At the time I booked, the listing did not disclose that this apartment has had water damage and has an unresolved mold problem. I would not have booked this unit if the listing had mentioned even the possibility of seasonal dampness. I have a mold allergy and I steer clear of listings that look or sound like they might trigger it. We left after the first night because I woke up having an allergic reaction. I sent photos of the moldy areas to Mila and Airbnb’s resolution center. I requested and received a refund for the remaining nights we had booked. Finding new lodging last-minute in Barcelona was a hassle. We had to settle for a hotel that was noisier and had none of the comforts we were looking forward to at Mila’s apartment.
In the pictures this looks like an airy, sunny space. But it has no venting to outside at the ceiling or windows that open up high, nor a fan or dehumidifier. We arrived at 11pm, and first noticed that the air in the apartment was as muggy and damp as an indoor spa, but we were tired and didn’t look too closely. When we looked around in the daylight there was evidence of mold all over (some new and slimy, some “removed”). There are stains from water damage on the floor, doors, and baseboards on the bathroom/bedroom level.
The host knows about the mold problem and said in messaging that there have been attempts to remediate it, but still doesn’t mention anything about it in the listing, despite other recent reviewers who also had health issues and had to check out early (reviews are not sorted chronologically - these recent reviews appear about 40 reviews down, after positive reviews from 2015).
All the positive things other reviewers said are also true – this is a very cute apartment with lots of amenities in an excellent location. Mila seemed genuine and kind, and was a responsive host through all of this. She provided us with lots of information about the neighborhood before we arrived. Even if she were forthcoming in the listing about the mold issue, this apartment would probably still be fully booked with guests who don’t have health concerns.