Apartment Simona

You know what caught me off guard about Apartment Simona? It’s one of those places that doesn’t look like much from the outside, but once you’re settled in, you start to get why it has such solid ratings. I mean, we’re talking about a 3-star place here, so don’t expect marble lobbies or concierge service, but honestly – that’s kind of the point.

The apartment itself feels like someone’s actual home, which I guess makes sense given the name. Simona (whether that’s the owner or just what they decided to call it) clearly put thought into the little things that matter when you’re staying somewhere for more than just a night. The kitchen actually has proper knives – I can’t tell you how many places give you these useless butter knives and expect you to chop vegetables. There’s decent counter space too, and the fridge is big enough for actual grocery runs, not just minibar stuff. The living area has this worn-in comfort to it, like good jeans, you know? The couch is definitely lived-in but in a good way, and there’s enough space to spread out your stuff without feeling cramped.

What really sold me though was how quiet it gets at night. I’m usually pretty sensitive to street noise, but whatever floor this is on and however the windows are situated, you’re not dealing with traffic sounds or people stumbling home from bars. The bedroom gets properly dark too – they’ve got these heavy curtains that actually block light, which sounds basic but you’d be surprised how many places get that wrong. The shower pressure is decent (not amazing, but totally workable), and the hot water doesn’t run out after five minutes like some apartments I’ve stayed in. There’s even a washing machine, which was clutch since I was there for almost a week and didn’t want to pack that much stuff.

I’ll be honest, the location isn’t going to win any awards for being in the heart of everything, but that’s actually part of what makes it work. You’re in a real neighborhood where people live their actual lives, not some touristy strip where everything costs twice as much. There’s a grocery store close enough for easy supply runs, and while I can’t remember the exact streets nearby, getting to the main areas wasn’t a hassle – maybe a short walk to public transport or an easy taxi ride. The building itself is pretty standard, nothing fancy about the entrance or hallways, but it’s clean and feels safe. Check-in was straightforward too, no weird complications or waiting around.

Look, if you’re someone who needs room service and daily housekeeping, this probably isn’t your spot. But if you want a place that feels like home base while you’re exploring, where you can actually cook a meal and spread out comfortably without breaking the bank, Apartment Simona delivers exactly what it promises. That 8.0 rating isn’t flashy, but it’s earned – this is the kind of solid, unpretentious accommodation that makes a trip better without making a big deal about itself.