His review:

The very best thing about the Islington flat, for a first-time visitor to London, is its location. Within short walking distance, to the left & to the right out onto Upper Street, are at least 6 buses that will take you to just about all of the sites of interest to tourists.

The flat is as advertised: roomy, light filled, full kitchen and two bedrooms.

The only drawback to a man a few days short of 65 were the steep access stairs, the shower/tub and step down from the front door, bathroom-kitchen area to the living room.

What we needed to learn, not just here but in several places we visited in the UK, the first floor there is the second floor to an American.

A good point about the metal gate and steep stairs is the feeling of safety.

The host was ever so gracious, replying to all of our messages quickly and with good information.

If I was going to move to London, I would consider Islington as the urban option. There are tons of places to eat. We had several good meals within walking distance. None of them were bad. Most were outstanding.

Her review:

Comfortable, clean, spacious, private, well equipped and gracious. I would highly recommend this Islington flat and we would definitely return.

This two-week vacation for my husband, son and I was our first foray into Airbnb. I was initially worried about being outside of the central-city tourist area – I was so wrong. The neighborhood is charming, walkable and packed with diverse eateries and shopping options. Commuting to anywhere in London from the flat was a breeze. Nothing was more than a 45-minute jaunt – much easier, better and more affordable and, even more, convenient than cabbing it. Catching a bus at multiple available stops is a mere two to three blocks. The nearest tube stations are a half mile walk or walk-bus combo north on Upper Street to Highbury & Islington and south on Upper Street to Angel. Having a Visitor Oyster Card, a pre-loaded public transportation pass, is highly recommended.

The kitchen is well organized, clean and provides all the needed full-size appliances and gadgets of home. While the narrow breakfast bar seats two most snuggly, this is not really an eat-in kitchen; there is a generous dining table in the great room for family meals and gatherings. The laundry closet is a welcome utility – although the dryer takes time; the easy-to-follow instructions for emptying the water from the dryer were a must read. The great room is lovely with comfy separate spaces for dining, lounging and desk work. Plenty of seating. We were greeted by a charming Christmas tree. The second queen-sized bedroom has seating for adult and child with access to the bed from one side only. The master bedroom lacks seating other than the low but comfy queen-sized bed. There were ample cabinet drawers and back of door and wall hooks.

Final words: Loved it.