Blocked toilet early in the morning is the worst way to start a holiday.
We had booked for two nights, and eagerly looked forward to stay there because of the location of the flat. We knew the facilities there was basic, but we were okay with it. We did not expect luxury, but we were denied even the basic facilities and cleanliness.
Check-in is not the most convenient. We got in at 7 pm, as promised and after picking up the key at a store, had to walk 10 minutes to get to the apartment.
Although we had booked for 3 adults, there was only one double bed made up with sheets. The sofa bed which was meant to sleep the third adult, my son, was sagging at the foot end, and needed propping up with our bags so that he would not slip off. There were no clean sheets or pillow case provided. I rummaged around and found a sheet in the box bed and decided to make do - it was not a freshly laundered one, but at 8pm, we were out of options. The closet had an old blanket and a towel, also not clean.
Early next morning, we found the toilet blocked with sewage welling up from the bowl and causing an awful stink. At 6 am, not even being able to pass water, at wits end, I called and texted Jesscia but got no answer - (phone calls, text and messages on airbnb). It was a Sunday morning, so I cannot blame her for not answering. My partner then went out and booked us a room - which was at a premium given the immediate reservation and early check in.
Sometime later, Jessica texted me with apologies and said she would refund the money. I thanked her. As of now, she has refunded the money for one night stay. She has kept the money for the 12 hours we stayed there and also the amount for cleaning fee.
Given that we had to vacate the flat under such circumstances and incurred a much larger expense because of it, I would have expected her to refund the whole amount.
Blocked toilet is not intentional and I can understand that it can happen to anyone, but going through the earlier reviews, I find that another guest had also faced a similar issue. The severity of the block also suggests that it was not something totally new or unexpected. That is worrying.
I fervently hope this flat will not be listed on airbnb until it is properly refurbished, and due attention is paid to cleanliness and hygiene.