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Jaclynn Wilkinson
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Courtney Building Tacoma

Jul

24

Time for another Airbnb review! A couple weeks ago I stayed in The Courtney Building in Tacoma, Washington.

To be honest, I’m a littler nervous to write this review because it’s the first time I actually wouldn’t recommend just anyone stay here. I almost went home 10 minutes after check in and I didn’t feel very safe. After barricading the door and putting in some headphones I decided to stick it out.

Don’t get me wrong, the place is cute! If you’re a large fit male I’d recommend you stay here in a heart beat.

Let me paint a picture for you…

I’d just finished photographing a wedding. It was about 11:30pm. I’m wearing a light blue summer dress that keeps catching in the wind Marilyn style. (This one to be exact.) There is no key box or lock code. I park on the street and must enter a bar to get the key from the bartender. Avoiding eye contact, I pass a handful of 21 somethings and 60 somethings several drinks in. I get the key and all of my gear from the car as I struggle to get the door right next to the bar open to let me upstairs to the rooms.

A resident of the upstairs condos lets me in and explains that the door has a little trick to it. I find out it’s all apartments (only 9 or so of them) and the one I’m staying in is the only Airbnb. At this point….probably 20 drunks know I’m staying in the only airbnb in the building. I get upstairs and the building is old. BEAUTIFUL. A truly stunning vintage building….but the door is original. Worn and loose. There is one lock and a weak one at that.

The bar downstairs closes at 1:00am(ish) so I get to hear some fighting, loud music, and partying right under my feat for a couple more hours.

Have you seen Cayote Ugly? It was a classic for me and my sisters growing up. I felt like I had stepped into the movie. If you’re a huge fan of the film, definitely stay here with a friend or your hubby/boyfriend….bring pepper spray.

Ultimately, I found the community to be tight. Everyone was so nice. In the morning, you can smell the bar downstairs prepping food. I saw the menu and it’s not my cup of tea this time of year, but reviews say the food is amazing. Everyone I ran into was kind and accommodating.

The Airbnb is being rented out to fund renovations for the Courtney Building. The owners of the building own the pawn shop downstairs and are so kind. I won’t be staying here again, but it turned out to be a fun experience to have in my pocket.

I was able to book this Airbnb and stay here the same day. It was a last minute thought and the host was super quick at responding. I was able to have a late check-out. The coffee was out but there was plenty of tea and snacks for purchase. The shower had plenty of hot water (didn’t expect that) and the bed was…medium comfortable. The bedding was very comfy.

At just $49/night, it was exactly what it should have been!

Use THIS LINK to get $40 off your first airbnb home booking & a $15 voucher to use towards an experience worth $50 or more.

Courtney Building Tacoma

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Tin Shed Tiny House

“Cozy Room” Renton

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  1. Jelena Rowden says:

    First off, awesome pictures! I love the airy feel this airbnb has! Thomas & I are a huge fan of booking houses rather than hotels. It’s more personal feeling and usually around the same amount as a hotel with a much better experience! We are currently looking at a yurt with a really neat sanctuary. I’m so glad I stumbled across this post because of your link since I’m booking a home for our anniversary! this post inspired me! I specifically love the details you captured during your stay! definitely a little gem at a low cost; the quick response and booking time is a major plus!!! Thanks for sharing your story!

    • Jaclynn Wilkinson says:

      Thank you, Jelena! Definitely. Hotels have their place but Airbnb is so exciting and so much more personal feeling with all the sweet touches the hosts make. It’s such a unique experience every time. I can’t wait to see the place you pick! We have so many great ones around here and I’ll definitely be trying a Yurt stay one of these days.

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