The Haven

I cannot comment positively or negatively about the host, as we never saw that person, and only received a few texts from them. I did send a text to inform them that we looked at the place and decided not to stay on the day of our arrival and was asked if we would mind cancelling our booking, which we could not per the cancellation policy(5 days in advance). If we would have a longer drive home, we would have been looking for somewhere else to stay. This location was advertised as having air conditioning - a swamp cooler is not air conditioning. The ceiling in part of the location was commercial ceiling tiles which were in disrepair. The sitting(or living room) ceiling was bare rafters, exposed wiring, and exposed pipes. This was not shown in the available pictures of the location. We were informed in the text for check-in that we had to park on the street. Had we known this in advance, we would not have booked the location. Also, it appeared that our arrival day coincided with trash pickup day, and trash cans had not been taken in when we arrived about 5pm, which reduced available parking even more. The walk to the door was up an incline of about 30 degrees, which is not easy when you have bad knees. The stairs leading down into the apartment were steep and narrow. Upon entering the apartment, we were met with a smell which was both musty and excessively perfumed. One of the biggest negatives of the space is that the only way out was the door through which you entered. If there was an emergency and that entrance was blocked, anyone in the apartment would have no escape.

Liked the size and style for the money I paid...

No breakfast offered (not a criticism). Inexpensive apartment. Very clean toilet, sink, and shower. Comfortable bed. Free parking available. Freezer and refrigerator clean. Had a small problem gaining access, but the person I spoke with was helpful and friendly. Fairly secure: most entry locations required a code, given upon payment. Location close to hospital, university, and two major thorofares to drive downtown or to western suburbs with restaurants and shopping.

Awful smell (cleaning fluids or paint). Unable to access local news and weather on TV, but about a thousand other movie and entertainment stations available. Carpet and furniture could use work or replacement. No actual face-to-face interaction with landlord. Unable to locate thermostat (although room atmosphere was comfortable enough). Quiet neighborhood.