It was the first bad communication experience I have ever had in my whole time in Airbnb, either as a host or a guest.
Before booking, as a review warned of some building works in front of the apartment, I asked the host if the works were still in progress. He answered “there is no construction”. Trusting his words, I went ahead on the booking. However, as I got there, I find out there was a minor work, whose machinery used to start around 7 am in front of the bedroom.
Also in advance, 2 weeks before arriving, I told the host that my 6 year’s old nephew would come and stay with us for a few days. As there was no notification about this on his website at that time, I asked the host if it would be okay. I didn’t receive any answer.
For my surprise, when we arrived at the apartment, sheets and towels for my nephew were missing and I immediately contacted the host. We had to sleep uncomfortably the first night. He sent the supplies the day after. Until this point, I might have thought it was just an oversight.
However, during my stay, after already being settled, I received a full charge notification to a third person, without any prior conversation, changing completely the conditions. Again, why did the host not answer my message and talked to me before my arrival?
Although I didn't agree with his inattentive form of communication and the conditions changed days after the check-in, I confirmed the additional payment and I wrote to him that I would wait Airbnb to contact me.
But I started receiving unfriendly and unpleasant messages after that. I was intimidated by the host and felt importuned because I was in his place.
Luckily, I thank Airbnb team that kindly supported and guided me in this matter.
It is a shame because the apartment itself is nice, clean and well located. But what's the point of it, if you don't feel comfortable and welcome, and don’t receive a positive and fair communication when issues come up?