Definitely the worst AirBnB experience of my past 2 years of living in 15+ countries. I feel bad because Pablo was a nice host but that doesn't offset the massive inconveniences of this apartment.
I'll go in order of most annoying to least annoying:
- LOUD NOISE - loud construction noise from nearby buildings from early in the morning (like 7am) that can't be blocked out from a closed window. Annoying that you can't enjoy open window air because of the noise all day long. Also loud noise from within the building, sounds like arguing spouses and children running, or just people banging doors, dogs barking too. You hear everything in the hallway from not only your floor (12th floor) but also the other floors above and below...since the open stairwell carries that noise. You will not be able to sleep. And this alone makes it unacceptable for any longterm stays. My friend could not stand the noise (even with earplugs) and even wanted to book her own AirBnB and lose money here.
- ELEVATOR MADNESS - the elevator situation is very annoying. 3 old-style elevators that are always in use or occupied. During busy afternoons, you'll wait a long time for the elevators to come. Sometimes people are already in them, so you end up calling all 3 elevators. Just like every body else. Then when you're in the elevator, you must exit immediately once it hits the floor or else the elevator can be called to another floor. But if you're too reactive and open the door too early, then the elevator gets stuck between the floors and you have to choose another floor and then back to yours. During early mornings and late nights, it's not so bad. But during busy afternoons....I found myself taking 12 flights of stairs so as to avoid missing my Uber.
- DIRTY - the building is already old so it has a dirty vibe. Even though it's safe. Every floor has a general trash bin right in the middle where you're supposed to put your trash. And on some days, people throw away really foul-smelling stuff. One day, the entire floor smelled like cat piss in the hallways. Not a big deal since I don't spend time out there but definitely gross if you're taking friends back to your place.
- ROACHES - we saw like 5 roaches in 5 different instances. We only saw one at a time, so it could have been the same one. It was small. Sometimes the bedroom, sometimes the bathroom, sometimes the kitchen. I wasn't grossed out but it WAS gross. There's nothing in the apartment to attract roaches (we eat outside) so it obviously came from the neighbors and got in from under our door gap. One weekend morning, we were awoken by loud banging noises on the door...because the bug exterminators were here to spray the apartment. So I guess it's a common thing. It's very easy to have stayed 2-3 days and not notice any roaches but if you're here for 2 weeks like we were...you will definitely see one/some.
- NO DECOR - the place lacks any charm or flavor, obviously needs a woman's touch to make it feel more homely. Right now feel like a teenager or college dorm vibe. Everything looks and feels old and outdated from ceiling to floor. And the place doesn't look as good as it seems in the photos.
- BATHROOM DOOR DOESN'T LOCK - didn't bother me at all since but my (female) friend/roommate absolutely hated this. Felt insecure like we could walk in on each other by accident at any moment.
- WEAK INTERNET - internet is slow and also the cellphone reception is weak. If you were hoping just relaxed and internet surf, the speeds here can be annoying.
- WEAK TOILET - almost doesn't flush one of my visits.
THINGS I LIKED:
- Pablo was super responsive and helpful with anything we needed.
- Good natural lighting. Sun was able to hit all bedrooms, living room, kitchen area.
- Lots of storage space in each room to put stuff.
- Great AC, a mini-split for every room.
- Hot water comes out fast enough.
- Nice view of the city so you don't feel so trapped in a cage.
- Building seems entirely inhabited by locals (and friendly ones).
- Great location right in the middle of Palermo and Villa Crespo.
Again, Pablo was a great host and I'd be happy to rent from him again. Just not this one. What put me off was the price. If this place was 20% cheaper, then I wouldn't have so much expectation. Comparatively speaking, it ranks way behind other BA units within the same neighborhood price range. If I could do it again...I wish I left the apartment earlier and just lost the money. It was that bad, and massively affected my enjoyment of BA. Fortunately, the next apartment I rented was so much better and I got to enjoy my last 3 days.