Not clean. Unresponsive hosts.
First of all the hosts are not responsive at all. I messaged the host to ask for the check-in lockbox code and only got a reply after 2 days when I messaged again to confirm they had received the message and got no apology for the late reply.
On arrival messaged the host to let them know I had arrived and checked in ok. No response. A simple ''good to hear'' would have been nice etc.. (You're supposed to host?)
After I had returned home I messaged the host with several photographs to make them aware of the issues at the cottage and so far over a day later have had no reply to acknowledge the issues or even offer an explanation or apology.
Onto the cottage.
I don't understand how this place has so many good reviews, Perhaps location is everything? This place is dirty, dusty, and unhygienic.
The kitchen
*Fridge wasn't cleaned before arrival and has not been in a long time, the plastic shelf are dirty, old food, stains, etc
*The washing machine is moldy, absolutely stinks of damp and the seals are all black. (Don't wash your clothes in there whatever you do)
*Microwave wasn't clean, old food and debris. Smells bad too.
*None of the kitchen cupboard shelves were clean, A burst dry dog food bag in top-shelf spilling dust all over the place, some split purple liquid at back. Trust me the kitchen cupboards inside and out have not been wiped down in a long time, neither has the extractor fan. I didn't cook here and instead ordered takeaway.
The bedroom is huge but the first thing you notice as soon as you walk in is the decaying, peeling paint on the heater. How much is a tin of paint and an hour's work? Instead, you've got an eyesore that every time you walk past it flakes paint all over the place. The furniture in the bedroom I don't think has ever been pulled out and cleaned behind... Avoid the single bed!! Some previous guests old shorts stuffed down the side coated in cobwebs and whatever else, Only look behind the wardrobe if you dare! The mattress topper on the double bed is covered in hair and needs to be washed.
I couldn't use the hoover, It had not been emptied in a long time and was clogged with dust there was no suction whatsoever. When you can't keep the thing clean that keeps everything else clean you know there is a problem.
The bathroom is horrible, Cobwebs everywhere including around the showerhead (Obviously not wiped down and cleaned between guests) Peeling paint, wallpaper. Dirty, dusty shelf by shower window. The extractor fan is clogged with dust. Some previous guests' hair blocking the plughole. Dirty glass for a toothbrush holder. The bathroom towels smell foul. Almost acidic smelling.
The whole place is dusty, dirty, and full of cobwebs. I was expecting 'rustic' but at the very least I also expected the place to also be clean.
It's the small things also, No outside lights working, kitchen electrical switches wobbly. The ironing board that attacks you when opening the cupboard door How much effort would it take to buy a plastic holder and hang it from the door, Instead, you'd rather have it fall on people. The place smells damp.
I have cleaned and managed holiday properties for years and I would be embarrassed to take money from guests without first being bothered to clean or make sure the place is clean. You're certainly not keeping all my money and I will be contacting airb&b.
Could be a hidden gem if it was managed properly or the hosts could be bothered.