I will start by saying this is objectively the worst Airbnb experience I have ever had. Rules, like those outlined by Maria (and mentioned by previous Airbnb guests below), are not a problem for us. It’s expected that you clean up after yourself and leave the space how you found it whether explicitly stated or not. My partner and I follow these rules at every Airbnb we visit. The problem is the way Maria interacted and communicated with us. She spoke down to us and made us feel like we were putting her out. I’ve never had someone who was suppose to be providing a positive service make me feel so small.
First, check in was not smooth but this could be related to a language barrier. Maria finally buzzed us in after we told her we were outside of her apartment. We waited for quite some time. When we finally got upstairs, Maria was standing at the door with what appeared to be a very displeased look on her face. She didn’t say hello. When my partner tried to enter, she chastised her and told her to take her boots off. This was a bit strange to us but we shook it off. Then it got progressively worse and more uncomfortable.
When we finally got into our bedroom, Maria asked us if we read the rules. We said yes, of course. She then told us to recite them to her in what felt like a very belittling tone. We recited them and while doing this, Maria kicked our bags and huffed because they were in her way. Immediately my partner and I began to feel uncomfortable. Maria then proceeded to look us up and down and say “I don’t want dirt in here” which we felt was extremely judgemental and rude, as if we were dirty. She then opened and closed the door about five times showing us how to close it quietly so we wouldn’t make any noise and wake her. This was all extremely belittling but it got worse. She then proceeded to ask for both our passports. We understand that in certain counties guests need to be registered but there was no mention of this in her ad when we booked. My partner told her she was not comfortable giving her passport up without thinking about it first. Maria then pressed my partner repeatedly for her passport.
The entire interaction felt so unsafe and belittling. We were traveling from Spain to Portugal. We were tired and this is what we were greeted with. My partner and I looked at each other and just knew it wasn’t going to work - we could never be happy staying there. We quietly packed up our bags and asked Maria to open the door for us. We told her we were going to stay somewhere else, and thanked her. That was it. We booked a hotel and cancelled our reservation with Maria. We then messaged Maria asking her to refund our money since we didn’t stay with her and she responded like this, copy and pasted:
“I didn't cancel it for you.
I'm not returning any money.
Karma exists.”
We truly don’t believe this person should be able to host guests. If we knew what we know now, we never would have booked with her. Luckily Airbnb fully refunded our money for our two night stay after reading her messages and seeing how she treated us. We hope our review can help others avoid situations like this moving forward.