I will try to keep to the facts while describing a very disappointing stay here. I would not recommend this location at all, though others clearly have found it appealing in the past.
In order to be as specific as possible, I will simply quote the note I sent to the owner while requesting a refund. We prepaid for 7 days, and left after 2 nights.
The owner was inflexible, and suggested that we should have asked her to bring the property up to an acceptable level of hygiene. Since we didn't ask, then it seems our dissatisfaction is our fault, according to her thinking. She refused the partial refund, and continued with a firm refusal even when it was clear that Airbnb's requirements for a property (cleanliness) were not met.
In any case, below is the last communication we sent to the owner:
"We have packed up our things and left for another B&B. We used our own cleaning products and have surely left the cottage cleaner than it was when we arrived.
We also left the entrance as it was when we arrived: the door is unlocked, and the key is on the inside. Also, as when we arrived, you are not there.
I find your reaction to our notes very unusual, especially in Switzerland. If I had a guest, even one staying for free (instead of CHF 200 per night), I would be very embarrassed, and perhaps humble, if they noted urine and feces on the toilet, a ring of dirt in the bathtub, and mold.
I also struggle to understand why on earth we should have to ASK for someone to provide basic sanitation and hygienic conditions. The fact that you did not clean is important. The fact that you were there to clean properly if we asked is not.
In the terms and conditions of Airbnb, it clearly states among the reasons for a refund in section 1,paragraph C, at the start of the Guest’s booking, the Accommodation: (i) is not generally clean and sanitary.
We were generally happy with the layout and location of the property. The look on my wife’s face (the missing “Wow”) was simply surprise at the uncleanliness, which was immediately apparent. This got worse as we found food and stains on the kitchen counters, spilled salt/sugar in the drawers and on utensils, dried food on plates, and a greasy oven and baking pan. None of it was fit for use.
We also struggled with understanding how our relaxation in nature was enhanced by an abandoned van, rusty bicycles, garbage, empty cigarette packs, gas cylinders, light bulbs, and an old office chair.
All I have mentioned is factual and clearly visible.
I have obviously not understood the wishes and preferences of your normal clientele, who seem quite happy in general based on reviews.
For this reason, I would kindly ask that you simply acknowledge the above issues and refund our payment for Tuesday through Friday only. We acknowledge your cancellation policy, inasmuch as it is superseded by the T&Cs of Airbnb, and will pay for Sunday and Monday nights, although we are not there.
I would prefer not to pursue this further with Airbnb, I would like to just put this behind me."
Needless to say, we escalated.
I am very pleased with the support we received from Airbnb.
I would NOT recommend this property.