a connection because it was not properly screwed on (we fixed it); no hot pads in the kitchen; the door to our bathroom rubbed against the floor so each time it was opened or closed it made a loud noise waking the other; the second bathroom continually stank from a strong ammonia like odor suggesting mold or sewer gas; our bathroom had shampoo but no shower soap which I bought; the towels were thin and a change of the towels and linens during our 10 day stay would have been appreciated; our apartment was directly over a pizza shop which was noisy at night; also the street was noisy as many bars were on our block; the upstairs tenant banged around late at night. Virginia should have disclosed the noise.
The major issue was ALL the windows were secured by metal bars which could not be opened because they were locked without keys or permanently sealed shut. In the event of fire the only escape was through the front door and if that was not possible, there was no way out. Being over a pizza restaurant increased the risk.
Most on the issues are easy inexpensive fixes but the owner spends as little as possible on maintenance and upkeep to maximize profit.