As I explained in my first couple of reviews, what I look for in an Airbnb experience is Safety, Location, Privacy, Comfort, and Accommodation. So, let me give you the breakdown on my latest experience. For this particular trip, I spent 4 nights at Jamie’s and Selina’s “remodeled Cozy Cabin in their backyard”, while visiting with my 2-year old daughter in California. With that being said, here is what I noted about my stay...
SAFETY:
The neighborhood felt very safe and was friendly. The neighbors wave and speak to you. There are many trees and squirrels climbing in and out of them, which added to the vibe.
LOCATION:
It's about a 20-minute drive/Uber/Lyft from Long Beach Airport, and a 2-minute drive/7-10-minute walk to and from local markets and restaurants.
PRIVACY:
My stay was in what appeared to be an approximate 8x12 backyard shed converted into semihabitable quarters, located in the backyard behind the main house and adjacent to another larger in size cabin. It had its own private entry; however, the bathroom was separate and attached to the rear of the main house.
COMFORT:
Here’s a list of the amenities that were available solely in the living quarters; Wifi, TV with remote, Nightstand, Desk and chair, Mini split air conditioning (ac)/heater with remote, Bed linens, Pillows, Blanket and sheets, Towel, Microwave, Refrigerator, Private entrance, Lock on entry/bedroom door and Hair dryer. In addition, I also found the Front yard garden and Backyard patio enjoyable for burning energy with my daughter. The hosts are very friendly.
Short of the fact that the bathroom is an approximate 10 second walk outside, away from where I laid my head at night, this place was gem. However, I will say that the outside bathroom pipes appeared to have air trapped within them. A hammering, unnerving noise sounded off whenever I ran sink water or flushed the toilet. It scared my daughter into hiding behind and tightly hugging my leg. It also caused water to emerge from the shower drain, which wasn’t very appealing. The cabin, however, was peaceful, clean and comfy. At one point, the ac seemed to only function at a temperature in the low 70s. However, before it even became a discomfort, the host knocked on my door and informed me that she had maintenance checking on the ac due to a leak in the system. Before I even realized there was an issue, it was addressed and corrected. I was then able to operate the mini split at my chosen temperature. At 90+° weather during the day and low to mid 60s at night, that spare of the moment maintenance was just what the doctor ordered.
ACCOMMODATING:
I informed Jamie and Selina that I’d be arriving early a couple hours early for my stay, and they accommodated for a small fee, which was fine. When supplies were requested, they responded immediately. Their response time is impeccable, most cases within 1-2 minutes.
OVERALL: This Airbnb is a bit different compared to others, particularly in regard to the outside bathroom, but the hosts are friendly and the amenities inside and out of this Airbnb are desirable. It’s also considerably less expensive than other Airbnbs in the general area. So, if you’re not the most high maintenance individual and are just looking for a clean and safe place to lay your head down at night, and save a few dollars while you’re at it, I’d recommend giving this one a try. It may just be the place for you.