If you're only going to be living there for six months it doesn't really matter.

I once rented a shitty apartment that I knew was shitty and could see was shitty. I needed some place to live right then and there and they weren't asking too much for rent. I wasn't planning on living there more than a year. Ended up living there two years due to medical issues delaying home buying but still don't regret living there at all.

Plus, you reserve hotel rooms sight unseen.