The accommodations were fine but our experience with the host was uniquely disappointing. Days leading up to the trip we were notified about a city tax and damage deposit we would have to pay. This was not an issue, but Kathryn insisted we pay in cash, which of course is against AirBnB policy. When we asked if we could pay through the resolution center, days before our arrival in Berlin, she said we would need to pay cash or we would have to cancel our stay.
Of course we paid out of concern for not being able to find another place to stay under short notice, and we were told we would receive the deposit back unless there were damages. Two nights in, we got a call claiming the neighbors were complaining because we were loud. There were “quiet hours” from 8pm-6am and 1-3pm. Our group is not the partying type- we truly were not making noise outside of some talking/the running of the shower. Nonetheless we apologized and had no more issue.
The next day our host claimed that because we violated house rules, we would not be receiving our deposit back. This was never our understanding- we were told it was for damages.
We found Kathryn’s policies to be predatory. Do not stay here if you cannot be silent from 8pm on. And do not agree to pay cash, or you will likely be taken advantage of.