Based on our recent experience, we would definitely NOT rent this apartment again NOR would we work with this host again.
This apartment was FAR FROM a Luxury Apartment (as it was described in the listing). Based on our in-person experience, the listing photos seem enhanced ... the condition, look, and cleanliness of the apt was definitely not the same as pictured (Good Photographer though I guess). So, photos appear to be only halfway accurate AND areas not shown in the listing were bigger problems. The Cleaning Lady was working on the apartment from before we arrived to 45 minutes after. Even so, there were issues throughout the apt but especially the bathroom (moldy shower curtain ... cleaning attempted but blackish stains remained, peeling paint, used bar soap, stained towel, etc) and kitchen/fridge (undefrosted/grossly over-frozen ice box, old food remnants and stains in a very old fridge, floor had been cleaned but still looked dirty). Sink and countertops were clean enough but we were uncomfortable and tried to use the kitchen as little as possible. The A/C unit was completely ineffective (maybe this was the reason for 2 additional dirty fans but unless directly in front of them, they were also ineffective). Also, I still don’t know if there was actually WiFi in the apt as we were given no access info. Beds were okay, again nothing luxurious or even mid range but comfortable enough to sleep (if not for the heat in the apt due to the ineffective A/C).
Philippe, the host, planned to meet us at the apartment for our afternoon check-in. He decided not to meet with us about 2 hours before check-in, stating it was a National Holiday. The National Holiday was not new information. This could have been okay if the Cleaning Lady had not been cleaning the apt for the first 45 minutes, the condition of the apt had not been such a disappointment (even after the Cleaning Lady was done) as explained above, the apt had been closer to expectations based on the listing, if the A/C was not ineffective, if we would have had access to the “Included WiFi”, and if we would not have lost complete contact with the host. For the record, since we never received any WiFi Info, I can’t say for sure if there was WiFi or not.
Philippe did provide detailed instructions on how to gain access to the apartment (We would not have made it to the apt without that ... There was a gated entry door, 2 seperate elevators, a walkway, some stairs, a code, and 2 keys). Unfortunately, Philippe communicated well UNTIL we accessed the apt, expressed concerns about it, sent him photos of our concerns, and requested resolutions. Then no response ... ever ... just radio silence.