I felt like my experience at this airbnb was very different from the reviews I read before booking. I was expecting a really special space. To level expectations for other travelers, this airbnb best described is simple. It is a place to stay and sometimes that is all you need. While on vacation, perhaps you want something more special (to each his own). There wasn't anything terrible, but it was not a stand out airbnb experience.
The aspects of this airbnb that I was surprised by and others should be aware of are 1) the lack of natural light... it is on the 1st floor so we kept the only windows at the front closed and locked... the apt came with plenty of lamps but this was definitely a bummer 2) since the apt is on the 1st floor, you will open the door to the building and immediately to the left will be the unit and in front are the stairs to the second floor (not a spacious entry way at all) .... because of this we heard everything... there is another unit upstairs. We did not sleep well because the floors creak and people upstairs were moving around late at night and early morning 3) there is no AC, just a fan. Luckily it wasn't that hot and the fan was powerful but it definitely felt muggy at time. 4) the airbnb is located in a very residential street and up an inclined street. It felt unsafe and too quiet at night. If I was traveling alone as a woman, I would not choose this airbnb. 5) in the rule book, there is a comment about security cameras being on in the common spaces. I didn't read this until the last day and was confused by what common spaces mean. I assume this meant the living room, which is approximately half the airbnb... I find it strange and uncomfortable to be surveilled like this. I feel like if that is the case, it should be more apparent to travelers.
Good things about the airbnb
1) It is about 10 minutes walking from barrio alto and closer to Green Street. Barrio alto is not the place to stay because it is party central and chaotic. This airbnb is located far away enough from the chaos. However, I felt like a lot of my sightseeing took me farther east, so next time I'd probably stay east of barrio alto. Green street was very hipster and had great dining spots
2) It was clean and had just the right amount of towels, bedding, and bathroom things -- very simple.
3) While I didn't need to communicate with the hosts much, they were quick to respond back when I needed to chat with them at check in and check out.
4) check in and check out were pretty hassle free and I appreciate the process set up by the hosts