Many good things to say about Sam’s place: comfortable, convenient, amenities. I stayed at Sam’s two bedroom street level home for a month while I got to know my two-year old grand babies who live in Rainier Vista, an easy one mile walk away.
I’m a baby boomer, not in the best shape, who doesn’t enjoy Seattle’s hills. Happily, the rise to the bus and transport lines on MLK is very gentle and a total of three blocks. If you’re in the mood for the Columbia City restaurants and shops downtown on Rainier, it’s a completely flat 1 1/2 blocks away in the opposite direction.
I’m mostly a stay-at-home cook and the kitchen has all the tools I needed. You can easily walk to PCC for a large everything organic grocery (plus eat in and take out). Prices are very high as you might expect. Safeway is a mile north on Rainier.
If you’ll have a car, parking is convenient but pulling in and out can take patience as people park on both side of the street and can be very close to the driveway edge. By taking my time and angling back and forth I was able to avoid scratching my rental. Whew!
There are two short steps to enter or exit and that was the extent of stair climbing, thankfully.
Almost forgot to mention the rear patio, which was wonderful for morning coffee. I’m sad to say, however, that the beautiful, mature curly willow tree that provided shade and privacy was removed while I was there. It’s a south facing area and was comfortable even on rainy, chilly mornings. There is a clear roof with string lighting and I can imagine how great it would be to have wine and snacks there on a spring evening. Don’t expect a view though. The fenced backyard is below and the side of a gray, three story townhouse is what you’ll see.
Bed was comfortable. Important to know that hot and cold on the shower is reversed, so the most comfortable setting is from “3:00-3:30” on the round setting. Ordinarily, this would indicate a very cold temperature.
While no place is perfect for everyone, I would certainly stay here again!