Alyosha is a great host. The room is lovely, spacious, and very well equipped, with two big windows looking out on the canal. There is a shared kitchen in the hall, but right in the room there is a fridge, coffee/tea station, dishes, and a few breakfast snacks. Everything was spotless, including the private bath with a large bathtub.
Great location, with an easy walk to main attractions but also quieter streets with restaurants. It is a quiet street, away from the tourist crush.
Alyosha was very communicative and helpful, always easy to reach and ready with all kinds of detailed directions.
What really blew my mind was that he provided a cell phone for us to use during our stay, knowing that a lot of his guests don’t have international use of their cell phones. On this phone he set up a WhatsApp chat with himself and his father for easy communication, as well as a google map with his location marked as well as the neighborhood features. We could use this phone to make local phone calls, find directions, and use the internet, which is extremely helpful when traveling. He also had a computer in the room for guest use. As one who has spent a fortune on international data charges over the last few weeks, I was very grateful for this.
All in all, I give Alyosha and his place a big thumbs up.