Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this Airbnb listing to anyone; it was positively one of the worst experiences I have ever encountered using the Airbnb platform. Several of the key negative factors are as follows:
1) Ineffectual Communication – Communication was through a third party; which hasn’t been a problem with hosts in the past, but in this case it appeared to be through an agency that connects you to yet another party that performs the welcome. Direct communication was only possible through voice calling; no whatsapp, internet communication or texting. So be prepared, unless you have an international calling plan expect to pay on your next phone bill.
2) Delayed Check-in – The Third Party’s representative who had confirmed a 12pm check-in within the prior 24 hours was 45 minutes late. This left my husband and I standing on the sidewalk, in the snow, in the center of Paris. No prior notice of this delay was communicated. Once communication was established, the excuse provided was because of the snow. This is preposterous as my husband and I (non-Parisians) were able to book an Uber and arrive from CDG airport in 50 minutes under the same weather conditions. I am confused as to where the representative was traveling from that would cause a 45 minute delay.
3) Not an Airbnb Experience – The apartment itself is much like a hotel, without any of the perks. No ability to drop off your luggage early to allow city exploration prior to check-in, no changing of linens/towels and no ability to make restaurant reservations. The kitchen is bare, absolutely nothing in it except for kitchenware (no salt, no paper towels, etc.). This is in stark contrast to the personal experiences on Airbnb to which we have become accustomed.
4) Poor Sound Proofing – The sound insulation is terrible. The clicking of heels can be heard throughout the night. By the end of your stay, you will be able to distinguish how many people are outside based on the cacophony of Christian Louboutins. The garbage trucks in the morning are another treat. They are a reminder that you are responsible for the disposal of your own trash at the end of your stay. You may even get as lucky as us during our stay. On two separate nights we had the good fortune to listen to a crowded street fight and an unfortunate homeless man’s incessant moaning. This comes from two people who live in a downtown metro area in one of the largest cities of the US. Definitely heed the previous reviews and bring a good pair of earplugs if you’re up for the challenge.
Places like this should not be allowed to be listed through Airbnb; this is not what Airbnb represents. With all the negative points aside, a glimmer of hope does exist for this listing. With adequate sound-proofing, a personalized (on-time) welcome and genuine care for guests, this listing could flourish given its central location.