This was hands down the most difficult airbnb situation I have ever had. From the moment I arrived the stay was difficult. I paid an insane amount of money to stay at this airbnb. It was beautiful but not worth the money, and the owners really do not know how to run a higher end rental. In addition, they will try to scam you into more money at every step of the way. Please see below.
HOMEOWNERS
Sophia and Jeff were the most difficult and upsetting homeowners I have ever dealt with. I felt like I was constantly being scammed out of money and my time at the house was not respected. For example, during my stay they tried to show the house to potential renters. I have health issued which was the main reason I was in LA and all my valuables were in the house. They continued to pressure me until I got Airbnb involved. In addition, I had to stay in LA an additional 2 weeks and I didn’t want the hassle of moving my stuff when I had a packed schedule of doctor appointments. They gave me a price then decided they actually needed to charge me an even higher price (when the house was already so overpriced). At the start of my trip, I couldn’t even check in a few hours early without paying more money (which I did) even though no one was in the airbnb (I know this because I am friends with the neighbors). The most upsetting moment was when I checked out of the airbnb. I left the place as clean as possible even washing sheets/ towels. I also left some of the things I bought so that the next visitor had a more comfortable stay. I woke up with a huge money request for things that were straight up a lie. That I had taken utensils, damaged the carpet (I did not use the living room because I was so busy nor did I wear shoes in the house), along with other items. Thankfully I have been very transparent with airbnb the entire time during my stay about the issues with the homeowners. Be very careful because these homeowners are not only overcharging for their place but they will try to squeeze additional money out of you.
PARKING
Forget about it. There is a dumpster in the alley that keeps you from being able to get into the parking space. The home owners will tell you that plenty of visitors have been able to use it. I made the mistake of trying and scratching my rental car which was a small VW golf.
BED
I had to order a topper for the mattress because it was incredibly uncomfortable. The pillow were also such bad quality that I had to go out and buy new pillows which the home owners thankfully reimbursed me for.
INTERNET
Was really really bad. It was super slow. I had Sophia restart it once but it didn’t make much of a difference.
KITCHEN
This kitchen is not a great kitchen for a long term stay. They didn’t have simple things like cooking sheets or a blender. I ended up buying things for the kitchen to be able to use it. There is also no dishwasher
WASHER & DRYER
This is outsider the house. Make sure you are doing your laundry during the day and not at night when you can hardly see anything.
OUTDOOR SPACE
The lights outside didn’t even work above the table so you couldn’t never have dinner outside otherwise you are eating in pitch black
LOCATION
It was amazing. This was what made me want to stay. The neighbor also turned out to be one of my guy friends which was lovely.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
This house also does not have air conditioning which most don’t but for this amount of money there should be more amenities and comforts. They didn’t have things as simple as hand soap. I felt like I had to buy so much for this house to make it live-able which is not something you should have to do when you are paying an extremely high price for the month. I stayed in an airbnb prior just a few blocks away which was the same price which had washer dyer in the house, dishwasher and air conditioning. The house is very small and you need to leave the window open in the bathroom or it gets very stuffy.
Overall, I think that if the house was much less expensive it would be worth it but for the price and knowing you will most likely have to pay even more than what you have already do yourself a favor and keep looking. There are so many amazing airbnbs to stay in Venice.