We got off on the wrong foot when I asked if I could drop off my suitcase in the morning, a few hours before check-in, and received a response that check-in was 2pm “no exceptions”. To be fair, I received another message the next day, saying I could drop off my suitcase at 11:30am, but by then, I had made other arrangements.
Communication in general was off putting. “No pets, no parties, no music late at night, no smoking. If you break this rule, you will be penalized by AirBnB”. “…do not remove makeup with the towels, otherwise you will be charged for each towel”. I can only assume that the owner has had a series of negative experiences with guests. The note on checkout (11am, no exceptions) asked me to leave a five star review, and that I would receive one in return.
The pictures in the listing look fine, but in person, the veneer on the particle board furniture is chipped and peeling. The overall look is of a dated corporate hotel room. The couch upholstery is pilling, the bedspread and sheets are worn, and the lack of a fitted sheet means the bottom one is easily pulled out by turning in bed. The bathroom sink is a cube with black mold lining every seam.
On the bright side, the water pressure in the shower is great, good wifi speed, good a/c, and the building is close to the Palermo subway stop, as well as cafes and restaurants.
My experiences with AirBnB stays have been overwhelming positive. This was not one of them.