As a long time host and guest, I've learned that Airbnb is best when users follow the guidelines. Federico (host) texted me outside Airbnb's message system and that choice resulted in my worst Airbnb experience ever. On our arrival Federico greeted us with anger for making him wait. There was nothing we could say to calm him. In reviewing the written communications it was clear: Federico sent a non - Airbnb message asking about our arrival time. All I could do was say that we were on the train which arrives at 4:30. However, I properly sent an Airbnb message saying I would let him know when we were 10 minutes away from his place. This was a comfort to us because we both knew it would minimize Federico's wait time. Federico's anger was the result of him acting on his text communication instead of the proper Airbnb message. As I sail away from Venice on our long planned vacation, it is disappointing that such an avoidable stress ruined what promised to be an otherwise delightful Airbnb stay. Always remember to follow Airbnb's guidelines, they are there for a reason!