The room is exactly as pictured, overlooking a shared courtyard. The bed is wide and the mattress is very firm. I slept well and comfortably. There are lots of outlets for chargers and computers (you can buy an adapter for about $2.50 in the town), and plenty of light, both natural and incandescent. The bathroom is fine, with a tub and a shower that can be hand held or left mounted on the wall. Kinacho provided a towel and there was soap and shampoo, but I had brought my own. I used the kitchen mostly to make coffee with the (incredibly fast!) hot water kettle, and to store food and leftovers. It seemed well enough equipped, and the dining/common area is comfortable and inviting. It is on the second floor, so there are steps.
Two beautiful cats live here, and they are as friendly or unobtrusive as you prefer.
Alejandra was not there, but her partner Kinacho is wonderfully helpful and welcoming., offering me an oyster card, advice about the city and getting around-and beautiful, velvety Columbian coffee!
The apartment is about half a mile from Sydenham Station and only a block from a bus stop.
Sydenham is indeed leafy! There’s an award winning park only blocks away, with an outdoor cafe, a gym circuit, tennis courts, a cricket field (field?) and running and walking paths. Stores and restaurants are plentiful-far enough away that it’s quiet, close enough that you can pop down to pick something up in a hurry. There are electronics shops, two charity shops and at least two pubs, a number of Turkish groceries and fish and chips places, an Indian restaurant, a vegan place, and a small Sainsbury’s local. It’s well lit and populated, but the shops and restaurants (not the pubs) close down at 8:30 on a weeknight so don’t count on late night takeout or dining. And, if you can, pop over to Lahore Karachi in nearby Tooting for some truly heavenly Pakistani food!
It was a terrific experience, and a very good value, and I would return. Thank you Alejandra and Kinacho!