These comments are based on our EIGHT-day stay at the apartment.
Pros:
- Great location in the heart of action and a good vibe
- Spacious apartment - living and dining rooms were abundant and aesthetic
- Safe neighborhood
- Lovely windows opening into the street
- All amenities provided
- Smooth check-in and responsive communication
Cons:
- Hygiene: While all amenities were provided, we didn't find the apartment very hygienic. Most utensils and dishes were cloudy and had to be scrubbed before use. The tub caulking was moldy in places. The washer was malodorous and had molds on it. The water filter and the fridge weren't hygienic enough. Half-eaten baguettes, crumbs, and stains were all over the refrigerator.
- This seemed like a Sublet, not an Airbnb: The apartment felt more like a sublet, not an Airbnb, because all spaces were overflowing and stuffed with personal effects of residents who might have temporarily left to make room for our arrival. Soiled clothes were left on the washer in a bin. The refrigerator was stuffed to its gills. I had a tough time accommodating a tiny tub of ice cream into the freezer, and the hygiene levels were dismal. We then decided to buy small portions of fruits and vegetables and not use the refrigerator during our 8-day stay. There was no clean and ample cabinet space available to keep our stuff - we practically lived out of our suitcases during our stay. Most/all Airbnbs try to give room for guests that was sorely missed.
- While aesthetics were appropriate, the artifacts (curioes) felt expensive and were placed casually. I always felt the pressure to be too careful while moving around. An Airbnb should be a place that's well done up but doesn't burden the senses of a traveler. I presume that it is for this reason that we were required to sign additional insurance documents, including assuming liability for damages to personal effects.
- No fans: The days that we stayed at the apartment were very hot. While I understand that there is no air conditioning, fans for air circulation would be highly appreciated. We left the windows open at night, but mosquitoes started biting us.
Conclusively, it didn't feel like good value for money. It felt like a terrible deal at the price the apartment comes at. The apartment is not Airbnb-ready. It is sublet ready. If you were looking for a place to crash for a night or two, you might not notice the inconsistencies, but this is not the place if you're there for a slight bit longer.