The location is top notch. Alki is a premier neighborhood in West Seattle. This listing is right on the beach - truly great being able to walk across to the sand. We very much enjoyed being in walking distance to so many great restaurants and bars - and taking a couple mile walk along the water each morning.
The apartment is very clean, no complaints there.
The noise is quite an issue. The footsteps from the folks in the unit above are very loud, especially if you’re a light sleeper. I don’t think they were intentionally being loud, it’s just an older unit so you hear every step and creak. Also cars and passerbys can be noisy as the unit is street level.
The bathroom door is also very hard to open from the inside. On more than one occasion I had to put some shoulder into it to get out.
While the neighborhood is very safe - someone did choose to shoot fire works seemingly at the building around 3am Labor Day morning. SPD was very prompt to respond. Again, other wise very safe.
The biggest complaint I have is the driveway. Does not come with an official parking spot (though my compact suv could have fit) but street parking is OK. Problem is people turn around in the driveway. Woke up to wife scared sitting up in bed several times because someone used the drive way as a turn around. If you aren’t going to allow guests to park there then put some heavy potted plants or another barrier so no one else can get in, otherwise it’s a potential liability if someone is a reckless driver and ends up slamming into the bed room doors.
In summary, the spot is clean, located in a great and convenient spot, the owner is responsive. Just being very honest and thorough in my thoughts above.
Ps, there is no air conditioner. The owner does disclose this on the listing so I can’t fault him for my not reading it when I booked but be advised if you like to sleep in a cool place. There is a fan to make it manageable but it definitely doesn’t replace good ol A/C