Bedbugs and a bad attitude. The place is nice enough and in a great neighborhood. But after two itchy mornings, I discovered bedbugs on the third night. I looked up images online to confirm that what I saw were bedbugs and other bedbug evidence (droppings, shells, and blood stains). Bummer.
I slept on the couch that night and contacted the host, perfectly willing to work it out. But the response was nasty - very aggressive and calling me a liar from the start. After a few messages, I decided to contact airbnb and arranged to leave. Unfortunately, when the host came over, he stormed around demanding to see evidence of bugs and acting in an intimidating manner. I was happy to get out of there. Later, I also received accusatory emails from Gabriela, the absentee owner. It could have worked out but the hosts were unnecessarily aggressive at the first mention of a problem.
Airbnb staff were extremely helpful. They gave me clear instructions and helped reaccommodate me in a nearby hotel. I lost an entire day of this short business trip but it would have been much more difficult without the very responsive and reasonable airbnb staff. Kudos to them.
I have stayed with airbnb all over the world for many years and this is my first negative experience. I will certainly be an airbnb customer in the future.