I’ll do this in sections as I usually do 😊
1. The Flat -- Just as in the pictures, it's a very cosy and clean flat with nice double-glazed windows and all the modern appliances, including a very good washing machine AND even a dryer. Everything is new and the bathroom is terrific. The shower is spacious and has great pressure with 3 modes (give it a few seconds to heat up) and there are loads of extra towels and toiletries available. The bed was very comfy too.
Everything, from the TV remote to the comb, is wrapped in plastic bags because apparently Cetti is a clean-freak, which is GREAT if you’re as picky as me about cleanliness (though tbh I found it weird that they didn’t take off their shoes when showing me the flat).
The flat is on the 1st floor and the door is sturdy with a secure modern lock. I can’t talk about the A/C as I came end of October when the weather was perfect but I can assume it’s in top condition like everything else in the flat. There's a little balcony as well which is always nice.
Lastly, I also loved the little touches like the chocolates and sweets left for me on the bed, or the cute basket of breakfast stuff on the kitchen counter.
2. Location – The flat is located in central Borgo Vecchio, next to the Politeama area. It’s very easy to walk to the Centro Storico (Historical Centre) and see all the sites, while being just 5 mins walk to Via Isidoro, where all the trendy bars are. It’s also a short walk to Piazza Crispi where you can catch the 806 bus to Mondello beach.
One thing I should note is that the neighbourhood is strikingly different to the trendy Politeama. It’s the type of place you see in movies about Italy, narrow streets with bad asphalt and grannies chatting from balconies full of laundry… In fact if you check G Street View you’ll wonder if such a flat exists in this neighbourhood - fear not, it does! and you shouldn’t worry about it– the people are friendly and you can walk there easily even at midnight.
3. Host / Communication – Cetti and her niece are very nice and immediately help you feel like home. They picked me up at Piazza Politeama where the airport shuttle drops you off and drove me to the flat (even though it’s close). On my return, Cetti arranged for a friend to pick me up at 5 am and drive me to the airport for a fair price.
4. Extra considerations – The Wifi speed is VERY good (78 Mbps DL, 19 Mbps UL), but note that there’s no desk for those who'd like to work remotely.
Conclusion – a near-perfect flat that I’d happily take again 😉 and if you read all this, and made the good decision to pick this flat, treat yourself to aperitivo at Hic! La Folie du Vin (1st drink between 7-9 comes with finger food) and nightlife at Berlin Café.