Location is great on Nizami 47 directly behind (arxasında) the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Daxili İşlər Nazirliyi - DİN for short) every taxi driver knows that location. Look for the white door to the right of 49/51 (47 is not written). It is on the third floor; second floor houses the museum народного артиста СССР Qara Qarayev (1918-1982) Nice apartment layout -- duplex with two small bedrooms and a bathroom on the second floor inside the apartment. Hot water was hot and the temperature of the water can be regulated by the guest. To the right of the kitchen sink it a water filtration system from which purified tap water can be had. This spares the guest from having to carry up to the third floor bottles of mineral water. In the bathroom is a jacuzzi. There is an oven (which is unusual but useful if you are contemplating a long-stay and will roast meat).

Apartment was frigid in mid-December. There should have been four space heaters: one for each bedroom and two for the large sitting room. Because of that absence guest comfort suffered; be prepared to spend your time shivering under a thick blanket. This is a problem specific to the late autumn/winter season before the municipality of Baku decides to turn on the heating. No microwave; owner explained that there is an oven which is a healthier option -- scientifically correct, but I just wanted to pop a couple of chicken kiev cutlets into the microwave for a minute to melt the inside clarified butter and eat without delay. Truth is that a microwave is a standard appliance in all but lowest end apartment daily rentals. Old building so no lift to third floor so be prepared to lug your luggage. However, I was warned about that disadvantage before occupancy. Upholster on the L-shaped sofa needs to be shampooed. Cushions need to be removed and the upholstery sent to the dry-cleaners. It would appear that a long time has passed since the cushions were cleaned professionally. Sending frequent expressions of anxiety via both email and whatsapp to the customer, Shirin is too nervous about getting paid. Normally payment is guaranteed by a credit card. (By the way, I prepaid for an apartment in Luneburg for New Year's holiday through bookings using AMEX.) It is strange in this day and age to ask for wire transfer and Western Union, unfortunately, is a rip off while MONEYGRAM does not do business in Azerbaijan.

Location was excellent. Up some steep steps but other than that perfect location. A driver met us on arrival (for a fee) which was really helpful, especially as we arrived in the very early hours of the morning.

Steep steps