This was my first experience with Airbnb and it could not have been better. From the moment Mhairi and her lovely dog Hector welcomed me to their home I knew that was just what I would be – at home.

The room was very well equipped, with a wardrobe with drawers below, a table which would serve as a desk, bookshelves and a very comfortable bed with a well-placed reading lamp. There were plenty of power sockets for charging all the electronics we carry nowadays. The en-suite bathroom was a comfortable size and as sparkling clean as the rest of the house. It would be an excellent base for a much longer stay than the one week I enjoyed.

There were so many small personal touches and examples of Mhairi's thoughtfulness. Not only was there a great range of tourist maps and guides, but she managed to discover my specific likes and interests and was able to suggest many places and events I would not otherwise have thought to visit. This made a real difference to the quality of my stay. There was a delicious range of foods for breakfast and I was regularly encouraged to try them. I was even encouraged to take a picnic for my journey home.

The whole flat is a delight to the eye, and I particularly enjoyed my breakfasts in the lovely conservatory overlooking the garden.

For me it was very well situated, being in a quiet neighbourhood close to the Botanic Gardens, but with three useful bus routes stopping right outside, and several good walkable routes into the centre of the city. For example, I found it very helpful to be able to return for a couple of hours later in the afternoon, then go back to the city feeling refreshed for an evening of entertainment. Sometimes I needed peace and quiet, and she respected that. Other times I was able to really enjoy her friendly and fascinating company.

I would not hesitate to recommend a stay in Mhairi's delightful art-filled home. Indeed, I only left yesterday and I have already done so to a couple of my friends.