So first off, let me start with the positive attributes: It is indeed a central enough location, a 7 min walk to Ampelokipi metro (blue line), it is near a couple of supermarkets and cafés, bars, restos. As far as the apartment goes, it is quite tiny yet clean. The veranda is bigger than the place itself, 5th floor and I think it is the best part of the apartment. There is A/C as well.
That being said, I booked for 36 days and paid over 1500 euros.
The listing states the following :
- Toilet paper : I had 5 toilet paper rolls for those 36 days
- Kitchen fully equipped with "oven" : it is not an oven- only an independent appliance with 2
burners. There was no colander/strainer, cheese grater or frappé maker(regular or handheld)
- Cooking Essentials : No oil or pepper; as indicated in listing
Aware that a washer was not available, upon my arrival I messaged the host to ask if there will be laundry detergent in order to hand wash my clothing since I would be alone and an outdoor clothing dryer was available as well as cleaning supplies since I will be staying for over a month, I was advised they can provide detergent & cleaning supplies. The reply I received is that there is no washer listed. I repeated knowing that and that I obviously would hand wash. The host confirmed that detergent would be provided as well as cleaning supplies.
I messaged them on August 7th (3days after my arrival) asking for some basic items such as the strainer/colander, grater and frappé maker. I got no response whatsoever.
The NEXT message I received from host was on AUGUST 24TH(18 days later) disregarding my previous unanswered message and informing me that they had a noise complaint from the building manager, that there was music and noise caused by myself and to please respect the other tenants. That the building manager rang at my door and I did not open as well. The above is untrue, and I expressed that to the host and RE-INQUIRED about the missing cooking essentials that I had to purchase myself.
The host then replied "As for the amenities that you ask they are not noted that are provided at the listing" . Those items are considered "Cooking essentials" in any country, they did however list "chopsticks" under those essentials...I replied that those "amenities" are cooking essentials but got no response, once again.
On August 30th, 6 days later: The host messages me again to inform me that they had another "noise complaint" specifically "noises" coming from the apartment AND moving furniture. Let's note that NOT ONE PIECE of furniture is moveable in this apartment as everything is built-in and/or attached to the walls, which is what I replied to them along with a long reply stating ALL the inaccuracies, missing items, unfounded noise complaints and not answering my messages. I also mentioned that since there is a clothing dryer, clothespins, detergent, one would assume there would be at least a plastic bin to hand wash? I ended up washing my clothing in the kitchen sink.
I was then advised that since there is no washer, their guest usually go to a laundromat, basically gaslighting me and disregarding my repeated attempts to get in contact with them ect. I replied to them AGAIN repeating every issue I had in detail but, of course got no response.
On Saturday September 2nd, 10am: the internet was not working at all, I contacted the host in case perhaps payment was forgotten or something? they replied minutes later that it is always paid and they will contact the service provider. About 5hrs later I received a reply that internet had been re-instated. I was not at home since I had work to do I took my laptop and spend the evening somewhere where I could get free wifi access. I returned to the apartment at 12am that evening and internet was not back, I immediately messaged them. I never received a reply from them and the internet was only up again the following Monday morning.
I only received a message from the host on September 9th(my check out date) saying that they would appreciate a review and hope I had a nice stay...
I contacted AIRBNB explained al my issues and provided them with photos of the apartment, as well as screenshots and photos of the router itself showing no internet access and the router page clearly showing no internet is available. In addition I asked that they feel free to go through the messages exchanges with me and the host cross-checking dates, times and listing description as well. I am expecting a €448.63 refund according to AirBnb customer service so that is something positive. If this apartment was not so over priced for the size and amenities provided I would have disregarded most of the above - excluding the accusations of making noise and no internet. But considering the hefty 1500 euros +++ for an apartment the size of most peoples WC's, bad communication ect I could not disregard anything. I have stayed in multiple Airbnb's in Athens and am from Athens myself, never had I paid over 600e per month for actual apartments. Other than the complaints I stated, the area is probably the best part of this rental along with the huge veranda. I am disappointed to have to give such a bad review but I like to be 100% truthful.