WORST AIR BNB EXPERIENCE EVER!!!!!!
It truly pains me to have to write this review, as I love Airbnb and it’s unique services.
You may wonder how somebody could be writing such a review about a Superhost...
Let me first start out by saying that this listing is NOT currently being ran by Fernanda. This listing is being ran by (presumably a family member named) Nono. This man is absolutely nasty and horrible to the guests.
From what we have gathered, Nono is a family member/friend who runs the bnb, on Fernanda’s behalf. We are assuming this is because of the language barrier. As it turns out, Nono is no-not a better communicator than somebody who speaks a completely different language than the guests. He does not respond in a timely manner and is absolutely nasty to the guests.
When trying to get a hold of the host, we would constantly be waiting hours for a simple reply. This included our check in day.
The number one BIG MISTAKE that the host made, was having us check in 9 hours, against our will. Yes, you read that correctly. THEY HAD US CHECK IN 9 HOURS AFTER NORMAL CHECK IN, AGAINST OUR WILL.
The morning of our check in, we were planning on checking in some time around 3pm, as we were driving up from Lagos. Apparently check in was at noon, to which we had agreed that we could have easily made it there, on time; However, trying to get a clear answer from the host, regarding the coordination of our exact check in time, was nearly impossible. We drove up to Cascais, in anticipation of being able to check in, and were told that the host would not be home and that they would be having lunch with their family at the 2 o’clock hour. We adjusted our driving plans accordingly, and planned to arrive just after 3pm. Apparently this family has an extremely long lunch hour, because after countless ignored messages, unexpected stress, and hours of waiting, we were finally able to get a hold of the host and they told us they would be home at 7pm. After another few hours of waiting, we finally heard back from them and agreed to meet at the roundabout, right outside of the McDonald’s around 8pm. Well, after yet another hour or so of waiting, we were finally able to meet and get checked in. When Nono approached the car, he was livid and told US that WE “forced his son to have a late dinner.”
I have absolutely no idea how that happened or how that was our fault. To my understanding, the family had been eating lunch since 2pm. We were the ones who were stuck in a hot car all day, waiting for a response as to when we could check in.
Let it be clear... check in was at NOON and we were finally in our room by 9PM. We were willing and able to be there right on time for check in, at noon, but we were unable to get a hold of our host in order to do so. This is completely unacceptable.
Along with this MAJOR mishap, the room itself wasn’t even the one that was pictured. It had a completely different layout and it is obvious to see, once you are in the property. You are actually directly facing the street, and in the living quarters, right next to the evil Nono. He will blast his television and be obnoxiously loud at all hours of the day and night. Yes, he apparently lives on property. Get used to dirty looks and verbal abuse, should you still want to stay there, after this review. You will have to share a bathroom with this man and good luck finding the time to get in there! It will be drenched in water and filthy by the time that you do.
The unit itself does not have air conditioning, so you will need to have your window open. But good luck breathing easy, Nono will be smoking cigarettes outside of his window, which is directly next to yours, all throughout the evening. You will just have to learn how to hold your breath and survive in a hot room with the windows completely shut.
Please let me say that my few, brief interactions with Fernanda were fine. She did not speak much English, but was kind and warm through her actions. She and the young girl (who helped translate once we entered the home at our late check in) were just lovely. It saddens me to see that Fernanda has let this horrid man take over and run her business. Surely enough, if she were to get rid of the douchelord and just run the bnb by herself, with the hell of the young girl, I have no doubt in my mind that this listing could do a complete 180. I am truly lost as to how this is still considered to be a superhost. Perhaps at one time, when Fernanda was actually running the listing herself, it was. This DEFINITELY needs to be updated accordingly.
The location itself is central, but with the current set up of how this listing is operated, It puts a damper on the entire visit. It was a horrible stay and we get so uncomfortable the entire trip.
At the end of the day, would I recommend this listing?
That would be a NO NO from me.
Save yourselves the time, money and stress... DO NOT BOOK AT THIS LISTING!!
*Airbnb spoke with the host (after we left) to which Fernanda consented to have Nono speak for her. He was extremely rude and nasty even to the rep. Naturally, he denied everything happening. This man had no accountability and is ruining this sweet woman’s business. Airbnb got a brief taste of what we had gone through and refunded us accordingly.