After using Air B&B for a few years now, this was our first disappointing experience.
Before we discuss the challenges, the flat did have a great location that was walkable to all major attractions, was a great size/layout and had a decent bed.
However, there were a few annoyances that we weren't anticipating. First, it was dirty when we moved in, even though we had a delayed check-in while the cleaner finished up. There were dirty dished put away in the cupboards and leftover take-away garbage that was from the previous guests (we assume) that really smelt awful. I should also mention that we had specifically requested an early check-in prior to booking. Not only was this not honored on the day of, we had to check in late, and it wasn’t clean!
The bathroom was also an ordeal. We couldn't figure out how to use the shower. It was either burning hot (couldn't even stand under it) or ice cold with no water pressure. Both of us shower at least once a day and this was less than ideal. We even had our friend who lives in the UK and is familiar with the 'tricky' showers take a look and they couldn't figure it out either.
We also were only given 1 small towel each, no bath mat and no hand towels (and no kitchen towels). It wouldn't have been a huge deal if the shower didn’t splatter all over - but it did and everything was soaked constantly. There was no hand soap for the bathroom… which isn’t a total deal breaker but it’s not something you’re expecting to have to buy for a 5 night stay.
We tried multiple times to get in touch with the host. He does after all live in the same building so we thought it could be an easy fix. However his responses were extremely delayed and he never resolved any of our issues, despite numerous attempts from our end.