We absolutely loved this AirBNB. If I could give 4 1/2 stars I would (see below). Most things about the place and experience are 5 star. The location is so amazing, love the neighborhood, felt totally safe and immersed in the local vibe, better than being at a hotel. There are many fabulous places to eat within 5 minutes walk. The T is a short walk making getting around the city for sightseeing a breeze. We were there for 4th of July week, and loved that we were able to simply walk over to experience the Boston Pops, which we did on the 3rd, then watched the fireworks on the 4th from a perfect viewing spot on the rooftop deck. There were some of the other tenants from the building, but all kind and courteous, and it was in no way crowded.
As described, the building is old, 200 years old, and all that comes with that, narrow slanted creaking stairs, doors that don't quite close, old furniture, but it added to the experience, and did not take away. Until the AC shut down! Unfortunately it was a week with a heat wave, and July 4th afternoon, so there was simply no way to get anyone in to fix. Gloria was very good at communicating and doing her best, but it was a situation that had no solution other than for us to move to a hotel. Gloria reimbursed us for our inconvenience, as it was impossible to be in the place with no AC due to the extreme heat. She also kindly allowed us a very late check out since we had an evening flight.
If I could give a 4 1/2 star review I would, but it doesn't give that option. My only reason for not giving a 5 star review is perhaps we are very particular, but 5 star would require things that could be rectified despite the age of the building, such as fresh paint, a deeper cleaning, (overall surface cleanliness good), making sure everything is in order ie lamps with working lightbulbs, better pillows, dish soap in kitchen. While there is laundry in the basement, its a trek down. Our kids are 10 and 13 and they loved it, but I wouldnt have felt comfortable with small children with the stairs, and fragile furniture. Again, I struggled with this review as I really wanted to give 5 stars, but that for me would mean perfect no flaws, and I want to be accurate. We would stay again if the opportunity arose, so we recommend.