Generally I'm a pretty easy-going reviewer with AirBNBs, but this unit was an extreme disappointment in just about every way possible. The check-in process was fine and well orchestrated considering we were in level 4 lockdown. However, once we were in the unit we immediately noticed that the kitchen had not been cleaned.
In the end we had to leave early because the lack of cleaning resulted in glass and a beer cap being left in the garbage disposal causing the sink to back up. The host was unwilling to work with us but thankfully AirBNBs resolution service agreed we should be allowed an early termination.
- cups, dishes, flatware, everything was filthy and we had to rewash everything ourselves and wipe down all surfaces before putting it away).
- The fridge/freezer had been turned off and closed (not even propped open for airflow) so we had to clean out the flooding from melted ice, and wipe down the interior. It still smelled throughout our stay.
- there was one small rubbish bin available for the whole 2 bdrm unit and no liners.
- expired and or "refrigeration required" condiments had been left in cupboard. several spices/baking supplies were left in open bags, and some listed supplies in the ad were not provided.
General cleanliness and quality of the unit was abysmal. The couch was VERY worn and not comfortable, the mattresses had some pretty gnarly stains, and washer/dryer combo was unable to handle bedding provided.
Honestly, I've been in bad airBNBs before, and this was during a level 4 lockdown in Auckland so I can understand that the property managers hands were tied as they could not send cleaners or caretakers. When the sink backed up we requested only to leave early (we didn't even mention the cleaning on day one and just took care of it, but things just kept piling up). I felt that we were very reasonable to ask for an early termination without any refunds for nights stayed, we couldn't live in a unit without a kitchen sink for 2 weeks. The response we got was to say they would refund the cleaning fee of $140, and would drop off more cleaning supplies. They refused to amend the reservation dates stating they'd "done all they could. and wished us all the best." Thankfully AirBNB recognizes basic human living condition requirements even if Anna and team do not.
Though my favorite part of this whole thing was the motivational poster titled "Effort - Hard work never killed anyone, but it is illegal in some places" which had a broken frame and was loosely held together with packing tape to keep it from falling off the wall. The irony was palpable.