This is my first review of a property since joining Airbnb 4 years ago and regrettably, it is not a positive one.
When I saw Scotty’s place, three things attracted me to it: the decor was modern and interesting, it was affordable and never been used (thus, didn’t have any review). I didn’t know that these three things will work against me upon booking the accommodation for 3 nights.
First of all, Scotty was apprehensive to accept my booking as I didn’t have any reviews. They asked me if I had used Airbnb before (I know!) and how they are uneasy with guests who do not have reviews, as they are strict on house rules. I informed them that I found reviews too administrative, and have never had the chance to make one; which means that I’ve never had a horrible experience until Scotty. After nearly 10 hours of contemplating, and with less than 24 hours till I needed accommodation, my booking was finally accepted and payment successful.
Two hours after payment, I get a message from them on load shedding. At the bottom of the message, it reads “This is not to say there will definitely be load-shedding during your stay, but rather just something to keep in mind.”
I was surprised, not because I’m not aware of load shedding as a concept, but that this information was divulged after the payment was made. Not in the time I was investigated and grilled on house rules. Not in the time I waited for a response. But only conveniently, after the payment. I read the bottom of the message again: is “This is not to say there will definitely be loadshedding during your stay, but rather just something to keep in mind.”
Two hours to check in, I was informed that load shedding will start within an hour, will happen 3 times a day, and will happen every day all week.
Prior to arriving at the apartment, the personnel to check in was quite impatient and called several times to check on us because “he has somewhere to be”. Upon arriving at the apartment, the key to the main gate wasn’t un-locking the gate. We were outside for another 10mins (which will be the shortest time ever spent trying to figure out the lock- it took us anywhere from 20-45mins to unlock the main gate, even late at night). Inside the apartment, one is immediately shocked by the size. The bathroom sink is at an awkward size and height and you can barely navigate the kitchenette if someone else is there. It’s a very small space with NO WINDOWS that has been crammed with so many decorative pieces. There are 2 large doors that opens onto a “balcony” overlooking the main road, where the sound of cars swooshing up and down is as loud as you are able to imagine. There is no AC or fan, which means there is indeed no plan for ventilation in an already crammed space. If you need some air (which as humans, we all do), you must open the large, screen-less sliding doors and expose yourself to mosquitoes and other flying elements. Have you ever tried sleeping with the doors open? Do you know how unsafe it feels - both from the rodents and to other possible attacks?
When the loadshedding was over and power came back on, the internet wouldn’t work. The room was hot - for the size of the room, approximately 15m, there are NINE bulbs, so you can imagine how hot it gets - with no fan, no AC. These complains were immediately shared with Scotty, all to no avail. There was no empathy, no demonstration of concern. Nothing was done to address any of our complains. Nothing beyond “we’ll look into it”
After our second night, we fled the apartment to a hotel and forfeited the rest of our stay at The Ivory.
Scotty & team, thank you for illustrating the importance of leaving reviews and how they shape perspectives. I hope this review helps you look into your listing, and more importantly, that it helps others who may be corrupted by the angles with which you have produced the images on this listing.
Advice: Book this if you’re keen on aesthetic and don’t have interest in living a functional, decent and human life while at 90 Kloof. Otherwise, your money has value elsewhere.