As a solo female traveler and fairly frequent user of Airbnb's services, I rely 100% on other guests' reviews.
Because of this, I strive hard to give accurate reviews for the benefit of other travelers.
I also keep in mind the Host's sincere efforts to provide the best service possible.
Having stated all of the above, here is my honest review of my experience at this property. It is much longer than what I normally write.
My stay in this apt was for an entire month. I will explain in more detail my overall evaluation.
Cleanliness - 5 stars.
Upon my arrival everything was spotless.
Accuracy - 4 stars.
I gave this 4 stars because in the listing's description it says it is quiet.
However, if you work remotely and have conference calls, etc., please keep in mind that you are located close to the National Congress.
Some days there are marches, or special commemorative days when there will be gatherings.
The plazas are surrounded by tall buildings which provide enhanced acoustics of all that is done, said or sung.
There is also a neighbor next door who likes to slam their apt door very often during the course of the day upon leaving or arriving.
Location - 5 stars.
You will be in the historic and governmental area of town, with fantastic architecture all around. There is much to explore.
The direct view of the Congress building from the apt balcony is par none.
Everything is as described as far as transportation, cafes, supermarkets, etc.
If needed, there are also two Western Union locations very close by.
Something to keep in mind - there are many homeless in this part of the city. They keep to themselves for the most part, but some will ask for money.
I never felt unsafe, as long as I remained in well-transited areas, and kept myself aware of my surroundings at all times.
Communication - 4 stars.
During the entirety of my stay, I communicated solely with the co-host, Omar.
Omar was always polite - quick to reply to my questions and to assist with anything else needed.
The only time I was left uneasy and unsure of what to do was during the checkout process, and who to leave the keys with. More on this later,
Check-in - 5 stars.
Check-in was a breeze. Omar was there to greet me, and even kindly assisted with my luggage.
Check-out...
This is where I was most unhappy.
The agreement was that I would vacate the apt at 10 am on my last day.
On the morning of, I was out and returned to the apt. around 9 am. Upon trying to use my key to enter, it would not work.
I tried a few times even thinking I may be on the wrong floor, but no, it was the correct apt.
After a few minutes, I hear someone on the other side opening the door. Unbeknownst to me and to my surprise, the housekeeper, along with a friend, had let themselves in with her key while I was out and were having breakfast in the kitchen.
I was taken aback, as I had not checked out yet, and all of my personal belongings were still there.
I expressed my surprise, stating that my check-out time was 10 am.
She replied, yes, but she wanted to get a head start.
I was appalled, because the way I see it, this was an invasion of my privacy. Not to mention, once again - all of my personal belongings were there when she let herself in and I was gone.
I felt completely uncomfortable as I had to finish packing my things with two strangers having breakfast in the kitchen.
This was not a hotel. And this was not the agreement.
When I finished packing I said I would wait for Omar to arrive to return the apt. keys to him.
This is when she said I should give them to her. Hence the confusion in regards to the check-out process.
After trying unsuccessfully to reach Omar, I very reluctantly left the keys with her after texting this to Omar.
This brings me to 2 suggestions I would leave the Hosts and Co-host:
#1. Please instruct the housekeeper to knock before she enters the apt. The time she came to clean, if I had not had the keys in the door, impeding her to unlock the front door, she would've come right in.
This is NOT ok.
#2. If the housekeeper is sent to complete the check-out process, please make this very clear to your guest.
Also, I suggest instructing her to wait outside of the apt. until she is let in.
If the guest is not present, she should wait outside until they return.
This whole ordeal with the check-out process was very confusing and unsettling to me, to say the least.
I hope that by leaving this detailed review, I will be helping not only future guests but also the Hosts by making them aware that this is not acceptable.
It would be unfortunate if this type of situation continues to occur, as it will discredit an otherwise very nice option to stay for travelers.
Thank you.