This might be the AirBnb location for you — depending on what you’re looking for. A warning to all unfamiliar with Vancouver proper, this unit is wonderfully located centrally to downtown… but is also a block from a hostel and next door to a community living center. If you’re used to living in a big city you’ll be fine! (I was & was.) But if not, it might be an unexpected surprise. That being said, unlike most of the other reviews claim, it is not a very noisy location. In fact (as long as both AC units were blaring,) I couldn’t hear much outside at all.
Check-in was a bit hairy as, and if you didn’t read all the info you might not realize, key pickup is a bit unusual and in a separate location. I arrived with a code and ready to check in, but the code did not work. I later learned, because the key wasn’t there. Luckily, the person dropping it off showed up 10+ minutes later (see: late), which is fine. But that’s 10 minutes I was standing in a sketchy convenience store with all of my luggage being told by an automated machine that my code didn’t exist. Again, if you’re used to big cities like me? Just annoying. If not? Anxiety attack. She arrived and deposited the key which I was able to quickly use. So, it worked out.
The unit itself is small, but absolutely serviceable. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the cleanest place I’ve ever stayed in. The cleaner gave the place a quick wipe, but there was a lot more that could have been done. But, again — it’s fine. I think the price is a bit generous, as a different AirBnB nearby was only slightly more expensive, larger, cleaner & nicer. But I chose this one thinking they were similar and I could save a literal couple bucks. Lesson learned.
The only glaring issue, besides the semi-questionable building itself which seems to be mostly full of travelers and Airbnb folk, is that the hot water was shut off intermittently during my stay. The water was ice cold. Ice bath. Antarctica. And by intermittently, I mean I was not able to take a shower until after my stay of a few days upon checkout. A bit of an issue for an international traveler like myself, but I made due.
I’ll shorten the rest: The light switches take a second to figure out, the bedroom curtains don’t block everything out, the living room curtains literally can’t be fully closed (or they block the much needed wall AC Unit), the bedroom free-standing AC unit blocks the walkway to the window/curtains, the signs everywhere warning you of an impending $200 fine if you allow anyone into the building behind you ever cause anxiety & the elevators smell like dog pee.
But, again, 100% usable if you’re looking for a centrally-located, this-is-just-a place to sleep while I explore the city, and ooo a kitchen, type AirBnB. But if you want luxury or are used to a certain level of security, this might not be for you. For me? It worked just fine. *(Honestly? I would’ve loved a bit of a price-lowering since I couldn’t shower… but here we are.)
And Breanna responds quickly and kindly. Her automated “welcome to the Airbnb Guide” contains a lot of useful information & suggestions for you tourists. They are VERY upfront about what is expected of you for check-out. (I did the checklist accurately so shouldn’t be dinged for anything.) And it’s fine for what it is. So — hope you enjoy your stay in Vancouver!