We stayed (two people) one month with Jorge. There were pros and cons about this listing, overall we hand an okay stay.
We liked the host, liked the parking spot, it was clean upon arrival, close proximity of laundromats, AC unit and heat in the studio and ability to receive packages. We didn't like the size of the unit, the noise level , the kitchen sink or some local animal issues we had.
Host: Jorge was always a very attentive and responsive host.
Parking: We really appreciated having a designated parking spot as the property is in a cul da sac and street parking would have been a headache. There is a very jarring bump from the curb, we recommend backing up as it seems to help.
Cleanliness: The studio was pretty clean upon arrival. We really appreciated that because we regularly have issues with hosts who do not clean. The floor was sticky so we wiped it by hand (we don't wear shoes inside). Also the broom Jorge had to sweep was an outside broom. He lent us the vacuum so we could clean during our stay.
Kitchen: We appreciated having a stovetop however it was a bit of a pain to not have an oven. We didn't think we would find it to be as much of an issue. We were here during Thanksgiving. The stovetop is propane and cooks very hot, it's lowest is like a medium (4) on a regular stovetop.
The kitchen is not well stocked. There is no can opener, no peeler, only 3 plates, 2 bowls , no mixing bowls, no measures, nothing to store food in etc. Only expect to be able to do very basic cooking. We did ask Jorge for a larger stock pot for soups and a cutting board which he got to us very quickly. We are sure he would have gotten all of the above had we asked, we just didn't feel comfortable to keep asking for items.
The sink in the kitchen is the only sink so you have to brush your teeth etc in it. It is extremely small and we found it very frustrating to clean dishes in. The dishes would barely fit in the sink and it was impossible for the water to not splash out and make a mess. Also you have to dishes after every single time you get anything to eat bc you have such few bowls, plates etc. They provided plenty of dish soap.
Bathroom: The bathroom was well stocked and was a decent size. There is a step that leads into the bathroom. The light and fan are on the same switch. No sink in the bathroom. We didn't have an issue with hot water, after we were notified the hot/cold were backwards.
*The hot and cold are backwards on the shower, so the C = hot and H = cold. We didn't realize this and didn't shower the first day bc we couldn't get hot water.
The bed: The main area had a full size bed. It was not the most comfortable bed. It felt like the mattress was falling through the slats a bit. It felt very cramped with two people especially considering one person has to lie by the wall and it is hard to get in and out. It would have been nice to have a solid headboard as we spent a lot of time sitting on the bed and watching tv or working as there is no couch. The headboard is not solid and makes it difficult to sit as the pillows fall through and the headboard is quite hard.
The tiny table that is attached to the wall is nice, however we were using it as a makeshift desk and it was not convenient. It was also not convenient for eating. We used the bench a lot for eating but it still wasn't practical.
After living in the studio, we found the layout to not be practical. Unfortunately that can't be changed now, but a different layout would have been better, especially with the kitchen and bathroom, and it being more open.
Noise: Noise was an issue and it regularly interfered with our sleep. The tenants in the main part of the house would be quite loud very late into the night. They also had children which would be loud late at night. We would regularly hear loud noises that kept us up 10:30pm -2:00am. There were other times when noise was also an issue but that was during normal day hours.
We recommend quiet hours being enacted.
Skunk: There was a skunk in the neighborhood that regularly sprayed. One night at 3am when we had been kept up by noise and were almost asleep, a skunk had sprayed right outside the window where the AC unit is located. It was so strong we almost threw up. It was horrible, our noses were burning and we didn't get any sleep that night. I think the skunk is attracted by the neighbor's cat food.
Laundromat: There is no washer/dryer in the unit, however there are two laundromats within a 3 min drive so that wasn't much of an issue.
Trash: The trash can in the kitchen was quite small and needed to be taken out every couple of days. Trash bins were available to place our trash and recycling, however 3 families use these bins so it would overflow quite regularly.
Value: We think its an okay value but it is better suited for a single person, one who doesn't mind noise.