Overall we had a decent stay at Brend's apartment. Though compact, it was not too cramped (relative vs. HK standards).
The major hiccup was that we had to wait for too long outside the property gates for the keys to arrive. We were advised to reach there at 1PM on the check-in day. So couple of hours earlier that day, I messaged Brend that we were on our way.
Once outside the property, on the alley, we waited for 45 mins. With two young and hyperactive kids and an elderly parent, it was not an easy wait. I was looking at every approaching person with expectant eyes hoping he/she is the one with the keys. With situation looking more desperate by the passing moment, I activated the pricey data roaming on my mobile to msg Brend using the only prescribed channel of communication - the Air BnB msging system. Another 15 mins passed with no response.
Then I called Air BnB, narrated my situation and asked for the host's mobile number. I noted the number down and only after putting the phone down realized that I was given my own number! The fact that I didn't recognize my number while being narrated by the person from Air BnB probably shows my state of mind then. By then I was sure that my first Air BnB experience is going to be the last one.
Finally I received the host's number, contacted her and received the keys around 2:45PM. So we were in approx. 1 hr 45min later, with a huge sense of relief.
On the check-out date, I called up the host to request if we can have a bit more time beyond the stipulated 11AM check-out time. I was expecting 30-45min leeway just to get final packing done. I got a flat 'No' which was a bit odd in context of our check-in experience. However 10 min later, the host did call back to say that we can have those 30 odd mins, which was very helpful.
The only other feedback we have is on the space for the shower. It really very narrow and you can’t help hitting a part of your hand/elbow against the shelves. I suggest that the shelves are not on the side which makes the space even narrower but rather somewhere below the shower head.