I didn’t actually stay in Nikki’s place at all, it was in a ghastly state:
Open bags of sugar, flour and chocolate chips in greasy cupboards. Dirty microwave, stove hastily wiped. No hand soap, trash bags, dish towels, hand towels or staples like salt/pepper/oil in the kitchen. A strangely huge supply of pedialyte freezer pops. Gallons of paint stored above the refrigerator (a fire hazard!) Minimal mismatched dishes and glasses. Rusted can opener and crusty silverware and cooking tools.
Lovely green wall from photos is gone, now a dull grey marked by stains and scrapes made by previous guests. No nice pillows, throw or vase. All staging for pictures only. Media console door torn off its hinges and set on the shelf. Both side tables so wobbly they could barely stand. Clumps of hair on the rug. Stains and dead bugs on the duvet cover. Microfiber sheets from Amazon. Bathroom was sparkling clean, but had only one spare roll of dollar store TP.
An emergency exit door opens into the unit, but doesn't seem to unlock from the inside. The photograph above the bed - the only decor in the whole studio - is of a burnt down bus or RV. Not my idea of welcoming, especially given the state of the place.
When I told Nikki I intended to cancel because I would not stay in an unsanitary unit (during a pandemic!), she offered to clean (the day after check in) but I had little faith that cleaning also meant repairing and replacing broken and soiled objects, so I declined. Her response was “I’m sorry you feel that way” rather than actual concern or apology for the major inconvenience of finding last-minute suitable/affordable housing in a sought-after city.
Airbnb support was slow and impersonal in their response. They never asked if I was safe, or housed. I did not stay in the unit at all, but after 36 hours of chatting with different support staff each time, I was charged for 2 nights and on my own for rebooking elsewhere.
Amazing location! Love this area of Montreal. Lots of stairs, be ready.