The apartment is okay. It is in a central location just a few minutes walk away from all of the main shopping, bars, and sites of Athens. It is a bit claustrophobic as there is no view out of the windows - they open to face walls.
Unfortunately there is a problem with some of the neighbours that seem to have a severe issue with the fact that the host rents it on Airbnb. Similarly, I found my interactions with the host to be rude.
Admittedly it is not his fault that his neighbours are not happy about Airbnb. But when you visit somewhere, you do not want to be met with hostility and aggressive people that rant about Airbnb every time you enter the apartment building, especially when you are paying a fair amount of money.
On one occasion, a neighbour contacted the Airbnb host to say that I had thrown things out of the window and left trash outside of their apartment. Why would I do that? I had not. The building manager repeatedly came banging at the door and aggressive notes were taped to it. I felt extremely uncomfortable when entering and exiting the building after that. The man kept coming back and banging on the door making me feel unsafe.
I messaged my host who contacted me and sent me an extremely rude and patronising message lecturing me about the need to “respect” everyone. He sent me a photo of trash that was not mine and spoke to me like a petulant child. I am a 30 year old professional woman. I don’t know who he thinks he is speaking down to.
I explained I had not thrown trash and he didn’t believe me, repeatedly arguing with me and saying they had food receipts. The receipts could have been anyones. Most likely his noisy neighbours having gatherings during the coronavirus lockdown! I did not appreciate being spoken to like that. He then said I threw trash out the bathroom window. I hadn't even opened the window! He said he would not charge me "this time" but he should. I hadn't done anything! Then said, "well this hadn't happened before!" Rude man. One of my worst host interactions in Greece.
I am a Journalist and came to the apartment for a month by myself with my cat, before leaving the country. I wasn’t loud, or having parties, or anything and I think the hostility from some of the residents, whatever their views on Airbnb may be, was unacceptable, as was the host’s poor manners. I contacted Airbnb and almost considered leaving the apartment. It was only because I had a month’s booking, and too much stuff to carry, that it was not easy for me to move elsewhere.
The day before check out, I received a series of messages from the host hounding me to know the time I was leaving as he had another guest coming like “hello??? Tell me??? When are you going??? I have another guest, do you understand??? Reply ASAP”
It is just impolite behaviour when someone has paid to stay in your place over a month and there is already a designated check out time. I responded and there was no acknowledgement or thanks. On check out, he asked me to leave the key in the key box but I couldn’t get the box to close. I messaged him and waited on the street for 15 minutes for a response on what to do with the key, fiddling around trying to close the box and worrying why it would not close and he never responded. Poor manners again.
It would be helpful if sheets were available in the apartment for long stay guests. A lady came to change them and on one occasion she was 3.5 hours late. I don’t mind, but I had specifically waited in for her. I contacted Alexandros and he was rude again, asking if I was sure she had not came (yes since I told him I was sat there waiting all day) and then telling me I should be patient. Since I sat there for 3.5 hours I was, I simply asked if she was coming and when. He should apologise not snap at his guests to have patience. People like this are what is wrong with Airbnb today.