Veronica asked if I would be able to switch my booking the day I arrived to accommodate an existing guest, so this review is for the other room in this same unit: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/27491393?source_impression_id=p3_1652046327_XngmRN0bpR354gc2
PROS:
-Veronica is a wonderful host and was extremely communicative and accommodating. She wanted to make my stay as comfortable as possible despite the challenges I was having. 5 stars for communication, I really appreciate it.
- The Bay Ridge neighborhood is really beautiful, diverse, and laid back and this unit has easy access to all kinds of shops and restaurants, and close to the R train that will take you to the rest of Brooklyn and Manhattan. Very walkable and enjoyable.
- Good value if you are on a budget or need to stay in this part of Brooklyn where there are limited options. I had no problems with the other guest(s) staying at the same time and it is spacious enough to give people room to be comfortable. Clean and well maintained.
CONS:
- This could be a really great shared unit. However several corners are being cut that don't need to be. A lot of easy fixes that really ding the place like missing trash cans or worn bedding. While everybody likes an aesthetically beautiful space, the things that make a big difference are solid basics.
- For example, PLEASE NOTE that Veronica has written in the description that she don't provide towels. I understand it was communicated but when you are on the move no guest wants to be caught by surprise after a long flight with something that's standard in the rental business. In my opinion it's akin to asking people to bring their own bedsheets.
- The street noise in the front room was really awful. One night it was the street construction but other nights there were deliveries, trash collection, even people standing and talking on the street...that all carries very easily through the exterior wall. I know street noise can be normal for NY but Bay Ridge is typically a quieter alternative to some other areas of Brooklyn or Manhattan. I realize this is out of the host's control but perhaps she can look into some noiseproofing methods for the windows or maybe provide a fan or white noise machine for guests that are light sleepers. I really wasn't able to get good rest in that room, and I wondered how my stay would have been different if I had stayed in the room I originally booked on the back side of the house.
Other than that I enjoyed the neighborhood and again really appreciate everything Veronica did to make sure I was as comfortable as possible. That said, I don't think I would stay again based off of this experience.