A good overall value with easy proximity to the metro and all the basic amenities needed. The host is detailed in his communication and provided some really helpful tips. For example, the door handle to the unit can be finicky and sometimes requires a second attempt at locking/opening if things are not lined up properly. He offers suggestions about mitigating this issue. There are also some instructions about a gate but after trying for a bit, I didn’t find it necessary to use the gate at all (the back of the unit is open and I realized this after following ?outdated? instructions about the back entry gate).
Additional tips/observations:
-Buy and bring your own water on arrival. I think the nearest grocery source is a 15 minute walk (which in DC humidity can feel like more). Many Airbnb’s supply some water bottles to start off with. This is not the case here and DC can be quite humid into September.
-Speaking of warm, there is central air from above, but you must be willing to reach the host for any adjustments or make good use of the fans. The fans are very helpful, but also require earplugs if leaving them on overnight in this small unit. While cozy inside, it can easily swing between muggy or a bit chilly due to the size and available temperature control modalities.
-Tiny DC mosquitos hanging out by the door are discreet, swift, aggressive, and savvy. They’ll come inside quickly. I had a few bites as well as mosquito that entered the unit with minutes of my arrival. This problem is aggravated by the challenges of fiddling with the door handle if it’s not lining up. The host does offer some mosquito repellents in the unit.
-The unit is overall very clean. I did come across a small insect which looked very much like it was in the roach family in the bathroom sink. Although I can’t confirm, this in addition to the mosquitos sometimes comes with the territory in dense urban cities. I would have preferred not to have encountered it though.
-The area feels quite safe day and night. From a practical standpoint, if you feel weary of walking alone through the “short cut” to the metro station (which is very dark at night and goes through a wooded area with friendly deer), you can take the “longer way” along South Dakota Ave.