Great location (in terms of access to shops/city access/transit), good sized unit (bathroom, bed, living/kitchen area), several issues to be aware of, book it if you don’t have high standards and a heavy sleeper. The host can also make some improvements where possible.

I would give the host: City Realty a 5-star. They were quick to respond, dealt with my concerns in good time, and the unit came as advertised.

Little things needs to be addressed: I found the bed to be uncomfortable, perhaps provide a mattress topper. The washer and dryer is a cheap machine. The wash cycle is fine but the dry cycle will damage your clothes. There is no low-heat dry cycle and there is no drying rack provided to guests.

Things to be aware of: Place is noisy! Nearby establishments and rowdy kids in neighbouring units. People use the fire escape as a place to smoke, drink and hang out. People use the alleyway downstairs to congregate. On a few occasions I saw about 20-30 kids hanging out down there. There are only two windows to cool the place as there is no AC. However, the main window in the living room/kitchen is actually a fire escape so I was a bit worried that someone could break into my place and steal my belongings (not to mention the noise if I don’t close it at night). The small window in the bedroom just swings open (no screens or nothing) and pigeons like to hang outside. But given the noise, the best thing to do was leave them open a few hours before bed and then close all the windows at night. The view is ugly indeed which faces a large disposal area for several neighbouring business. You will hear banging and constant noise from different personnel dropping off garbage/recycling and the trash compactor.