This was our first Airbnb stay so we were not quite sure what to expect. However, I do spend 100+ nights every year travelling so felt I could draw on that experience in reviewing this property.
Before I get into the details I do want to acknowledge that Pedro, the host, is extremely responsive on WhatsApp or via email and that was great - it gives one the confidence that requests will be dealt with swiftly.
Things that worked well:
- Location: this apartment is in the Eixample neighbourhood and is extremely well located for most things in Barcelona - it is either a short walk or a short taxi ride away from most things of interest. There is a Spar supermarket a 2-min walk away and several other small convenience shops within a minute's walking distance; there is an ATM across the road, a couple of boulangeries just across the apartment building and taxis are easily available
- Design and décor: this apartment is modern with all appliances necessary - a fully fitted out kitchen and a washing machine in the common area as well. It is not crowded and the tall ceilings and French doors let in plenty of light in the living room
Things that could be better to make it a truly great apartment:
- No "caveat emptor": 2 days before arrival we got an email from the host reminding us to pay the tourist tax and informing us of a "late check-in fee" if we arrived after 2100 hrs. The only catch is that the listing refers to a late check in fee if one arrives after 2300 hrs. This should not have occurred. As this was our first Airbnb stay, I did not want to create a conflict with the host at the outset and Airbnb was poor in their customer service. In the end Pedro decided not to charge us this fee as we were arriving at the border line of 2100 hrs by train
- Cleanliness: while the apartment had everything one would need for a short or long-stay, we were disappointed that the furnishings were dusty - the black settee bench in the master bedroom was dusty, the lamps were dusty (I took pictures of everything), the kettle was calcified and not clean; there was a used plastic spoon littered in the master bedroom
- Maintenance: the lamps / light fixtures were missing bulbs or had bulbs that were fused / not working - this gives the impression of a lack of maintenance. I would rather have lower wattage bulbs that work rather than e.g. 1 bulb working out of 5 in the living room corner light fixture - in the listing picture it has all bulbs working; furthermore, the ironing table was torn and worn out - shows poor maintenance; the beautiful traditional Spanish tiles in the foyer were loose and pose a trip hazard if one is not careful - these should be secured; there are no toilet roll holders in the bathroom and there was no hand soap provided in the soap dispensers - we were asked to use the bath gel small bottle provided to us for bathing and hand washing; the lamp shades in the 2nd bedroom were torn and worn out; the glass enclosed window in the living room on the extreme left side was dirty - glass was completely "white" from lack of cleanliness; the kettle for boiling water for tea/coffee was calcified and unclean
- Tidiness: all the cupboards had spare parts, appliances, linen in them. It was not consolidated in one place. This gives the impression that you're intruding into the host's space. When we asked if we could use 2 additional towels, we were denied that request - so why would you tease the guests with showing all these spare items rather than consolidating and locking them out of sight so we can use the cupboards?
- Value for money: after all taxes, cleaning charges and accommodation costs, I paid close to $400 per night - it's not cheap and I did not expect to encounter the issues I did (not major issues but certainly quality issues) at this price point!
- Living Room doors: the beautiful French doors in the living room / kitchen need to be secured - they open up with gusts or wind and the shutters outside cannot be fully closed - it made us anxious about security as the apartment is just 1 floor above the road level. The road is busy and noisy so it detracts from enjoying the property
I took picture of all these issues which were not material but certainly impacted the quality of our stay in this apartment. I would have attached them here but the functionality is not available!