Pros:
You’ll get a chance to see much of the city (because the apt is TOO HOT, has a BROKEN AC system, dilapidated decking, and is nearly unlivable and unpleasant all around). You might choose (as we did) to spend as little time as possible. The internal temperature of the unit vacillated between 80-90 degrees fahrenheit during the trip. Please see below for the numerous listing of cons and further details.
Cons:
Mini-Split AC system was broken upon arrival. Quim and Airbnb (parent phone in US) were made aware of this within the first moments of our four-night stay. No repairs were made. Quim asked her “team” to check on the system (might have only consisted of the same person that sets up the room, she never clarified), and when they were here, they told us that they merely washed out the air filter. I suggested that often the mini-split systems need a recharge of refrigerant. Host feigned ignorance throughout the ordeal and said that it was rather normal for a top-floor to be warmer, and that we could use the fans she provided. UNACCEPTABLE. The apartment REMAINED UNLIVABLE/HOT throughout the stay.. It seems (if one reads the only review posted from May 2022) that a similar issue occurred, so host was indeed aware of this issue and continued to pretend that it worked perfectly. See the May 2022 review, in which another guest waited days for a repair that immediately broke again. He cited a “calor infernal” in the flat, which we experienced. Unit should be banned from Airbnb for falsely promising working AC— all the while knowing it needs major work. The last paragraph of the May 2022 also mentions known issues with the AC and the opinion of a mechanic mentions related plumbing to have a "fuga de gas" that demanded attention. I can't believe that host had no knowledge of all of this and expected all to work properly and was unaware. Something is truly wrong with the AC, and demands attention. THE MOST UNPLEASANT STAY we’ve ever had through Airbnb. Host misrepresents what this apartment can provide, and travelers that have little recourse. AIR SYSTEM DID NOT WORK WHEN WE ARRIVED, NOR WAS IT REPAIRED PROPERLY THROUGHOUT STAY despite my forthcoming and timely communication to the host.
Photos do not correspond to the “breathtaking” quality of the flat. The only breathtaking things about it surround the surprises you will have to find actually DILAPIDATED decking, chairs that are falling apart from ROT, thin towels, and poor construction quality. Again, it seems that host is content in providing (even below) the bare minimum and hoping to chance that a traveler will still find enjoyment in such surroundings. My husband and I are uncomplicated travelers, and open to many possible surroundings/flats. This flat only stretches the imagination, and will provide disappointment for many.
The door system (others echo in their reviews) is truly unusual. Two doors require an app to enter (I’d regret to be a traveler that is less tech-savvy), though these worked okay for us. The first door to the unit at the landing of the elevator barely closes, and is rather dilapidated. It would be better suited for a tool shed or woodland outbuilding.
Temperature-wise, because of the broken AC, one will likely be unable to live comfortably in the flat during most daytime hours. We chose to leave as early as possible in mornings, and to return around sundown or later. No naps here for us!
Biggest waste of approx. $1200 USD we’ve spent in a very long time. For us, given all of the above, we’d have been better off in a hotel, or anywhere else but here.
Airbnb support (even when I mentioned the dangerous heat issue in detail) was unable to promptly relocate us, and host only added to the trouble by denying any issue at all with the AC system. We felt unheard, taken advantage of, and counted down the time until the rental ended.
Communication. Though host typically responds quickly, the main goal I’ve observed is to deflect acknowledgement of any defect (the most glaring, the BROKEN AC) and to simply say that no issue was found and that all works well. Twice the host said that it was hotter on the top floor—but this reasoning is not acceptable. We've stayed in top-floor units in the heat of summer before quite comfortably. The system is simply worn-out or in need of repair and host will not acknowledge it. My impression is that host wants to make as much money as possible for a property that is in need of immediate, significant repair. Host’s description and reality are two different worlds. TWO THUMBS DOWN.