I’ve never written anything less than a favourable review as I always believe in passing on discreet feedback.
I have always had really positive stays over the past 7 years in Airbnb properties This review and stay is an exception.
I felt the interaction with this owner Tom was so heavy handed and unnecessary that I felt compelled to let others know about my experience.
I’ll start with the positives as the place itself has a lot of good points. The lounge and kitchen area are open plan and open onto a big outdoor area with trees all around. There is also a great playhouse for the kids which they really enjoyed. It’s a quiet area but close to all the attractions of town.
Now for the not so good. When we checked in first impressions were, they left in a rush.
Whilst a quick clean had been done, it was nothing like a normal Airbnb standard. Dust, dirt, things crammed in drawers, dirty windows with grubby handprints over them. A filthy outdoor bbq area.
We are told they hadn’t had time to clear their fridge but feel free to use something in the fridge and leave money for it. Thanks but I’d rather have a clean clear fridge and buy my own things. We are a family of 6 so this was disappointing.
This house is clearly loved but that’s part of the issues, there is no space to unpack.
Drawers are overflowing with the owners items, the fridge was half full and the freezer had no room at all. Shelves also were crammed.
We are staying for 3 nights so made do but keeping things in our suitcases, bags and shopping bags but would have been a bigger issues if we were there for any longer.
We were excited to try out the Bbq and outdoor fire place that were featured on the listing. The outside area was filthy. The bbq has grease and old meat on the grill, the couches were rotten and broken so we couldn’t sit on it and the outdoor bench and table hadn’t been cleaned in a long while.
We had planned to have my sister and her husband over for bbq so we cleaned the area at length.
When we put the bbq on it caught fire. Our kids were there and it gave us all a huge shock.
The issue was a leak in the gas hose.
It meant we also couldn’t use the outdoor fire. This was a big shame and due to the safety hazard I messaged the owner to politely ask if we could sort out a work around for this as we would love a bbq and outdoor fire. I also asked where the trampoline was that also was featured.
I messaged tom politely and his response was super defensive saying he had never had such a ‘seemingly disgruntled guest’. It was such an odd response.
I felt like I was intruding on his holiday. I also felt I had a duty to ensure this was rectified so it didn’t happen to another guest.
Whilst we put out the fire, it could have ended badly for someone else especially with small kids.
A day later I enquiried if we could check out 2 hours later than the early 10am check out. He said no.
I suggested that due to 3 of the big villa features that we expected not being there or working, 2 hours seemed reasonable.
He said he would offer me $100 and to stop ‘haggling’.
I found this very insulting. I hadn’t asked for a partial refund or discount rather 2 hours grace when we checked out based upon an early check out time. I have four children so having that extra time would be so helpful and it wa an insulation early check out time.
He said he wasn’t in the business of hospitality and it would inconvenience his work. Tok also said to not be there at 10am when he would be there on the dot.
I said we would check out on time but my husband wanted to show him the issue with the gas hose and fire as he declined the call to chat about the safety hazmats.
This is when it got very strange and I was told that he had contacted Airbnb and if we weren’t out when they arrived I would be fined for an overstay fee.
I remained professional and polite through all my written communications with him unlike his emotional responses and approach.
To have such heavy handed and defensive communication that was unwarranted from an owner is something I’ve never experienced.
I hope it doesn’t happen to anyone else and is the sole reason I chose to write this review.
If you choose to stay here my advice is to Please triple check things are working before staying here and ensure you have free space in the fridge/freezer/cupboards and wardrobes so you can unpack and settle in.
Also note that the bedrooms and bathrooms are tiny (apart from one kids room).