Rats , this place is my first negative Airbnb review. And also rats. The property itself was a lovely old style building and well placed for Albert and Middle Park. The management was lacking in all ways and we wouldn't stay here again or recommend it. On arrival (self check-in/out) we found the place poorly cleaned and maintained, a coffee spill up and down a hallway wall, an electric outlet in dangerous disrepair in the main bedrooms. And rats, all over the garden, we saw them climbing through the back yard and found dozens of droppings that no one had bothered to sweep up all around the outdoor area rendering the space useless, esp with young children.
We arrived on a Saturday and followed the home manual to take the bins out on Sunday, but they were overflowing from a previous guest so were stuck managing someone else's trash.
Really bad communication; We had a late international flight and had organised a late check out with the owner, Gary. We offered to pay (as it was really needed) and he said we could stay until 7pm unless someone else booked and then he said he'd get in touch. Less than 24 hours before our departure I received a message through the app that he'd booked someone in and we had to be out before midday. Two children under 5 with 8 spare hours before a 30 hour flight. All our meals prepared to feed our family at the house, naps to take ...Yikes. And especially confusing since we'd offered to pay. He played lots of games with phone tag and "can't reach you" "tried to call" and this just made it all even worse. In an ironic twist, one of our children fell ill and not only would we would have happily paid for the time extension, we would have even booked more days than his incoming guests.
Gary was not apologetic. He made a half effort to offer a dirty apartment (and that might not have safe access because of gardening activity) to store bags. Then it became clear that he hadn't booked out our apt through Airbnb but he'd clearly offered it up to another guest from another flat. (Knowing he'd promised it to us!).. He pretended to be unaware we had young children (but it was in the booking, so....). This at least explained why on arrival we had to build our own high chair. It put us in a real bind and we ended up booking another home and just left as quickly as we could.
There was nothing inviting about the check in, not a milk or welcome gift or note or personal touch and nothing organised for children (cot, high chair etc). I can imagine in other circumstances we might have only flinched at the filth but if you spend any quality time there and get to know the rats, dirt and management.. I would advise against this place. Pros are neighbourhood and the house itself is nice.
As a post note I was going to sleep on this scathing review before posting. Then Gary rang me a number of times: calling me but demanding to know who it was on the phone, and when I said "is this Gary?" He replied "it is, what's it to you??". Then saying he must have the wrong number and hanging up. Then called again...He sounded as though he was drunk... it was 1pm
I would suggest people stay clear of this property.