Firstly I should say Maria is the most welcoming host I’ve yet to meet and I’ve met quite a few! She made a point of greeting me personally, met me at the DLR station and escorted me to get apartment, and was very flexible about check in (and check out) time and spent a long time making sure I was aware of how everything worked and where everything was. Im sure she will soon be an ‘elite host’!
This is her own place but she had cleared out plenty of storage space, hangers etc for my use and was happy for me to use her cooking spices, tea coffee etc etc. She also provided water, biscuits, cereal milk, eggs and fruit in case I didn’t have time to pick up breakfast on the way in.
Maria was also willing to meet up with my usual (also excellent) host Emily before and after my visit to exchange the bag I keep in London.
Her apartment is actually nicer and more spacious than it looks in the pictures, clean, cosy - easy to use Netflix on the TV, a very comfortable bed and a well equipped kitchen. Very good value for money!
Location is perfect - only 1 minute walk from the dlr station (visible from living room window) - a few stops from the cinema and nightlife at West India Quay - one stop from Canning Town and the fast jubilee line to central London and historic Greenwich. Taking the alternate exit to the building there is a slightly upmarket late night opening Tesco’s supermarket next to the entrance with a good range of stuff, a few nearby bars and restaurants and a few minutes walk away the emirates airline cable car - a scenic route to the O2 complex with cinema, clubs, a wide range of eateries and bars. Recommend doing this st disc as the views are wonderful.
Overall an excellent place to stay - I will certainly stay with Maria whenever Emily can’t put me up!