When I lived in the Twin Cities in the 80's, I often walked past the wonderful mansions in this neighborhood and daydreamed about life within those walls and windows. Staying at Patrick's place was a chance to live the dream.
We were very comfortable during our 2 week visit. Angel, the gracious concierge, was waiting for us at the apartment and gave us a thorough tour covering the logistics of our stay. Great wifi signal. Bread, milk and eggs to kick-start our first day. We're coffee snobs, so the Folgers on hand wasn't for us, but it was a very easy drive to pick up Peace coffee at Kowalski's. The queen bed was quite comfortable, and the window air conditioners (3 of them!) easily kept the entire place under 75 degrees even on the day it was 102 outside. There is enough kitchen equipment to pull together family meals, but with so many terrific restaurants nearby, we couldn't bring ourselves to do much cooking. Best end to a day? Walking to Sebastian Joe's for raspberry chocolate chip ice cream bliss.
We didn't hear much sound transfer from other apartments. Street noise was below what might be expected for a place not too far removed from downtown. Street parking was readily available right outside the apartment.
One caveat - we found the sofa sleeper mattress too dilapidated to use. There is a long sofa that might serve as a bed for one, but the sleeper was only barely usable for a night or two when piled with several comforters drawn into service for padding under the fitted sheet.
The decor was plucked directly from the 90's; it's a bit kitschy but fun. I swear my great aunt had the same kitchen curtains on her windows in the 70's, but there's a gorgeous black baby grand in the bedroom that makes the place feel like a palace.
The glorious neighborhood is the biggest draw for me. I want to come back in the fall and scuffle through leaves on an afternoon's walk to the world class Walker Art Center.
Many thanks to Patrick and to Angel for their kind hospitality and for sharing this grand old place via Airbnb.