Pros:
- amazing location right on Thames street, walking distance to everything, never needed a car except to leave town.
-convenient parking across the street.
-spacious apartment, 2 fridges?
Cons:
- communication with Lili was few and far between. We didn't receive any communication the day we were expected to arrive, which made us anxious driving in the car with no knowledge of how to check-in up until an hour before. She responded to our inquiry 4 hours later and was unreachable on the phone.
- there was NO hot water in the apt for our entire 3 day stay. I repeat, NO HOT WATER. Freezing showers were doable with the summer heat, but not pleasant for our mini vacation. Again, a lack of communication, a day after we reported the issue to our host, saying she would "talk to the owner." No follow up, so we had to, which didn't yield a response.
- keyless entry DIED our 2nd night, leaving us frantic and locked outside. Luckily, this time Lili picked up and told us to go downstairs to the convenient store to ask the owner for a key. The employee there had no idea and it was a big mess figuring it out with the owner who luckily had a hard key for us. He also said he could've turned on the hot water but there was a problem with paying the bill with the previous tenant...? Shady. Still no hot water.
-no basic amenities as listed (nothing in the shower, no hand soap) just some mini hotel body lotion and thin bar of cheap soap.
-no dresser and only 1 small closet with 5 hangers. At first appearance, the apartment seems pristine and modern, but underneath, drawers were falling off, AC needed a new filter, was moldy (my partner was sneezing and congested from the moment we entered up until our ride home).
-strong smell of smoke, a bit musky inside
-AC filter needs to be replaced
- total transparency, we had to reach out to Airbnb to file a complaint about no hot water and no communication and they refunded us 50% of the nightly rate, not incld fees, but kudos to Airbnb customer service!
In conclusion, with some proper maintenance, improved communication, and basic amenities, the place would be perfect. Can't beat the location for a short stay + convenient parking, as long as you don't have any known mold allergies!