This trip was supposed to be a dream trip for my mother that I had been planning for six months. We were supposed to stay in Bobolino for two months but we left a week early.
We made the most of it because I was not in a position to move but it was very disappointing.
The apartment may be nicely decorated (though misrepresented in the listing photos) with a dreamy view from the terrace and in an ideal location but it is so terribly
uncomfortable. There is no where to relax besides the beds. The sofa, actually a loveseat, was a
total disappointment, old and broken down. When we complained the host sent someone over to put boards under the cushions which made it worse. The one side chair was also uncomfortable. No more than three people at a time can fit to visit in the living room.
Also, it is not a two bedroom. The spaces are not appropriately separated as stated in the ad. There is one bedroom and a sofa bed on a narrow mezzanine. You have to walk through the mezzanine to get into the bedroom and through the bedroom to get to the bathroom. If the sofa bed is opened there is no room to get by anyway. There is no privacy.
The neighbors on both sides are terribly loud. No hot water for a month! We were very patient and Airbnb helped us get a partial refund for one month.
There was also not a guidebook or house manual with instructions for the apartment, tv, appliances, air conditioner, heater vs hot water, trash take out, or local neighborhood conveniences, post office, grocery store, taxi. Every Airbnb I’ve ever stayed in provided a comprehensive guidebook/ manual, caring and appreciation for the guests and the quality of their stay.
The details were not thought of… coffee and tea supplies upon arrival, dusting and vacuuming, planting the flower boxes, hot water kettle, wash cloths, scissors, etc. We planted the flowers and even purchased a new broom since the old one was damaged and filthy. The apartment smelled like sewer when we arrived and though it got a little better remained for weeks.
The utilities charge was a first for me in an Airbnb. We hardly used the heater, had no hot water for a month, kept the lights off in unused spaces and didn’t watch tv. It felt very nickel and dime-y.
It would take some basic thoughtful improvements and a little honesty to make this place wonderful. We would so like to come back but no one should have to be so patient and put up with so much when spending thousands. The previous reviews were negative and the landlord/hosts responded defensively. I guess I will not be surprised if they do the same with this review. I will say that Michela was responsive. I truly hope that they will choose to put their energy into solutions to make this beautiful property a wonderful experience for their guests.