With a pretty good location in terms of access to public transportation (although highway noise should be mentioned in the description), it appeared that this apartment was the home of a young professional, who would rent it out when away. Thus, it was very appealing and the photos looked promising. Unfortunately, things did not go well from the get-go.
One of the biggest drawbacks was communication, especially surrounding check-in and check-out. Shortly before the stay began, we were unable to reach the owner, for several days and even with the assistance of Airbnb. This communication issue was never resolved, and during our stay we did not receive responses to messages.
On the day of arrival, we received a call out of the blue from a third party, who was not known to us but who said that she the keys to the apartment. This was surprising because the listing states that there is self check-in using a lockbox! When this individual called, we were not near the apartment, yet they were ready to meet immediately. We did manage to arrange a meeting at another location, but it was a hassle. Given the issue with check-in, we sent a message to ask about check-out via the Airbnb system days before we were due to leave, yet we received no response from the host. Eventually someone other than the host texted and explained that nobody was available to meet us. We were told to simply leave the keys in the apartment and leave the front door unlocked!
It was disconcerting not to be able to contact the host, and the apartment needs to be set up better for smooth operation. To find the WiFi information, we needed to find the router in a closet. There was not information about what can be recycled (it differs depending on which country you are from) or that there is an organic waste collection. The collection for garbage, recycling (two different locations in the underground parking), and green waste was not indicated. The kitchen equipment was decent overall, but a sieve for draining pasta should be an essential item in a basic one-bedroom apartment.
With a limited number of Airbnbs to choose from in the Greater Victoria area, this listing has really great potential. However, it really needs to be updated, both in the listing on Airbnb and in the actual apartment, and check-in, check-out, and communications need to be improved urgently.