We were drawn to David's listing because it looked slick, modern, minimalistic and David seems like the kinda guy with good taste and sensibilities. We as a couple are from the art world, so were naturally attracted to Shoreditch and anything that features an eye for design is a plus in our book.
Getting there was easy, and getting in with the new code system he installed was very convenient (as opposed to having to go somewhere to pick up keys etc.).
However, we soon realized that while a few things looked great, they didn't function great.
The keys to the door didn't lock. The alarm system didn't work. And both were an apparent problem given there were warnings everywhere that if you don't abide by the security measures, you're liable to pay David and Airbnb a fee.
We got in and the electric cabinet was left wide open.
Everything looked clean at first glance. The bedroom was clean and the towels were fluffy.
But at a second glance, disappointment set in.
The shower wasn't as clean it should've been. You know when everything is stark white and gray. But then it's not maintained that way. Too much grime in the shower. The sink was so tiny, and tucked under the cupboard, there's no way you can actually wash your face with the water going inside it.
The music system worked, but the satellite TV didn't.
But all that was ok, it was the kitchen that got us the most.
When we opened the trash cabinet under the sink, the door came off and it was clear it was just put in place hanging on one hinge. Utensils and pots were very dusty.
But the KO was the glasses in the cupboard. They weren't dirty with a stain or two. They were left with food residue still in them. All of them. That was gross. And that made us question everything.
But here's the important bit, David is a great guy. He wants the experience to be great, and was super responsive to every comment we gave him. He even replaced all the glasses with new ones within a day, and threw in a bottle of prosecco to say sorry. He also got the alarm fixed. And when we accidentally took his umbrella with us he didn't charge us.
It's one of those things, clearly isn't his own home, it's just a place he's renting out as a business because he definitely is not aware of what's it really like there. And he was as appalled as us. But I'm pretty sure that he will get the place fixed and maintained better, and it will fulfill the potential it has to be proportionately to the price he charges.