My first nightmare Airbnb experience of all my travels through 50+ countries. The host of this listing actually moved apartments last month so the reviews and description you're seeing are for another place. And his luxury condo photo that I saw (which is primarily why I booked this place) are of that other apartment.
So imagine my shock when I show up to a place that looks abandoned, the space is dirty, and it is actually more of a hotel of 3-4 floors, connected by an open stairwell. The Airbnb hosts are nowhere to be found.
The busy building security guard understandably wants nothing to do with you. Just waves you in and points you to the apartment. The two doors to the apartment are open (yes, as in unlocked).
My room was in a small staircase hallway across from another hotel-style room. The other guest in there was very confused as well. I asked him about the photos and he said "I don't know where that kitchen/living room is either". His internet didn't work either (the wifi info was probably to that older apartment).
I went upstairs to find someone/understand the place... The staircase leads to another tiny hallway with another two bedrooms. One of which has no door, the other with the door wide open. Both had two mattresses on the floor and were a mess. Very confusing. And then there's a door to the roof. No sign of the place in the photos.
I, as a woman traveling alone, picked this Airbnb because I wanted to be in a homestay with locals to be safe. Instead, this is actually more of an abandoned motel called "Yaya Rooms" where basically anyone can come and go.
And when I texted the host (who is actually in Argentina) "where is this place in the picture" and "why doesn't my wifi work"? He ignored the requests and got angry.
Earlier, he had tried to send another guest to help me check in but that guest was out until midnight (understandably, he's on vacation).
So I was left scared, alone, confused, and I felt completely bamboozled. The guest (who is also their friend) informed me that the photos on their listing were of another apartment they lived in last month. He also apologized for what the hosts are doing and agreed they're in the wrong for this.
I have screenshots, photos, videos and everything to prove all of this. And guess what? The hosts STILL refused to acknowledge that they are lying, and reacted in SUCH a FOUL and egregious manner. Blaming me for not having "good vibes". Resorting to personal atacks.
Picture this: I'm a solo woman traveler in a new city/country and there are two men are haranguing me for pointing out that they're lying to people on Airbnb. It was pretty scary.
Totally ruined my first 24 hours in Mexico City and my health is still suffering from the shock of dealing with that throughout the night + altitude sickness. Total nightmare.
In summary: Basically anyone could walk into this space and do whatever they want since its unlocked and the guard just waves whoever in. So it does not feel safe. The photos/description were inaccurate. The hosts are straight up lying and will verbally scorn and try to denigrate you if you point that out to them. Avoid at all costs.