A couple of weeks before our booking we received a message saying that there were some unanticipated building works going on in the central courtyard, but that there would be little impact. When we arrived at the building it appeared to us that these building works had in fact been going on for quite some time - we felt we had been a bit misled. The entrance and stairs were covered in boards and very dusty - going in, it felt a bit like a building site.
We arrived at 4.00 pm (the agreed time) the apartment wasn't ready - the cleaners were still there. We left our bags and went for a walk.
Then the host explained that there was an issue with one of the showers (not to be used), and that he would come back with the plumber the next day. After he came the next day we were told we had to wait another 24 hours before using the shower (luckily there's another one in the other bathroom) in the meantime we had to put a pot over the shower drain to stop the horrible smell.
Plus we discovered there was no coffee making equipment - not even a plunger. The kitchen was a bit sad - no welcome pack that you might expect. A washing machine that had never been cleaned (filthy filter put stains on our clothes), no washing powder supplied.
Not really enough pillows. 3 double beds, 6 thin pillows.
The first night we seriously thought about abandoning ship and finding a hotel.
The apartment is elegant, spacious and well located. The internet's quick. The "cable TV" only had very few free channels (perhaps it wasn't set up right?) .
To be honest the building works were not too much of an issue in terms of noise and dust.
The host was very apologetic and gave us some champagne and chocolates, but really, at this price point, details should be attended to, the place should be ready on time, and the guests should not be exposed to maintenance and building issues. Otherwise it feels like a bit of a rip-off.