The good things first:
Karen is very friendly, prompt to respond, and was very kind when we wanted to have a package delivered to the address which was then delayed until after our checkout. We also left the place in a hurry with two screaming children and forgot to return the key to the lockbox - again Karen was very understanding.
Also, we were visited by some cockatoos and lorikeets and they were so friendly and gentle, awesome experience hanging out with them on the balcony.
However, I do feel like the listing did not accurately describe the apartment and we would’ve opted to stay somewhere else had we known what we know now.
Firstly, it’s a bit more than a “15min stroll” to Bondi Beach. It’s 25 minutes (on Google maps, longer with a stroller obviously), which makes a difference if you’re not super mobile. 15 minute walk to Rose Bay and the ferry stop. The apartment is also located up two flights of stairs without an elevator, not a big deal if you’re traveling lightly, but a lot with luggage/stroller/children.
The apartment itself is not “modern”, literally all of the furniture is quite worn and chipped or stained, several scuffs and holes in the walls, single pane windows and sliding doors that make you hear every single word spoken on the street and every single noise. Towels and the bath rug were also well worn, we gave it a wash to make it a little less… questionable.
The floors were clean enough, but all not high touch surfaces had a layer of dust on them, dirt in the corners, dead bugs between the sliding doors. There was medicine left in the not so clean fridge. We did have a giant cockroach hustle through one night and caught it and carried it outside. Apparently those are very common in Sydney and hard to manage - but I honestly wouldn’t put my place up for rent if I can’t successfully manage pests.
Overall it felt more like staying at a friend’s place where you don’t expect them to do a deep clean for you because they’re just kindly hosting you. However, your friends don’t charge you $300 a night either.