The house is exactly as described and is EXCEPTIONALLY clean...as in really, really clean. Everything you want on the interior of an Airbnb is here. The house was thoughtfully decorated, bedrooms stylish with a hotel flair, beautiful hard wood floors.
Pros:
1. See all of the above.
2. Location: Both a pro and a con. Convenient to downtown, The Short North and 2 blocks away from a great microbrewery. Also exceptionally convenient to our son’s campus apartment on 13th/Indianola.
2. Great hosts. Rules and directions are numerous and detailed, but if you read them in full, it ensures a successful stay for the guest and host.
3. Well decorated with comfortable furniture.
4. Kitchen fully stocked with everything you need to prepare a meal or make coffee. Fridge was stocked with a handful of condiments.
5. Security: The house can be locked down like Fort Knox. Deadbolts on every exterior door. Every door handle locks and security chains as well. The door to the rear of the house has a steel security screen (not sure if that’s a good thing/bad thing), with a deadbolt and locking handle. Also security motion lights to the rear of the house that is much appreciated when coming/going at night. Also, there are motion alarms on every exterior door that chirps every time the door is opened.
Cons:
1. Location. Don’t let the Short North moniker full you. By no means are you in a swanky part of town. You’re essentially staying in an off-campus apartment.
2. Exterior of home/neighborhood: The house is your typically college duplex (minus the exceptional interior). The exterior of the house/area is reminiscent of my old campus apartment. Lots of trash strewn about at neighboring homes. The back alley, while exceptionally convenient for parking is unkept and does not feel like a safe place. Definitely remove your valuables from the car as instructed.
3. Just one bathroom. Not a negative per se, just be aware. While the house is large enough to accommodate 6-7 people, it’s a challenge with just one bathroom.
4. 2 floors: Again, not a negative, but just be aware. The steps are a bit steep and if you have guests who are not nimble to get up and down steps easily, it will be a challenge.
5. Basement: Not advertised in the listing but the home does have a basement with washer/dyer. We did some laundry while we were there (which was GREAT), but the basement is unkept with really low ceilings. I’m 6’1” and had to keep my head down to prevent my from hitting my head.
6. Because it’s an old house with hard wood floors, you can hear every movement from anyone walking in the house. Lot’s of squeaking but that’s also the charm that comes with an old house with beautiful old hardwood floors.
Overall an absolutely great stay. Would we stay here again under the same circumstances? You bet. Great value for the price.
Thanks again for making our son’s college graduation a memorable experience!