This is going to be an extensive review, but if you’re considering staying here I would recommend you read it properly - because it’s going to be honest. So bear with me here. I stayed in Michelles house for a month in a work-related matter.
Pros:
- Michelle really is a fantastic host. She goes the extra mile by suggesting things to do, cooking/baking for you (which she is really good at!), and arranging dinners for all of the people staying there.
- Bathroom is newly renovated, and is nice.
- All the rooms have fans, should it become too hot. This really does make a huge difference. Trust me.
- It’s cheap per Bostonian standards.
Cons:
- Cleanliness is a big big issue. There are a lot (!) of fruit flies in the kitchen, and other tennants mentioned seeing a rat inside.
- I got a large amount (ca 20 per night) of very itchy bites especially around my ankles for the entire stay. When my girlfriend came down for my last week she got the same. At the same time, there is free entrance of both domesticated and stray cats, so I have a strong suspicion that this has resulted in a flea infestation.
- Michelle is great at communicating through Airbnb, but both me and other tennants did have some issues with oral communication. So if you have anything important to bring up, keep it on here.
- The area isn’t the safest. Every time I would mention where I stayed to a Bostonian, they would express concern. But if you keep away from walking through certain areas (especially during the night), you should be absolutely OK.
Conclusion:
Had it not been for the the itchy bites around my ankles, I would probably reccomend going somewhere else only if you’re staying for a longer period of time. Depending on your level of cleanliness, of course (I would describe myself as an average+ clean guy).
All in all I would not reccomend staying here. Which really is a shame, because Michelle is a fantastic host.