I have to be honest, this experience is the one that finally did it, where I decided I don’t want to use Airbnb again.
Apartment is small, but the large windows and view make it so it doesn’t feel small/makes it feellivable for a short term stay. There are grocery stores and a station right nearby, so convenient neighborhood.
The building is right next to the highway. If you are a light sleeper, it might not be the right place for you.
Moreover, the building will occasionally shake, but I think it’s not because of the wind it’s because of reverberations from the highway.
This is also Tokyo where there are earthquakes. As a long term option, I would be hesitant to be in a building that shakes even without the earthquakes
The reason why this one got such a low rating for me is because it was very dirty when I arrived (and bec of the host). There were stains on the floor and dirt on the floor. If you’ve never lived in Japan, especially, maybe that doesn’t seem so bad, but for Japan, where you always take your shoes off inside, it is especially Uncomfortable and surprising. And problematic because I have dust and dirt allergies. I told the host, he asked me to send photos, I did. The windows also… I cleaned one and … the tissue was black with dirt. I would have loved an extra set of sheets since I no longer felt so sure about it the cleanliness of things.
He said he was sorry.
He Didn’t offer to clean … or I don’t know… ? give me a discount. ? Or just do anything at all.
I said I may leave early and if so, think I should be refunded the money for those days, if so.
Although he responded quickly,
He ignored that message. Both times I said it.
A few days later, I said this was quite uncomfortable, I would really appreciate if the floors could be cleaned.
He did respond quickly and offer to send a cleaning crew … because my work hours were getting longer, I couldn’t figure out in advance when I could be out for them to come. But I do appreciate that after I asked he did it.
(And I am sorry I forgot to do the registration thing until late because my work got so busy. )
I had decided even before the last day, that I would prefer to not use Airbnb again.
The last day, I was running behind… and missed the check out time.
I had told the host a couple times that I didn’t receive notifications from Airbnb and so told him if he needed to reach me quickly, please use my cell. (He had my number).
After I left, I looked at my Airbnb inbox:
He had threatened to charge extra for cleaning because I was late (the irony of the situation )
And most alarming of all: he threatened to call the police
. I wish I could post a screenshot here.
I’ve lived in Japan, I speak Japanese, I, like many foreigners have experienced different amounts of uncomfortable things … to put it mildly. It goes with the territory
But I have never seen anyone act like this.