We had a great stay.
The location is fantastic -- a block and a half from Coolidge Corner (where there is a T line, restaurants, movie theater, groceries, etc) but on a quiet side street so noise is minimal and kids can walk around safely. There are several parks nearby -- the nearest is about two blocks away (though kids need to cross a Pleasant St, which is modestly busy, to get there). Easy walking / biking / public transit to tons of stuff (BU, Kenmore square, fenway park, longwood area, MFA, ...).
The apartment is big -- 3 nice bedrooms, a comfortable kitchen with its own table, a big dining room, living room and a separate TV/sitting area. It is nicely furnished with some especially beautiful wood pieces in the living room, dining room and master. It's a second-floor apartment with windows on all four sides of the building, so it gets tons of light all day. It has parking, which is hard to come by in Brookline.
The apartment was very clean. The linens and towels were nice -- definitely above hotel-grade. The kitchen was fully equipped.
Two downsides:
- The laundry is a bit hard to use (down a narrow staircase in an unfinished basement).
- For longer term stays, there is not enough available storage. The owner cleared out a fair amount of space for us (some hanging space in two closets, some drawers in a dresser, stands for suitcases). This would have been plenty had we been there for only a few days, but we were there for several weeks and found ourselves constantly tiptoeing around the owner's personal belongings. This probably will not be an issue for other guests, since most people will probably stay for less time. Also, we were the first renters -- the owner will probably iron out the kinks over time.
The owner was very responded quickly and helpfully to all our questions.
Overall, a great stay.
Area highlights:
- Dorado (restaurant with awesome fish tacos)
- When Pigs Fly (bakery)
- Peet's (coffee)
- Cafe Fixe (coffee)
- Rami's (falafel)
- FuGaKyu (japanese, on the expensive side)
- Union Square Donuts
- Tatte (patisserie)
- Coolidge Corner public library (one block away!)