When we arrived we were greeted with bars over the windows and a heavy steel door which were welcome additions given the neighborhood we were in. we thought "At least once we make it into the door we should be safe." After unlocking all 4 locks on the door and getting into the apartment we were greeted by the rankous smell (not a real word) of weed, cleaner and cigarette smoke. Given that we wanted a non-smoking Airbnb, as we do not smoke, nor do we like the smell of smoke, we were repulsed by this finding. After sitting in the apartment for 15 minutes my husband and I both had such bad headaches. We decided that we did not feel safe staying here and that we could not tolerate the smell any longer. we decided to leave and ask for a refund. we contacted the host and he claimed that the odors were just because the building is old...which is hilarious... and he refused a refund. He told us to "take it up with Airbnb." Luckily we were protected by aircover and the customer service with Airbnb is amazing.
So, long story short...if you like barred windows and doors, cinder block walls and the smell of cigarettes mixed with cleaner, then you will love this place. If you're not so keen on all that, then steer clear.