We booked this Airbnb because it was listed as Airbnb Plus. To quote what this means “Airbnb Plus Hosts provide even greater hospitality plus an exceptional physical space—one that’s spotless, well-designed, and thoughtfully equipped. All Airbnb Plus Hosts are Superhosts”
Unfortunately it did not live up to expectations. We are 6 ladies in our 40’s that celebrate a girl’s trip each year by staying in lovely accommodation throughout NZ - this year is our 19th year. Two of us are airbnb superhosts ourselves in Hawkes Bay & Queenstown, another one owns a hunting lodge and another a glamping operation. We know about accommodation and we know about amenities and we know about cleanliness. How disappointing to stay in a house where basic cleaning was overlooked, let alone the expectation of Airbnb’s enhanced cleaning protocol since the pandemic.
The kitchen was filthy. The fridge had not been cleaned properly in a very long time, the kitchen cupboards and drawers were all extremely dirty too and looked as though things had just been thrown in, whilst the outside of cupboards had not been wiped down properly either. On cracking open a bubbles, we discovered there were only 3 bubbly glasses of which 1 was broken. When we complained of the above, it was offered that we could move out that evening with a full refund. Alas, it was a bit tricky to find another place to take us all on Labour Day, given that it was around 4.30pm and we’d travelled from around NZ to be there.
To give the excuse that “there had been an extraordinarily messy group for a long stay” before us is completely inappropriate. We shouldn’t be paying for another group’s mess, and nor did it look like a ‘new’ mess. Offering an early check-in & our non-requirement of extra bedding to be dropped off, is also not an excuse as to why you didn’t ‘double check’ the house’s cleanliness.
One of the ladies could not attend due to being in Waikato lockdown; Tracey agreed to refund her $150 for this. Now the host is asking me to wait till the 12th Nov when it is more convenient for her because of work and family commitments. As 6 professional ladies we are all well aware of being busy; but you think honoring the refund request within the Airbnb timeframe is the least she could do since our stay at her property was so disappointing.
If we can leave this review with some advice - you can have a simply furnished and comfortable house on Airbnb that sleeps plenty and in a great location, and do really well. But if your cleanliness is overlooked and mismanaged, it really leaves a bad taste in the mouths of paying guests. You must address it.