A potential 5 star. Wow...such potential.
From the get-go, if it could go wrong, it did go wrong. This review is wordy but I hope to point out items that have been fixed and also to let you know this unit is not treated like a hotel.
Looking forward to our stay, we followed directions and called/texted our ”host” 30 minutes prior to advise of our arrival but the phone number provided did not connect us with the “host” who would check us in. It was fortunate we had NZ phones so we could make multiple calls. We used GPS to find the building (note: the street number is not on the building) and since the host did not know the apartment building’s name (which is on the building) we had to help her find it. Our “host” was actually down the street and insisted we roll our bags down to her only for her to realize we were indeed at the wrong building. Once back to where we started and inside the building, she still could not locate the unit. We appreciated her situation and felt sorry that she hadn’t yet had the training that would have make the check in less problematic. She was juggling multiple check-ins and had to later return to our apartment for our walk through of the property. You will be asked to identify any broken or damaged items (think car rental) and provide your passports/identity cards.
Unfortunately upon entering the apartment, we discovered how dirty it was. All this was pointed out to the “host”. There was literally a film of dust on surfaces as well as hair on the carpet. It had not had a thorough dusting or vacuuming in quite some time. They offered to send cleaners the evening of our 2nd night and we said “skip it” and that we would accept the apartment as it was. It was disruptive and too late. Upon check in we pointed out thee apartment had 5 lights that were missing or burnt out. We felt it strange to be asked if we wanted new lightbulbs installed when the rooms were obviously under lit..The host did return the next day and put in a couple of bulbs. We noticed the next morning the refrig had been turned off and our few items were warm. It could have been them or us....the management company should insure the switch on the counter cannot be flipped so easily.
Total lack of attention to details.
We were there for 3 nights and we were delighted that the kitchen was fully stocked with dishes, glasses and pots and pans. No cleaning solutions or paper towels. If you intend to use the kitchen, be prepared to step out and provision it. If you are there overnight, you’ll be fine since they give you a small selection of one days use of coffee, milk capsules, tea, cocoa, sugar & salt/pepper. And, a starter couple of packets of dishwashing soap, dishwasher & laundry detergent. From our experience some AirBnB hosts provide items that will make you comfortable for the given number of days you plan to stay. Be prepared for only 1 day’s worth of amenities. They reminded us that they are not a hotel (I would call them self catering).
Communications with our “host” was always challenging. Sometimes it would take hours for them to respond (As late as 2:00 am).And whenever we talked to our “host” we often had a different person! And that person would not necessarily know what we discussed with the previous person.
You will notice that I have referred to our host in “quotes”. My reason for this is that we didn’t really have a host. And later learned that although the apartment may be individually owned, it is managed by a large management company. When we googled the apartment name of “Zodiak”, we learned that they managed about 50 + apartments. With the various people and long gaps of time within communications, it was evident that the left hand clearly did not always know what the right hand was doing.
At the end of the day however, we give the stay an average or acceptable rating simply because the apartment itself is very nice, and it is in a very nice location. It is in the Wynyard Wharf/Viaduct Harbor neighborhood which is lovely and well located to sites you may wish to visit. The apartment is well designed, attractive and comfortable.
If management gave attentive care to this apartment, it could clearly be 5 stars. It really has the potential
Chances are, after our review, management will take corrective actions to insure the apartment is clean and things are working properly and you will not have the problems we did. This can be a great place to stay, and more than likely will be for you.