Given the other positive reviews I had high expectations, but unfortunately was quite disappointed.
Firstly, the checkin procedure needs major improvement. Prior to our stay I was asked by the host when we would like to check in to see if the time could be accommodated. I said 1:30/2pm and was told after 2 sometimes should be fine. I arrived at the address about 3:15, checked for the usual check in instructions, and nothing. The house description details says “to check with your host”, yet I had received no message of instructions. So I messaged the host via Airbnb, and waited, and waited. I was waiting outside the apartment and then in my car, with my 15 month old toddler (you can image how badly that went). 30mins later I finally got a response saying “sorry, coming down now”” to which I responded “where”. Without it being communicated to me, or the information being available on the listing, the host had to meet me to let me into the premises. I had no issue with this procedure, although naively assumed it would be self check in. Given the need for clear communication with such a checkin procedure, the host dismally failed. The other issue that presented itself was that I was messaging Sean via the Airbnb app and he wasn’t even the one meeting me at the apartment for checking. It was his partner Melanie. So he had to pass all this information along, for her to come and meet me, which again was not communicated. Melanie did however apologise and on behalf of Sean and I was given her telephone number. After I was let into the apartment, and shown a few thing,
I did not receive any further communication (for example, a late check out offer would have been a thoughtful gesture).
Secondly, at 2:30AM (yes you read that time correctly) there was a fire evacuation. Upon walking down ten flights of stairs holding my toddler in the early hours of the morning i had a conversation with a friendly neighbour. He informed me that these false alarms occurred very, very regularly (a couple of times a month at least).
Thirdly, and more as an FYI, there is a high rise building being constructed at the back, directly to the side of the building. This includes commencing work at 7am Saturday morning for the day (but no workers on Sunday).
Fourthly, there needs to be more instructions for the apartment. For example, the listing description says the apartment has a gym but there’s no further information as to where the gym is (level 15 for those reading). Or where the rubbish/recycling can be taken to.
In the interests of providing a fair review, there were some positives. The apartment was immaculately clean, the bed comfortable, a decent amount of cooking implements (although oven trays would be useful!) and the location is excellent (kettle black coffee in walking distance). There is also a tram stop out the front as others having mentioned, and a small IGA a couple of doors away.