I stayed here for 10 weeks for a student placement so I had a more than enough time to understand what it was like to stay here.
Sitting on the outdoor chairs, taking in the lovely rainforest, listening to the birds and soaking up the morning sun was very beautiful and relaxing.
As this is a place to switch off from all technology and unwind as it is located in the middle of the forest.
Besides the beautiful rain forest garden environment, there were some aspects that were disappointing from the host.
During my stay the host would happily take my money but made no effort to make sure I was comfortable. The host was more concerned about me cleaning the room and bathroom...despite I had already paid for a cleaning fee.
The host was not present during my entire stay. Because she was holidaying in Europe the whole time. This was disappointing as she did not hire a caretaker to look after the guest while she was away if something went wrong. As it turned out the microwave stopped working during my stay therefore it was impossible to heat meals. Host didn't apologize for any inconvenience nor did she try to replace it.
As the room has no sink and the guest is not allowed to wash up cups/plates in bathroom sink, the host was going to set up a washing up station. However, all that turned out to be was a small outdoor bench with a bucket, and using the water from the garden hose to do the washing up in. The washing up detergent, drying dish rack and sponges were Not provided.
The most annoying thing was the Wifi doesn't work as the signal doesn't reach the room (regardless what the host says). When this was mentioned to the host, she became defensive, it was disregarded and she gave excuses. The host didn't apologise, didn't try to fix it, didn't give other options and didn't give a discount for the inconvenience.
This was very frustrating for me as I am a student and i needed the wifi for studying as I mentioned this to host before booking. When I discovered this, I felt this was false advertisement. I hope this amenity gets removed from the advertisement for future guests.
Things to be mindful of before booking:
-The accommodation is located in Brierfield which is further from Bellingen town then the advertisement mentions. Takes approximately 20-25mins to get to Bellingen town centre due to the windy roads and potholes as this takes a while to navigate.
-No tv in the room.
-Pleanty of books to read as there is not much else to do.
- Be careful of the grass/muddy path to front door as it is very slippery especially when it rains.
- The bathroom/toilet is nice but is a 15m walk outside to get to it, so bring the torch and dressing gown as it is very dark and cold.
- The Airbnb is in the middle of the forest therefore it is extremely dark at night. It's a good idea to always have a torch with you when walking from car to accommodation at night.
-Pets are allowed upon request and pre-approval by host. Pets cost $30 per night for cleaning fee yet cleaning is expected to be completed by guest. -Pets are not allowed on beds or couch.
-No cooking allowed in the room.
-No sink in room. Not allowed to wash cups/dishes etc in bathroom sink as it is too delicate. Washing up must be completed in a bucket outside filled from garden hose. You will need to bring your own washing up detergent, drying dish rack and sponges as this is Not provided.
-Long stays must bring their own bedsheets, towels, toilet paper, toiletries, tea, milk and coffee as this is NOT provided.
-Long stays have to dispose of own rubbish elsewhere in town.
-Property is on tank water therefore 2min showers are requested.
-Cannot drink the tap water as it is tank water. Filtered drinking water is provided by host when requested.