I experienced both positives and glaring negatives staying at Jennifer’s apartment for a month.
First, the positives. The space is clean and tidy, with the most basic amenities available for use. It was stocked with trash bags and cleaning appliances. Communication was largely prompt and respectful. Note that there is no access to the washer and dryer, despite them being right above the unit. Be prepared to walk to the laundromat in inclement weather.
As stated in the listing, the ceilings are extremely low. This was an issue for me at 5’10”, but I would imagine it not being a dealbreaker for anyone 5’4” and shorter. Soundproofing of the apartment is also subpar, as you can hear every single footstep / conversation of the family living upstairs. I’ve been woken up several times in the middle of the night from pounding footsteps above.
However, what really put a dampener on my stay in the apartment was a deeply upsetting episode with the host and family. Upon moving in on Oct 1st, I had explicitly asked for permission to have a small parcel (a gift of great sentimental value) shipped from Europe to the apartment. Both in person to co-host Sophie and via the app, permission was granted for this request. I waited for nearly a month and the parcel had not arrived. On my final night in the apartment, I checked in with Jennifer to request for us to be in touch after I check out, for me to pick up the parcel once it arrives. Lo and behold, I was then informed that Jennifer’s husband had received the parcel, and sent it back to the post office! After frantically contacting Canada Post, it was largely determined that the parcel was nowhere to be found.
No apology in person was given, nor was there any offer for compensation (the gift, as personally important as it was, was less than CAD$100, and I have receipts). A cursory “we will look into this, sorry” text in the app was all I got. I cannot begin to express my disappointment with such blatant thoughtlessness and disregard for the personal artifacts of a guest. Jennifer’s excuse was that many packages from different parties are sent to the home, but wouldn’t it then make logical sense to check with the Airbnb guest staying in the apartment at that point in time if packages sent to the home actually belonged to them? This is compounded by the fact that I asked for permission both via the app and in person, and permission was expressly granted!
I am beyond flabbergasted and appalled by this easily avoidable episode; it was a real dent on what was otherwise a largely uneventful stay at the apartment.