As far as first AirBnB experiences go, I’m pretty sure I had the ideal one. My sister and I didn’t know what to expect, but from the beginning, Judy was a gracious and welcoming host. She was always prompt with her messages, and let me know almost a week in advance that due to an unexpected circumstance, she wouldn’t be there to greet us on the first day.
Her instructions for getting to and in her home were clear, and what greeted us was a spotless, charming home and garden. Anything we could have needed was stocked. My sister and I pretty much spent our first afternoon in Seattle oohing and ahhing over her furnishings and beautiful garden.
We’re both quiet people, but Judy was so warm and kind that we didn’t feel the awkwardness we expected! We looked forward to breakfast (not just because of the food, which included, among other things, quiche, and scrambled eggs with a variety of her home-grown herbs...!) because of her thoughtful conversation. (That said, if you prefer to be left alone, she also respects that!)
She had great recommendations for places to go based on our interests. We hadn’t planned on visiting Seattle Art Museum and MoPOP, but she recommended it because of my sister’s interest in art and music. Needless to say, we really enjoyed our time at both museums! (We also went to the Arboretum at her recommendation, but whoever was supposed to open up the visitors center for luggage storage was a no-show—still, we could tell we would’ve immensely enjoyed the place!)
She was also quick to address any issues—when she found out we had a hard time taking the key out of the house lock, the lock was fixed the next time we used it.
My sister and I sometimes forgot we were in another city, and I think a large part of that is because of Judy—we returned at the end of each day to a home that felt like home, not just a rented room. I really can’t say enough good things about our visit. If you’re planning to stay in Seattle, stay at Judy’s!
A couple of tips: if you’re clumsy and inattentive like me, fold up the bottom corners of the bedspread so you don’t bang your knee against the bed. The bed extends a little further out than it first appears to! Also, if you use Uber/Lyft to get around (going downtown is only 15-20 minutes by car), send Judy’s own instructions about getting to her home to the driver to help them out. The driver will appreciate it!