Overall, the value of the property for the price paid was just satisfactory, despite having to bring linens (we somehow must have missed this detail), the debacle with check-in, and the fact that not enough consumables (toilet paper) were provided. We appreciated the decor, and details such as lovely hand soaps and gas fire. I hope that my experience can result in some minor improvements to an overall well-rounded property.
There was a communication breakdown between the property owner, the property manager, and the neighbours, resulting in failure to provide the key to the property at check-in time. I believe that if a property manager is engaged to manage the property, then it should be their responsibility to manage all aspects, purely to ensure a quality experience and avoid errors. The gentlemen living on either side of the property were extremely lovely, and each deserve a gold star (or bottle of wine) for the efforts made to retrieve the key for us. One even offered us some water as we waited outside in the heat (while we stood, as the outdoor furniture was too dirty to sit on). In the end, we were locked out for close to an hour.
I am unsure whether I missed it, however I do not recall the requirement to provide our own linens until after I had paid for the booking. I would have also appreciated any warning that we would be required to bring our own toilet paper. Only two rolls were provided for three people, for a three-day stay. This is not an adequate amount. One or two extra rolls would have sufficed.
The outdoor area was some of the dirtiest accommodation I have ever booked. I would not dare use the barbecue as it was extremely grimy and covered in cobwebs and spiders. The outdoor lounge setting was filthy - it could not be sat on. There was possum deposits, dirt, dust and leaves all over.
I would also recommend that the property would benefit from having the bathroom amenities dried down after sanitisation - the noticeable water stains mean guests could not determine whether the facilities are clean, or whether they have just been used by previous guests.
Personally, I see the benefit of booking via Air BnB as having the ability to streamline the booking process through the Air BnB platform alone. I would prefer not to be contacted via my personal email address; I also needed to provide additional personal information more than once, and was also directed to an external website to confirm the booking, etc.; it felt like a rigorous process and I have not experienced this before whilst using Air BnB (or at any hotel, around the world, to be frank - one point of contact should be enough).
The location is great and one of the main reasons we chose this accommodation. Close to the main strip of shops, and not a far walk. We enjoyed walking to breakfast and shopping in the morning. The area is very quiet, which we enjoyed.