After reading the reviews of this place and seeing the pictures, the place was exactly as I expected. The no shoes rule is NO JOKE. The host really wants you to keep shoes down stairs and wear the slippers up stairs (very thoughtful to include those). I think the reasoning is because sound travels a lot in this apt. If the guests staying below are in the foyer at all, you can hear them. Period. So I can imagine how loud shoes coming down the stairs and walking around up above can be. Saves the host trouble of asking you again and again if you just comply and leave your shoes downstairs. Otherwise great stay. No oven and no shampoo so pack accordingly.