The Apartment - Airbnb gave me two listings to select from when another host cancelled minutes after confirmation so this listing was selected on an emergency, short notice situation as I needed a place the next day.
Pros: Cipri, the host, is very responsive and allowed early check in. There was a young lady who greeted me and helped carry and load my luggage to and from elevator as well as to the apartment. I met Cipri a day or so later and he’s really nice in person. He’s very helpful with suggestions in the surrounding area. He’s very open to communication anytime. Though I have some concerns that I address in the “cons”, the place was clean and toiletries were provided in bathroom.
Cons: Apartment was on the top floor and the top floor seemed to be run down and lower income housing. It was very rough around the edges where the whole top floor seemed to be old and deteriorating. All the windows had bars on the them and the front door was horrible. You can tell that the door had been broken into a few times. The door and locks are in severe need of replacement. The locks on the door seem to be some quick fix instead of replacing with a proper door and locks. When locking both the top and bottom lock from the outside, there is still a crack in the door where you can clearly see door is not closed all the way even when locked. There was some crumbled up aluminum foil attached above the front door, not sure what that was about. I felt very uneasy when I was in there. I did tell Cipri about the door and he said no guests have ever said anything about it, but he would look into maybe replacing the door. You would not be able to tell these concerns by the description and photos. Some may be okay with this type of environment but it didn’t sit well with me. I told him I was going to notify Airbnb because I do believe it is a safety and security hazard for future guests.
Note: Cipri did share that he has two other Airbnb listings. He sent me the links and those appeared to be completely different for the better than the current listing I’m referencing. If you are not comfortable with what I described above, you may make out better in the one of his other listings.