Location of this apartment is amazing...walking distance to all the things, plus transport options, absolutely fantastic.
But that's where the positives end.
Communication was terrible - while the host advertises a 1 hour response time, at one stage it was almost 48 hours.
Key collection - I had to get myself to a 24 hour convenience store at midnight to collect the key - not that great at that time of the night when you' re travelling alone. When I did eventually get into my apartment after midnight (and in July) the doors and windows were all wide open. The place was freezing, and a very odd touch - a load of linen in the dryer.
This is not a B&B experience at all - more like a hotel unit. The very bare munimum is provided in the kitchen - not a paper towel, or napkin, a spare tea towel - nothing. No pantry items except instant coffee and tea bags, and of course, no milk. The couch (way too big for the apartment and covers the doorway to the bathroom) is obviously a fold out bed - I hope it's more comfortable to sleep on that it is to sit on. Cheap furniture that is stained and broken and marked - not ok for the price range.
I chose this apartment because I wanted to spend a few days in Melbourne and some time in the apartment while I was there to rest. If I’d understood how uncomfortable the furniture was going to be in the living area I would have booked a hotel room. It's not comfortable and welcoming, the kitchen is only good for microwaving, the couch can't be relaxed on, the TV is not smart (didn't say it was in the description, but would expect it in 2022), and the upholstered furniture grotty.
The communication from the host was more about what they'd do to me if I didn't comply with their over zealous security and intrusive questions (including vaccination status after I'd paid). They fear damage to their apartment (fair enough in normal circumstances) but Airbnb has a pretty reliable system of reviews both for guests and hosts in place, and I would have thought this would suffice.
The host (apparently) lives overseas, and has our 60 listings in Melbourne alone. The experience is all about business, it has nothing to do with hospitality - and it shows. My most disappointing Airbnb experience ever.