Prior to our stay i reached out to the hosts to ask them whether it would be possible for them to put an extra table in the space bedroom (so that i would have a desk to work from, during our stay) and they happily obliged (which was very nice of them). Overall the place was tidy and spacious; however, unfortunately there were various items that were less than satisfactory. It left us feeling a bit unsafe, especially given the current climate of COVID19, and not very welcome in their house. Specifically:
1. The hosts left next to no cleaning supplies for us to use (but was very particular in their list of house rules regarding keeping the place clean - which we would have anyways). We have stayed at a number of Airbnbs in the past and the hosts have always left enough cleaning supplies, which their guests could use to clean their house (especially during Covid19). All that was left was some dishwashing liquid. They also left us a used/dirty scrubbing pad by the sink, which I think we were supposed to use for our own dishes (but we did not, as this was unsanitary - we bought our own), there was no dishwasher tabs, no multipurpose cleaner, no extra toilet rolls (even though we were a family of 4 and we were staying for 10 days and the cost of our stay was not inexpensive), no kitchen towels (paper or material) and no extra garbage or recycling bags (we brought our own).
2. There were rugs in the washrooms that were very dirty. I imagine they have been there for a number of years.
3. There was a big stain on the family room ottoman that was covered up by a throw. I wondered when the last time that throw was washed.
4. A number of the wine glasses were cracked.
5. The kitchen was not well equipped. It was very minimal (with a very a small amount of glassware and tableware, such that we were constantly doing the dishes so that we would have enough to use).
5. Limited bath towels were provided and the towels that were provided with very old and thread bare. The type of towels that you would discard in your own house. The house rules indicated that if they were stolen they would charge us a fee of $20 each (!).
6. There were strict instructions to put the garbage out, but no advice as to garbage/recycling/green bin days or instructions as to where they were located.
In all, for the price point we paid to stay in this house, we were disappointed with the amenities and the cleanliness of the house. Further, there were a strict set of "house rules" on the dining room table, but no handbook as to all of the things about the house one would expect to see and need guidance on (i.e. TV, Garbage, heating, other amenities) and no warm welcome you typically receive from airbnb hosts (especially, at this price point). When I inquired about these items, the hosts did, however, respond very quickly (which was nice). But, they advised me that it was our responsibility to buy our own cleaning supplies (and that they had left enough towels for us?). It seems like the hosts are very concerned that their guests will not treat their house well or use it for parties (maybe they have had bad experiences in the past), so they neglect to actually make their guests feel welcomed in their home. So, as a result, we did not feel welcome and every time we discovered that something broken or subpar, we felt like the hosts would then turn around and blame us for it. Not an easy feeling After staying there, we clearly understand why these hosts are not considered "super hosts". That being said, it is a modern and spacious house, but i would walk in with lower expectations as to the amenities and cleanliness of the house.