I am a very long time Airbnb user and a host (superhost), and I know what to expect when I book a stay at Airbnb. Many things went wrong with Pedram's place, even though I booked a month ahead, and after reading 46 positive reviews.
First of all, checking in was difficult. We arrived at 10pm, but the host was not available to check us in and self-checkin was difficult. Pedram's cohost - who seemed like an employee (she said Pedram was running multiple Airbnb homes in Vancouver) - called me earlier and communicated about this, but she said Airbnb was illegal in this area and I had to go to nearby seven eleven to get the key. Nobody was available to greet us (Both Pedram and she live 40 minutes away - terrible) She requested that I had to pay 30 CAD for the key box, so I had to send the money. Why is it my problem to arrive late? Why do I have to pay extra for check-in? Anyway, whatever, I sent the money through Airbnb.
Upon arrival, we realized that seven eleven was not very close.. so we had to walk several blocks, on a rainy night, with three water cases we bought, to the place. The description said that I should press 18 in the elevator, but the apartment is actually on the 16th floor, so we had to go back and forth.
After an hour of struggle, we finally got in, only to find that the place was not very clean, the toilet was not working well, and worst of all, the master bedroom was INFESTED WITH BED BUGS! They were big, they were alive, and there were everywhere. I have never seen such a disgusting thing on the bed. Shocked, we immediately left the place (worrying that we night have been infected), and had to call 18 hotels to find an alternative accommodation at midnight. Finally, we were able to check in a nearby hotel's suite room (Delta Hotel by Marriott) at a price lower than this. Our travel plan was disrupted, because we had to cancel the tour bus to Whistler next day because we were too tired.
Here's the proof of bed bugs. Photos and video (it's disgusting - so watch it with your own discretion): https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8aieqv99prmwz3s/AAD6tqza426QIBBHWF6j3OZha?dl=0
I called Airbnb, and also sent a message to Pedram next morning. In the end, Airbnb and Pedram rectified it by giving us a full refund, so I hesitated leaving a bad review. However, I think Pedram should have gone further than just giving me a refund, given the hassle we had to go through because of the poor management. So I am writing this, to prevent future Airbnb guests from going through similar challenges.
As a long time Airbnb host and guest, it's shame that we have a host like this in Airbnb community. My friends who went through this with me, said that they would never, ever book on Airbnb in the future. It's just sad.