There are several positives to this property, but with some drawbacks, better value for money might be available elsewhere.
Positives:
- Communication with the host was easy and responses always prompt. Issues were attended to quickly, and check-in was seamless, with someone meeting me at the property and good communication before I arrived.
- The place is style-fully decorated and generally well equipped, including a washer and dryer, dishwasher, clothes iron, Nespresso machine, blender, cleaning equipment and airconditioner.
- The bed was comfortable and water pressure in the shower was good.
- There is no street noise as the property is at the back of the building.
- Two metro stations are within 3-4 blocks' walk.
- There are several supermarkets and other shops within close vicinity.
- The area felt safe, as did the apartment building.
Negatives:
- There is no sound insulation with the upstairs neighbours and the noise was often unbearable -- someone (presumably a child) would run and jump on and off furniture for hours on end, often until late at night. A heavy object kept being dropped on the floor at random, sometimes in the middle of the night. There wasn't a single morning I wasn't woken up by the noise.
- There is no hot water from midnight until 7 am. This was quite a challenge, especially during the colder months.
- There is no direct sunlight in the apartment, nor in the courtyard. The place is very dark inside and artificial lighting is always necessary.
- Conversely, there are no curtains in front of any of the windows. The artificial light from outside (neighbours) can be disturbing to those sensitive to light at night.
- There were several issues needing repair during the first weeks of my stay, including the air conditioner, kettle and the Wi-Fi. The host responded promptly but on occasion sent someone to the apartment to address these in my absence.
- I never met Sara, but dealt with various of her 'friends' in person. I suspect the place is managed by an agency.
In conclusion: a fairly comfortable stay, but perhaps better suited for the shorter term.