We didn't meet the host, but that's because this place is a hotel that is also used for dorm residents. It's in a super convenient location and feels very safe (neighborhood and building itself).

Downsides were that the place gets really hot and opening the window doesn't help. It gets loud when you open the window because you can hear the other air conditioners.

The pictures are also highly inaccurate. But it was a cheap, safe, and a great location.