This studio is clearly furbished for regular AirBnB rentals, which in itself isn't a bad thing but unfortunately corners were cut and the price was high for what it was.
The Good:
- the studio was perfectly situated to visit Edinburgh
- check-in instructions were clear and foolproof
- the apartment was very clean
The Bad:
- the photos are deceiving and the bed is of the fold-up type; which was folded into a wardrobe thus making the space look much bigger in the pictures
- the bed was uncomfortable; a thinner mattress was placed above the original in hope of increasing comfort; the net result was a mattress with barely any back support
- the bed squeaked at the drop of a hat. Any minute movement would result in a high pitched screech from the whole structure which in combination with the above point, made it rather difficult to get a good night's sleep
- the apartment is heated by an electric wall heater as well as a mock fireplace fan heater. Both are situated at the far end of the studio within 1 foot of each other.
- the "bagpipe light" was not working, so I opened up the small leather box which housed the extra length of wire to find exposed electric cabling; I unplugged the light and decided to call it quits on that one...
- The furniture is usable but old and falling apart. The table was wobbly and one of the seats for the chairs was broken; you could sit on it but you might fall off should you move
If we had hired the space for about £50 a night, this would be a 5 star rent, but for £90 + fees, this felt deceitful and had we known the whole story, we would have picked one of the multitude of properties which looked much better within this price range.
As for the substantial 5 star reviews on this property, I can offer the following possible explanations:
- perhaps price was recently increased?
- the generic checkout message is more effective than I thought (quote: "Please note that only a 5-star general experience review would count as a positive one. I'll be sure to leave a positive review for you, too.")
TLDR:
Book another property with a real bed and possibly better furniture in the same price range