The Elegant Corner

While overall our stay at the Elegant Corner was very good, there were some quirks that made it less than 5 Star. The unit is within a modern, seemingly purpose built set of single/bachelor condos. The entire compound is clean, quiet, and in close walking distance to Cuba St, restaurants, groceries, parking etc. The unit itself on first glance is like an IKEA catalogue - spartan, and equipped with a small efficient kitchen/dining area (inc dishwasher, w/d, mid sized apartment fridge) with seating for two. We were 3, which the listing says it can provide for. We needed to move the table to have a 3rd seat upon the (uncomfortable) fold out futon couch. But the main bed was very comfy, the shower ran hot, there was cool art prints on the walls, and big windows for natural light. The one big drawback was a very odd one - there was ZERO place to hang or place clothing, other than the back of the two kitchen chairs. No coat hooks at the downstairs entrance (it rained lightly; don't know what we'd have done if pouring), no hooks, hangers or closet or cupboard space upstairs, and nowhere, other than the bed (grrr) to put your suitcases. I've never experienced this _anywhere_ before, and given how well thought out the rest of the apartment was (soaps and lotions, kitchenwares - although no cleaning cloths or towels, even books and guides), to not provide anywhere at all for guests coats and clothing seems a strange oversight. That said, we enjoyed our stay, and felt it reasonable.

Pro: Easy to find. Super convenient 15 parking across the street, with all day in/out. Great location, close to everything - 10 min walk to Te Papa, 5 to Cuba St. Clean. Quiet and off street.Con: This place is VERY small - maybe 180 sq ft including the bathroom, excluding staircase. Not really good for 3 people, though advertised as such. The folding sofa bed is unstable on its legs and not comfortable. No ventilation to speak of - only 1 window in bedroom opens 4 inches. Nothing in any other space opens. Hard to get fresh air in.Overall a very good stay, but be aware of the downsides.

The location was great for easy walking to all city destinations. The place was modern and clean. The heating in the place was inadequate. The futon bed was very hard and lumpy. More blankets would have been nice.