Sable 801 - Alcove

We spent last weekend playing tourist in our own city and rented the 901 penthouse for a getaway. The deck and firepit were the main draw, since only two units have balconies. We knew 902 might have a better view, but it was already booked. Minnestay made check-in easy with clear communication and technology that worked well, and the team was attentive. The unit felt spotless and modern when we arrived. We appreciated the welcome card, coupons, and bottle of wine, along with the city artwork and huge windows. The deck was lovely, and we spent hours out there with the firepit and blankets from the closet. There are plenty of great bars and restaurants within walking distance, so we didn’t need to move the car. The kitchen was especially well equipped, with high-quality appliances, dishes, and silverware, plus coffee, salt and pepper, olive oil, paper towels, and dishwasher soap. The washer and dryer worked well, and there was a neat charger on the counter for all our devices. The master bathroom amenities were also unusually good. A few things kept the stay from being a five-star one. The master bath has just one sink while the guest bathroom has two, and there’s no shower shelf in the master bath, so products have to sit on the floor. The master bedroom nightstands are tiny plant stands with no bedside lamps, and the large curtain was broken so we couldn’t raise the shade. We also heard a strange mouse-like sound from something in the overhead kitchen pipes. The unit itself was noisy too. Even in what seemed to be a concrete building, we could hear people talking from somewhere, perhaps the floor below or the shared sundeck behind the headboard wall. I can see why earplugs were provided. Still, it was a great stay and we’d come back. I hope Minnestay addresses these issues, especially for a listing called Penthouse that costs $450 a night.