Before I booked this place I read all the reviews. I saw the ones about cleanliness, the noise, rules, along with the ones about it being a great place. I want to give you an honest review based on my experience.
Erick is a great host. He met us as soon as we got there, gave us a walk through, and explained the rules to us. I loved the personal touch he added with the walk through and explication of the rules. He communicated very well and timely. Everything I needed he made sure we had. Ex: I needed paper towels and trash bags. He left them at the back door right away. I felt completely safe the entire stay. I walked to and from the bus stop without any worry whatsoever. The decor of the home is very minimal and not fancy. I did not try to cook while we were there; however, I will say that it would have been very difficult to do that. I will address why later in my review. Overall, it was semi comfortable, affordable, and a safe place to stay. I want to address some of the things that others have said about this place.
Honesty about the rules: I don’t know why the reviews were negative about this. I do not think they were unreasonable or extensive. His expectations for his place were fair and to be honest, it’s his place so he has the right to make the rules. No parties, no extras guests, don’t leave lights on, and make sure you lock up we’re pretty much it. These are all fair, easy to follow, and the only rules that were shared with us.
Ease of public transportation and shopping: The bus stop is 2 blocks away and will get you anywhere you want to go in the city. Navigating the public transportation system was not difficult at all. I did choose to Uber some but that was strictly for the time factor.
Noises: it is obvious that this home has multiple units. There was someone above us and you could hear things that went on in that unit. Did it keep us up or disturb us in anyway, no. You can tell it is an older home and has thin walls and ceilings.
The thing I want to address the most is the cleanliness of the place. At first glance things seem to be OK. Once I were there for a few hours and started settling in I did notice that it was not as clean as one would like a place that you’re renting to be. The dishes were semi-clean and not put away. Whoever was there before us obviously washed them and left them in the strainer. The sink had caked/dried on food in it along with the stove. The wall above/behind the stove had splatters of grease and food, the countertop had not been wiped down, the spoon rest had caked on food in it, and one of the refrigerators was absolutely disgusting. There are two refrigerators in the kitchen a smaller one that looks fairly new and a bigger one that is definitely older and doesn’t look like it’s ever used. It was extremely filthy was spilled food in the bottom of it and down the front dripping out onto the floor. I did not cook other than using the microwave and wouldn’t have due to the filth. I found opened containers of powdered sugar, instant potatoes, and noodles along with a syrup bottle that was stick to the shelf. I did not find any bugs, thank goodness. The bathroom to the naked eye seem to be OK; however, once I went to get into the shower I noticed yellow/orangeing of the grout between the tiles, mildew around the tub and starting to grow on the ceiling, and quite a bit of soap scum and sediment in the tub. Unfortunately during my stay, the friend I was traveling with got sick. While cleaning up from that, I cleaned part of the floor. I was shocked at how much black crud I got off the floor. To the point that you could tell a difference where I cleaned the floor versus the rest of the floor. It was obvious that the floors had not been mopped for quite some time. I do have to question what my cleaning fee paid for because it was obvious that those areas were not cleaned.
The sheets and towels were fresh and there was no clutter (except in the kitchen because nothing was put away).
Would I stay here again, no. This makes me sad because it would not take much for it be be a great place. Some elbow grease, removing the nasty 2nd fridge, and I would have given it great reviews. I share all of this so that if you are traveling with little ones and book this place; don’t let them down on the floor also for Erick to know that it would not take much to get his place at a 5 star level.