This place is okay, but could benefit from attention to detail and fixing many "little" things to make it a great place. It’s a “pretty” space, but one quickly begins to see that it’s more form than function. While I can’t suggest that the photos purposely misrepresent the space, it sure feels a LOT smaller when you step inside, from what you imagine, based on the pix. It’s very compact. The outdoor space is however not represented accurately and new photos should be posted. At some point, the huge deck/balcony area was redone and is now 1/3 the size pictured. There is also no bistro table or umbrella. It would have been nice to have the full space, which would have allowed for sun bathing. The 1/3 space is shadowed pretty much all day. An odd thing about this that we only found out because it rained one night – is that the overhangs over the doors are not constructed properly and have no drainage. There was dripping from them for an entire 24 hours after the evening rainfall, making the deck area dodgy. It also would have been nice to have the bistro table to enjoy meals outside. The neighbourhood fortunately is very quiet, which is inviting to sit outdoors. Unfortunately the furnishings – while looking nice – are incredibly uncomfortable. Overall, there wasn’t a single piece of furniture in the property that was comfortable. I certainly encourage the owner to sit on the patio furniture for an extended period of time and to actually sleep in the bed, which has an odd thick foam mattress topper, which has you sink into it at odd angles.
Speaking of the owners, it would appear that ownership of the unit changed from when we booked, as at that time, it was “Kareem” – then the check in information was from “Olympia and Gabrielle”. I was frankly concerned that we may not actually get into the unit, as there was no explanation about the change. Fortunately we did. While there was a (clearly automated) message provided for check in, it would have been helpful for the owner to have respond to my messages. I asked for information about the amenities at the unit in advance, and while there….and have yet to receive a response. It would have been very helpful for them to have left written information – or through the app – about how to manage the temperature control – rather confusing – and the TV (could NOT figure it out).
While the kitchen had a good supply of dishes and appliances (2 blenders?), other basics were forgotten, such as cleaning tools. We bought scrubbing pads and dish cloths. It was also odd to have the large garbage bin – without a lid. I would suggest either a bin with a lid or something smaller in the cupboard under the sink.
The living/bedroom space is quite small and there is an over abundance of unnecessary furniture (the accessory chairs and ottomans), leaving no space for luggage and very little space for clothing. I would recommend ditching some of the extra furnishings and replacing it with practical drawer/storage units. The one small bedside drawer and one small hanging rack in the closet were minimal. (FYI…we saw there was a small drawer in the footbed table, but it was broken.
The bathroom looked well appointed and it did have good storage. The shower however requires repair as a fair bit of the water runs out behind the shower head unit, instead of from the “rain” shower head unit itself. The whole unit should frankly be replaced, as the wand and (are they supposed to be massage spouts?) two water spout thingies, were just impractical. Speaking of impractical, there was no shelving in the shower stall to place items such as shampoo, body wash, etc. An inconsistency with the attempt of the décor to present a “luxury” experience was the see through thin toilet paper. I just don’t get it. Good toilet paper is cheap at Costco and won’t leave your guests feeling like they are at a budget motel. FYI…the thinner the toilet paper, the more people use, so you aren’t saving money. FYI…also, the toilet paper roll mechanism was not secured properly, with the handle on the right side moving, which had the toilet paper fall. We were surprised that there were only 2 sets of towels, given that we were there for 5 nights. The towels themselves were impractical, being 85% polyester, with no absorption. We bought extra.
So….a unit with potential. Some attention to detail and thinking about the guest’s practical stay, would make all the difference.