NOT WORTH IT.
I have never had a negative experience with any host or airbnb. Thank Goodness Airbnb refunded this expensive reservation. In order of importance:
______1. Host was unwilling to work with us on problems we encountered. Seemed their location and decorations were being overvalued and there were other issues that needed attending to which I will describe here.
______2. SOMEONE LIVES IN THE BASEMENT. Not disclosed on initial profile. *After payment* they send you a "House manual" and under "Suite" they list that someone occupies the basement. In your living room/kitchen area there is a staircase to a doorway, where someone lives. Where you park your car, is next to their kitchen window, as it is UNDER your living space. You share the entire property with them, and they walk up the driveway to their entry as you sit on the patio they show.
- He told us it was not misleading as we could have read the manual in full and cancelled within 24 hours after.-
Why isn't this disclosed BEFORE payment under "INTERACTIONS WITH HOST"-???
______3. NOT CLEAN!!!
KITCHEN- EVERY SINGLE CABINET OR SHELF--NOT 1 AVAILABLE!.... PANTRY: Every single pantry shelf had OLD condiment bottles(EASILY OVER 50), jarred spoiled food, live bugs crawling over and under it, as well as dead bugs under all of it as we tried to remove it. The entire fridge door was taken again by old food.
Host Response: You can remove it, as long as you put it back.
The amount of work it would take was too much to clean as it was similar to moving into an occupied dirty apartment. Not move in ready. There was nowhere to put all of it due to the amount and also just the bugs and dirt that needed to be cleaned just to use 1 shelf at a time... we stopped after the second drawer, and called the host. We sent pics to Airbnb of the dirty conditions and amount of food. (expiring in 2016) Why are we keeping that?
______4. No storage, 3 day stay fine. Not cooking or unpacking. 17 day stay, we have an issue. Every dresser and cabinet is locked (saying cabin effects). We actually did not have anywhere except 1 cabinet downstairs, and a few shelves upstairs to put clothes away. Bathroom, no storage, all locked including vanities. 2 drawers available over a heat duct that will melt anything in it.
Host Response: "I don't want you stealing my booze!"
______5. Shades in the listing: False unfortunately IN MAIN LIVING AREA.
Living room faces a busy but beautiful view, full of people strolling daily. Rods there, No shades. No privacy .. Huge windows. Least of our concerns obviously.
______6. Host was only willing to compromise if you can call it that in this area: You can remove my stuff ( Old food) if you put it back . I am not refunding your money. (No other compromise on any other level.)
We called Airbnb, asked for a refund, and provided pictures. The backyard was not happening for relaxing or using at all! Due to the amount of junk from the basement person. Not surprising that there are NO photos of this on the listing. GUESTS_____Beware of nice photos, and pretty furniture in a log cabin. Cabins are fun! BUT______Practicality and real cleanliness, as well as a host who is willing to work with you when problems arise and cares about your comfort level IS IMPORTANT. What a shame as it is a beautiful location and home with so much potential.