On the plus side:
1) flat is in a great location
2) host replied quickly and agreed to let us leave our bags ahead of check in
Negatives:
1) check in not till 3
2) cleaning was not up to par, streaks on mirrors and glass. Plaster wall/dust and residue on floor.
3) massive red flag - clear and unambiguous issue with damp/water ingress in the flat. The walls in various places had been affected by damp. This was not disclosed prior to/after booking. Rather a day before checking in, I was advised that a wall inspection was taking place during a day of my stay and whether I would stay in to accommodate the contractor or he would hire his cleaner to wait. I told him that we will be out and that he should arrange for his cleaner to attend. When I messaged to ask if the cleaner got in, he replied no as I had not left the keys and that he will charge me for a call out fee. Needless to say, one would’ve expected Kyle to reach out to me if the cleaner couldn’t gain access, which I pointed out to him. After all I was local and could’ve returned within 5 mins to let him/her in. Anyway, I have yet to hear back but will dispute this strongly if any attempt to extort money is made. It is really unacceptable to book any kind of works during a persons stay. The host could’ve blocked the day from the diary in order to accommodate works but failed to do so and then attempted to suggest that he would pass the charge back to me. Simply outrageous.
All in all, the flat is not worth the price tag. Certainly one doesn’t expect to see walls affected by damp and have contractors arranged during my paid stay.