Convenient location. Easy to get around. Decent bedroom size.
Kitchen cleanliness however may be an issue. Unit wasn’t equipped with a dishwasher (admittedly our oversight to miss it in the listing) . Wouldn’t have been an issue if there was a proper clean sponge for dishes. The available sponge was very old had black stuff on it. couldn’t tell if it was mould or rotting food bits. Either way, definitely wasn’t something hygienic we could use.
Politely texted host Delma and her co-host Will replied very quickly , although peppered with sarcasm, saying that they are not a service apartment and do not change these things regularly. He did however offer to send us a new sponge the next day.
We declined the offer since we’d be picking it up from the store together with the other basic supplies (disposable kitchen towels, spare trash bags, clean wash cloth) which were surprisingly also not provided .
Host dropped off the sponge nonetheless.
Came across dish drying rack while doing dishes and discovered that too was really dirty. (Pictures available if required)
Knives in the knife block had food bits stuck on them, which explained why there was a trail of ants in the kitchen. (Video available if required)
Due to the respect we have for a notice on the wall that saying
“guests to ensure all the dishes and kitchen utensils are washed and stored before checking out to avoid incurring additional cleaning costs” , we felt the need to inform host we received those items in that condition and hence will not be using them. This is to avoid misunderstanding and additional charges not due to our negligence.
Here’s the best part. We were told to move out. Will’s reply to us was “The owner of the property has advised me that they will refund you the remaining nights of your stay and suggested you book elsewhere. It seems your expectations of what an Airbnb should be like are completely different to the product we’re offering so we’d suggest you find accomodation more suitable for your needs”.
I’m not sure if he is trying to say that one should expect subpar hygiene standards in an Airbnb. I certainly hope this isn’t the case, especially just coming out of a global pandemic.
In our travels around the world and stays in Airbnb, we never had hygiene issues like these. Have to say this is a first. Very unlike of a super host.
We just felt the need to highlight, not expecting and do not need an apology. Was instead asked to move out. (With kids in tow and a full day schedule planned)
Thankfully the other Airbnbs’ we had for the rest of our trip had really clean houses and facilities, genuinely living up to their description in Airbnb.
Do note that the washroom on the ground floor has a missing shower screen panel. The entire washroom turns into a wet toilet. Water continues flowing out to the laundry area right next to the kitchen, making the entire area wet as well. (Video available if required).
This washroom has a window to the outside without blinds. The upper floors of the neighbouring houses will have full view of you showering.
We’ve never written a subpar review on Airbnb. This is a first. Review written hoping it gets better for the next family occupying this apartment.