I did a tremendous amount of research before selecting this place, comparing dozens of potential apartments and reading about various neighborhoods in the city. After staying here probably longer than any other Airbnb guest, I can say I am very pleased with my decision.
I will highlight several points in this review, lengthy so you get a full picture of the apartment:
## Communication ##
Prior to my arrival, I had a number of questions about this apartment (and his other apartment nearby) as I tried to decide which place to book. Fede was willing to answer any questions I had about the apartment, the neighborhood, the city, and even potential alternate locations. I was worried I was asking too many questions, but he remained patient and eager to help; after all, I was considering staying in the apartment for quite awhile, more than two months.
I didn't need to contact Fede much throughout my stay – he provided clear instructions for self check-in – but when I did, he was quick to respond and polite. He respected my space and privacy, only stopping by a couple times – with advance notice and permission – to do some quick work on the roof or arrange to have the place cleaned during my long-term stay.
## Location ##
The apartment is in the perfect location, just a stone’s throw from a convenience store, a few minutes’ walk from Chapultepec station (and the park of the same name), less than four blocks from a supermarket, and within a short walk (or bike ride – there are multiple bikeshare options around the corner) from numerous restaurants and beautiful parks and streets. There's also a farmer's market that takes place every Tuesday just around the corner.
I had no concerns whatsoever about safety at any hour of the day or night. Streets in the area are also well-lit at night.
## Overall Apartment and Furniture ##
I sometimes wish Airbnb hosts would put floor plans into their listings, but looking over the photos, it wasn't difficult to get an accurate impression of the layout of the unit. The apartment is two levels up from the ground floor, so third or second floor depending on how you count; there is no elevator. The building seems to have roughly eighteen apartments overlooking a common, tiled (not grassy) courtyard.
Opening the front door to the apartment, you enter the living room with an open-plan kitchen, which has a washer and dryer along with the standard sink and gas stove. On the left is the door to a staircase up to the rooftop; you share the staircase with the neighbor opposite, but each apartment has its own rooftop. The bedroom is opposite the main entrance and the bathroom is through the bedroom. (You may want to keep the window in the bathroom a bit ajar to prevent smells from permeating into the bedroom.)
The place is well-kept, as the photos suggest. Beautiful hardwood-style floors. Some minor scruff marks from wear and tear on the walls, nothing major. The furniture was basically as expected, although he had swapped out the couch from the one shown in the photos (although this is subject to change as the photos change). It's a similar-size couch spanning the wall. In addition to the sofa, there are three chairs, and ottoman, a small table, and the large desk in the living room. I was surprised how comfortable the chairs were for sitting and using the desk much of the day.
One thing that wasn't pictured, much to my surprise, was that there is a second TV, in addition to the one in the bedroom, hanging on the wall in the living room above the desk (which is spacious). I had planned to just move the TV from the bedroom to the living room, as I wanted to use it as a monitor while working, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that there was one already there! Both the one in the living room and the one in the bedroom appear to be 40-inch TVs.
The bed is a matrimonial size bed, which is perfect for one person – or a cuddly couple. A minor issue I noticed – and you’d probably only notice it during a longer stay – is that the bed seemed to slowly shift away from the wall, eventually resulting in a gap. No big deal; just push the bed back (but, as I informed Fede, I was worried repeatedly doing this would scratch the floors). There was more than enough closet space (including shelves and drawers).
Oh, for those who care, while there is a coffee maker, I did not see a tea kettle in the apartment. Easy enough to just boil water in a pot though. There is also a water filter for your convenience.
## The Rooftop ##
As I said, you share the staircase with the neighbor opposite, but each apartment has its own rooftop area. (Be careful not to drop a flip-flop into the courtyard below while climbing the stairs...) Although the staircase is shared, the door to the individual apartment has a small key that keeps it locked.
The rooftop was a nice refuge to have, especially during the time of the pandemic. (Outdoor space where you can go without a mask guilt-free, anyone?) But, don't expect much in the way of views. You cannot see the street. If you can see Chapultepec Castle, I never noticed. (Maybe it was hidden by some trees?) But, you see sky, some of the tall buildings nearby, and, yes (as one review noted), some water tanks. I consider it space, with some plants, chairs, and tables, to provide outdoor respite and fresh air, not a postcard-worthy view.
## Temperature ##
Like most places in Mexico City, there is no air-conditioning. I was here in the autumn, so I can't speak to any other months. But I did not feel I needed air conditioning. During the day, I