Here’s the review you really need:
1. The shower is tiny. If you are taller than 5’5, you will likely be uncomfortable. The ceilings are really low (as mentioned in the description) but the overall size (width, dimensions) of the shower is incredibly small. However, it’s still pretty clean and decent. I’m on the shorter side and I don’t weigh much so it was fine for me.
2. The neighborhood is in East LA. It will seem sketchy, especially at night. But by the third day, you should get used to it. It’s not the nicest neighborhood and the house isn’t the prettiest but I felt safe nonetheless.
3. The location of the house is about 25-30 minutes away from Hollywood Blvd and the main attractions. The average cost if you take an Uber from the house at around 10am-11am will cost approximately $20 -$25 dollars (this cost is the same when going back to the Airbnb) but this number fluctuates. The house is, however, close to Downtown LA. It cost anywhere from $7-$12 to travel there by Uber.
4. The home is stylish. It’s really modern and feels trendy. It has lots of amenities and utilities (stove, hairdryer, fridge, TV, WiFi, etc...). The only thing I would suggest adding is a microwave and a full-length mirror.
5. LAX is about 45 minutes from the home because of traffic. The average cost for an Uber to the Airbnb was $35 and when leaving the Airbnb to LAX (at approximately 10am) it was $40.
6. Anthony is a great host. He responds incredibly fast! I didn’t meet him in person, but he seems like a very nice guy. I personally don’t like to be bothered by hosts too much so I enjoyed the minimal interactions.
7. The neighborhood can be noisy (as mentioned by others). There’s music constantly playing but you almost don’t notice it (at least I didn’t). The music didn’t bother me at all but some people may not like it in the background.
8. The home has a weird smell to it. I personally didn’t like the smell and did my best to spray the home as much as possible but it lingered. The home is pretty clean which is why I don’t understand what the smell was. However, it’s not atrocious, it just isn’t pleasant. It kind of reminded me of the smell of a wet mop.
9. I didn’t drive at all, but if you plan on driving I think parking near the home will be fine. It’s on the streets and there always seemed to be space available to park somewhere so it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. However, driving in LA seems like a bit of a hassle. We didn’t see too many areas to park in and the parking garages are very expensive! While Uber can start to add up, it’s relieving to not have to worry about a car; but should you choose to drive, it doesn’t seem too intimidating driving amongst the native Californians.
10. Last but not least, there are people who live above the space you’ll be staying in and you can hear their movement very clearly. In the morning, sometimes (not all the time) we would be awaken by heavy footsteps or vacuum machines, but we’re light sleepers. So, this may not be a problem for everyone.
Thus, I would still recommend Anthony’s place. I think it’s worth it for the cost and value. It’s a nice private space, it’s not perfect but then again there are flaws in everything. Needless to say, you will likely spend most of your day out anyway so it really doesn’t matter. Enjoy LA!