My wife and I recently spent a week at Chip's very unique and memorable house in Providence. Everything about the 2nd floor apartment was to our liking and Chip was a respectful and warm host. The eclectic furnishings, patterns, and decorations all throughout the house were a great change from our usual surroundings and definitely helped it feel "like a vacation". Breakfasts were great every morning, with a really nice variety of food (great corn cakes!), conversation with Chip, and a wood-burning stove making things very cozy. There was a quiet little cat roaming around the downstairs too who didn't mind spending some time with the guests. If anyone is concerned about allergies -- I am actually allergic to cats, but didn't have any problems either downstairs or upstairs in the apt (off-limits to the cat).

The location of the house was fine by us, although there's no denying that some of the nearby blocks are a little on the seedy side. However, my wife and I know from our years living in West Philadelphia that if you don't bother people you pass on the street, generally they won't bother you. We did fine walking around the neighborhood, even in the evenings, and getting around town without a rental car was doable too. If anyone is curious about walking times: 10 minutes to Federal Hill, 15 minutes to downtown, and 30 minutes to the college areas. The Grange was a cozy vegetarian pub less than 10 minutes away, good for a late-night snack and a drink.

As our very first Airbnb stay anywhere, I'd have to sum it up as a restful week in very memorable surroundings. Chip was a very fine cook who helped put us at ease with this whole new type of experience. Thanks very much!