We stayed at Ben's place for 8 nights while visiting our son and family during the Christmas holiday. There are memory foam beds which were very comfy. Kitchen was equipped with everything necessary for cooking meals...whole set of new quality pots, and frying pans, all sorts of utensils, dishes, glassware, coffee maker, etc. All we needed was to buy groceries. As other reviewers mentioned, kitchen was recently updated, bathroom is original tile and fixtures but clean and functional. Big, BIG screen excellent T.V. with cable in living room. Fast internet. The shaded patio outside would be a nice place to hang out in the warmer months. Even though the apartment is located next to a condo building, it is very quiet and we never saw any of the neighbors from the condos.
Ben would respond literally within a few minutes whenever we had a question and came over in 15 mins when we had a problem turning on the T.V.
Location is great...95% walk score...close to the Americana and Galleria malls and numerous restaurants all around. There's a tiny Armenian grocery store (Haykashen Market) just two blocks west on California St. that has the best grind to order Armenian coffee (get the 1/2 & 1/2) for $6.99/lb and has delicious Armenia bread...Whole Foods and Ralphs is also very close by.
Ben is a very nice and concerned host. We will stay here again next time we are visiting if Ben's place is available.