SUMMARY: This is a greatly furnished and tastefully decorated place in the Inner West which I can recommend wholeheartedly for shorter and longer stays alike. You really feel like a Sydneysider, especially because Marrickville is a hip, but not too posh suburb. Good public transport connection. Main disadvantages: only one key, on top of a noisy crossroad.
LOCATION: Marrickville is a lively neighborhood, half Greek, half Vietnamese, with lots of cafés (the best coffee is served at Freepour). Also pubs with live music just next door. If you work at the Uni or like to hang out in Newtown, there are several bus lines (423, 430, M30). To the city, a 10' walk to Sydenham train station and then you are in 15' at Circular Quay and even less at Central!
HOST: My does not live in Sydney, but she responded almost instantly to all my questions and was very helpful with providing further tips and advice. Ideal host.
APARTMENT: Generally, it is a spacious place with a comfortable lounge, a kitchen which contains way more than just the essentials, a balcony which overlooks the CDB, and two generous bedrooms (one with a double bed, the other one with a convertible couch).
Great plus: each bedroom has its own fully equipped bathroom (shower+loo). The washing machine only works at lukewarm temperature, though, and the tumbler is broken. I told My about this and since she is a very mindful person, I guess it will soon be fixed.
VALUE: Sydney prices for long term accommodation are just insane, also outside Airbnb. My charges a very reasonable rate, especially compared to what others ask, but you still need a fair bit of money in the pocket. On the other hand, you get a lot in return!
TO KEEP IN MIND. While inside the apartment, everything is good, noise is an issue. The place is on top of a busy crossroad, where cars are cruising almost constantly from 6-22h. Same for the airplanes who also make a huge noise.
Yes, you get used to it, yes, there are earplugs, and perhaps I am just too sensitive, but this needs to be said; it is part of the experience of living there. Just to be clear: the pluses greatly outweigh this one minus, but keep it in mind.