I am not fond of writing this review. José Luiz and Nelly are perfectly decent folks, by all accounts. Nothing I am writing is an indictment of them as people or their (quite lovely) home. That said, this was a deeply unpleasant experience for two interrelated reasons: 1) this listing is misleading in a way that implies amenities are offered that are actually absent, and 2) subsequently, it is wholly unsuitable for long-term stays.
At present, and at the time of booking, the listing’s “What this place offers” section includes amenities, such as “Refrigerator, Microwave” and others, that imply access to a kitchen and common area. Yet, this is not the case. You are barred from entering the main area of the home, which presumably contains these features. This is fine for short-term stays; long-term stays much less so. This policy *is* noted on the listing, however, it is relegated to the full-form “safety” section at the bottom. I take ownership of not clicking this section of the listing, but we need to be frank in acknowledging that the average potential occupant will operate based on the “amenities” section. I regret doing so.
I did, once I learned of the restrictions, probe to see how firm they were--using the (adorable) dog as a vehicle. After all, I was living there for a month and it would be silly for me to lack access to basic necessities. I was told that I could enter the main area of the house to pet the dog if “nobody else was in [there].” I will be frank. I have never been made to feel more like an unwashed, unwanted burden than that moment. Later an offer was extended to share coffee/tea with the host, but at that point I could not bring myself to enter places where I clearly was not welcome.
I lost about 10 pounds while living at this property for a month. As I was denied access to even a microwave (and takeaway is too expensive for every meal), I generally ate food, cold, out of cans and pouches. Needless to say this led to a significant food reduction. This point also eschews the nutritional nightmare this diet entailed. I also became dehydrated. My only source of water was the bathroom sink (again, not allowed in the kitchen), and this was less than conducive to proper intake. Both of these incurred significant personal difficulties.
I wish my former hosts nothing but the best, and I appreciate that hosts have *every* right to hold these rules. The problem is that the listing miscommunicates in a way that led to my booking an accommodation that I otherwise never would have. I am sure that this problem will be swiftly fixed, but it will not change that this was a shocking experience that I will never forget.