Fine stay.
Laura was an excellent host. She answered my many questions about transportation and responded very quickly to anything I asked. She provided a binder with a lot of helpful information. Wifi worked great. There were bikes available for use with helmets. Toys available for families with kids. Also there’s a crib in the bedroom. I thought those were all nice touches for families. I even accidentally set off the smoke alarm when I straightened my hair. It picked up the smoke from my hair iron. It was very loud. I was able to fan the smoke away & it directed me to press the button to turn it off. I immediately notified Laura that it was my iron&there was no danger. She quickly responded that the detector can be very sensitive, which I actually appreciated. Better safe than sorry. She did not hassle me at all. I found she was super easy to communicate with!
The place was fairly clean but could probably use an update/replacement of a few things like shower curtain lining, some updated sheets, quick clean up of the patio area. The photos were nicer than reality but they were probably taking at the start of the Airbnb so that happens. There were some bugs (dead fly on the pillow of the day bed, a tiny cricket in the hall, some gnats in the kitchen/bedroom) but I chalk that up to it being a hot summer & there were flowers in there that probably attracted them, as well as the garbages being near the back entrance which is on the bottom floor. Sometimes bugs get in.
Some people advised me not to stay in this area but their opinions may have been motivated from classism & racism. The area was fine. It’s not the fanciest on the outside but the interior was fine. I felt safe. The people were not a bother. The main reason I didn’t give location the best score was because the entrance is in a back alley (which is disclosed in the details) but it’s not the most lit area so can be cause for safety concern if arriving at night. However, your car is parked mere feet away from the fence door. I personally did not have any issues. I also walked to & from the bus stop with no problems. I even wanted to do more in the area like check out the Frederick Douglass exhibit & bike ride but I didn’t have enough time.
Overall the stay was good. Laura’s smooth communication was the best part. I see why she is classified as a super host.