What a horrible experience!
Location—mediocre at best — right off Garnet Ave., which is definitely a hotspot, but the place is not close - not at all - to the beach. Garnet though is a very busy street, so it’s kind of a fun walk/ride down there, though this place is definitely on the outskirts of anything cool.
This is a small apt., that you share with the main tenant, though sharing is not exactly her thing. In fact, Rosana is downright rude. (E.g. don’t forget to take your shoes off at the door, or you will get yelled at).
To begin with, there is no ‘n’ B to this Air B’n’B. Not only does she offer you nothing (no water/no coffee), she lets you know, though not until you arrive, that you can’t use the kitchen — not at all! On my arrival, I brought in a leftover sandwich and she protested. Said she would let me refrigerate it “this one time.” I was afraid to even put water in the fridge — and didn’t.
The place is no great shakes either. You get a room...4 blank, white walls (which you better get used to, because the last thing you will feel there is welcome). You will not feel comfortable in a common area, because she (or a male roommate?) will likely be there, watching Brazilian language television. Luckily, you also get a private bathroom...and I brought my laptop, so I could watch Netflix. But for that, I would’ve gone absolutely stir crazy.
I basically hung out in my room, door closed, the entire time that I was in. I hated it. Unfortunately, booked it, in advance, for many days. Started writing this part on day 4 of a 10 day stay. Wish I could get the heck out of here now. Realized this is a HUGE DRAWBACK of Air B’n’B. I don’t know of a way to cut a visit short, and get credited anything back. In fact, per my research, they can set their own policy. No surprise — Rosana had set hers as “strict,” which pretty much means, the minute you make the reservation, you are screwed.
Biggest mistake of my trip was renting for such a long time with this woman — but was tired of moving around — and the price was right. Then again, would’ve preferred to pay for a hotel, rather than feel so uncomfortable staying with a stranger. ANY hotel would be better than this situation.
As it was, I left 3 days early. Happier paying to be somewhere else.