this was my first airbnb experience, and i think it may have been the most wonderful introduction i could have hoped for. i was visiting bristol to see friends who were leaving to travel and work in new zealand and australia, and so it was most fortuitous to meet joanne who is from auckland. her accommodation was a five minute walk away from where i needed to go in bristol, so this factor ticked another box.

joanne is an inviting, warm, thoughtful, gentle human being and immediately made me feel very welcome.

the house is a wonderfully calm, and relaxing space and is a reflection of the attention to detail of the owner. the single room i stayed in was perfect - a simple, appealing aesthetic, but most comfortable and meeting all my expectations.

i cannot recommend joanne’s house and hospitality enough, it is not only a fabulous environment, but is so much more because of the kind of person joanne is. i unexpectedly spent a considerable (and immensely enjoyable and rewarding) time talking to joanne over tea and cake when i arrived and over breakfast in the morning.

joanne was so kind, engaging, and even took the time to walk me most of the way to my friend’s house when i went out in the evening.

i went to bristol for the particular reason to see existing friends, and came away making a new friend, and having experienced so much more than i could have imagined, thanks to joanne.

when i return to bristol, she will be the first person i contact for a room to stay.