When we make the decision to rent an apartment as opposed to staying in a hotel, we expect certain things. For example, a warm host, toiletries, working kitchen, the basics so we can cook and a sufficient amount of towels, linen, toilet rolls etc. My experience here was appalling! The host refused to address issues such as the stove not working, which was discovered the day I arrived.
When I noticed that there were only 2 bath towels for the duration of my 8 day stay, I queried this. I was told that I would not be receiving any additional towels. Can you imagine being provided with only 2 bath towels for 8 days? I queried this and was told that I would not be given any fresh towels. That’s simply ridiculous. Was I supposed to carry wet towels in search of a laundromat and then instead of seeing Florence, wait around for them to be washed and dried?
When you book an apartment, it’s expected that you will have a working kitchen. When I arrived, I noticed the stove was broken. I was told a technician would come the following day but this did not happen. I sent messages on Airbnb and via the WhatsApp number with which I was provided but nothing was done. 8 days in an apartment without being able to use the stove defeats the point of arranging an apartment. I had been to the supermarket and purchased wonderful fresh pasta, gnocchi, cheeses and produce and I wasn’t able to enjoy anything. Much of what I bought had to be thrown out due to not being able to use them for 8 days. Being required to remove all garbage when a. You’re not provided with any garbage bags and b. You have to carry the garbage down a flight of stairs and then wander through the streets in search of public garbage bins is ridiculous. I had to buy toilet paper, tissues, shower gel, shampoo etc, as none were provided. I would have preferred to stay in a hotel for the price of this apartment, as then I would at least being provided with toiletries, fresh towels and linen and I wouldn’t have to walk 4 streets away to dispose of the garbage.
In brief, there’s a great difference between a host and someone who merely owns an apartment and rents it out. Federico is most definitely the latter. I’ve stayed in furnished apartments all around the world and I must say that this was the worst experience. The apartment is situated in a prime location but the lack of care, attention and professionalism, most definitely ruined the experience. If you need a place for just 2 days, it might be suitable but anything longer than that, you would be better off looking elsewhere.