This review may be longer than the norm due to the potential this apt. has but not attained and because of the apt’s. several negative aspects, its positives and our own experiences. We provide our comments for the benefit of the owner as well as fellow travellers. We stayed from Dec. 6 /19 to Jan. 3 /20 at an approximate cost of EU 1200 including EU 45 for cleaning and EU 103 for service fee.
The apartment is spacious and quite large enough for 2 guests. The best feature is the location as it is within easy walking access to Metro, busses, taxis, trains, groceries, tourist info. and the city centre. The refrigerator and stove top appear new. We at all times felt secure in and around the premises. In good weather the terrace will be a big bonus. Except as noted below the apt. is quiet.
The negatives arise from 3 sources - a lack of hands on management, caring and interest in providing a positive experience on the part of ownership, a lack of adequate cleaning and quality control by the owner and a lack of capital investment which even at a modest level would make a significant difference.
The most distressing experience was the day the power went out, shortly after our arrival in Spain. We spent the evening in the growing cold (it was Dec.) and darkness save only for our small flashlight. We had just arrived in Spain, do not know Spanish or the city and were without answers. We emailed the owner 3 times during that day but received no response. We were upset, distraught. The owner later said she saw the first email but did not read it. There was no help to be had in the extremely brief house manual. We packed in the dark and found an hotel (which the owner later said was too expensive). The next morning we tried to phone her but got no answer. We requested Air BnB to assist and that led to a meeting at the apt. It is inconceivable that when guests are in the apt. the host would refuse to respond to a serious problem.
The electrical box needs upgrading. Can’t use the heaters and fry an egg at the same time or have a shower (elec. pump) nor microwave, have heat and use a burner, etc., etc.
The above issue was caused by a breaker in the apt. which occurred frequently thereafter. The resolution was simple once known but the manual was of no assistance. We paid for 1/2 the hotel bill in addition to the cost to us of the apt. (which was not refunded), taxis and a meal out.
Shortly after arrival we started cleaning. One shelf contained very old condiments, spices, etc. many of which were stuck to the shelf which was itself covered in congealed liquids and spices. Other cupboards and the microwave interior required cleaning. The fridge drawers contained dried juice, stains and food crumbs. An entry way shelf was covered in a layer of dust. The shower floor may never have been scrubbed but there was no other place to put soap, shampoo, etc. The owner subsequently said she had received other complaints about the cleaner. and offered to have a cleaner attend but by then we had cleaned the apt. to a liveable condition. We left it much cleaner than upon our arrival and were still charged EU 45 as a cleaning fee!!! We were informed that we had to supply our own cleaning supplies.
Heating is inadequate during winter months.
On occasion there is a strong smell of sewer gas from drains on the terrace and in the bathroom all as noted by other reviewers.
There is limited hot water - on occasion only there were cold and alternating hot and cold showers and dish washing. Again, as others have noted.
Some towelling and linens were grey (some stained and threadbare). Spare bed linens do not fit the bed and not readily available.
The bedroom is close to the top of the elevator and its mechanics. Use starts at about 7 a.m. and occasionally late at night.
Food supplies on hand were outdated, exposed and were thrown out. The coffee pods were obviously left by other guests because they did not fit the coffee maker. In other places some cleaning supplies are made available and a courtesy coffee for the first morning.
Not all shutters on the windows function.
The 2 large sofas desperately need replacing. One is useable only with sufficient cushions stacked on top of each other. The white plastic chair has several cracks. The owner said she needed to go shopping but nothing was replaced.
The thermostat for the wall-mounted heater and AC functions only as an “off” and “on” switch. The setting is without much meaning. The owner washed the filter and mentioned something about a “technician” but one never appeared.
Little effort has gone into the preparation of the “Welcome Book”. The above electrical crisis could have been avoided. A sketch map showing the exact location of Tourist Info., Metro stations, grocery stores, etc. would be invaluable to guests. None of this info. now exists.
We hope the above leads to significant improvement which when made could be noted by the owner on the Air BnB site for the benefit of future prospective guests.