We had a terrible time trying to get into the AirBNB, due to the following:
- I stated numerous times in the messages leading up to the stay that we would be arriving after 10pm - this was confirmed by the host. When we arrived there was no way for us to get into the AirBNB because the biometrics desk was closed. This was not mentioned to us before arrival.
- Upon arrival, the instructions to get to the place where the biometrics are registered was incorrect and resulted in us driving up and down a street late at night looking for this 'reception desk'. Not the safest thing to be doing in the Cape Town CBD.
- We called the support number that was on the listing and were nonchalantly informed that we need to come back tomorrow. What kind of response is that? The same number then didn't even call back to confirm if we managed to get into the apartment safely - zero effort and customer service.
- We managed to get in by a stroke of luck thanks to a kind security guard that saw us walking up and down looking for another way in. And whilst we were grateful that we were finally in - the entire experience was tainted by the check-in experience.
Once we were in, the apartment was decent - although not like the pictures describe - on surface level everything looks nice, but there's alot of damp in the cupboards and the whole apartment could do with some fixing up. Some hand soap at the basin would have been nice too.
For the price that this AirBNB is going for, one would expect at least some nicer tea bags (or a variety) - instead we got no-name brand tea bags. Also , the Nespresso machine didn't work :(
Lesson learned - never book an AirBNB that's run by a 'managing company'. You're likely to get really bad customer service and no help when you need it.
Things to consider when booking this AirBNB:
- Expect little to zero communication from the host, other than automated responses sent by some system at random times.
- Expect to be directed to the incorrect address for the biometrics registration.
- Expect to be ignored when calling the number listed on this listing for assistance