I generally think the word “amazing” is overused, but in this case AMAZING is the only way to describe my experience.
I’ll start with the basics. Communication and check in instructions were great. Check in was easy and Lee was able to accommodate me arriving early. Information about the house was easy to find. Everything was impeccably clean and comfortable (I slept in the bed so I can’t vouch for the futon) and all of the basics (towels, soaps, etc...) were laid out and easy to find.
The house itself is great. It’s an older home with beautiful wood floors and a nice front porch. Everything is well decorated. The best part is the guest suite is on the first floor, so other than a few steps on the walkway, you don’t have to schlep your luggage upstairs. The temperature was comfortable and you have plenty of privacy. Also, really good shower.
The amenities were outstanding! A fridge with water bottles, granola bars, coffee...it’s all in the suite if you want it. The real highlight is the guide book Lee put together. I did lots of research before I came down on places I wanted to eat and drink. But this offered a local opinion and made me aware of places I hadn’t looked into. It was especially helpful for little things like coffee and pastries that I hadn’t looked into as much.
Location! East Nashville is the place to be and Lee’s house gives you easy access to all it has to offer. The shops and restaurants in Five Points, on Woodland and Fatherland streets, down Main, and on Gallatin are easily walkable. Shelby Park is great for additional walking (especially if you want to avoid the temptation of spending money walking around the neighborhood). If you want to do stuff downtown it’s an easy and affordable car ride. My suggestion: get the touristy stuff out of the way and spend as much time as you can in East Nashville. This was my second trip and when I go again I’m not sure I’ll cross the river. (Maybe Germantown)
Finally, Lee was great! She was super friendly and accommodating. She made me feel welcome and went above and beyond to make sure I had what I needed. I really enjoyed meeting her. And Arlo is such a sweetheart. He didn’t nap with me but I got plenty of licks. I was pretty obsessed with him.
My few Airbnb experiences so far have been very good. This one was another level excellent. Nashville, East Nashville especially, is a place I’d have no problem coming back to on a whim and I really hope the next time I go Lee’s place is available.