As you know, what I look for in an Airbnb experience is Comfort, Location, Accommodation, Privacy and Safety (CLAPS), not necessarily in that order. So, let me give you the breakdown on my latest experience. For this particular trip, I sought to spend 4 nights in 1 of 3 bedrooms in Mike’s Airbnb, while visiting with my 3 ½ year-old daughter in California. Only this time, my wife decided to join me. With that being said, here is what I noted about our stay...
SAFETY:
The neighborhood felt very safe, fairly quiet and reminded me of my old neighborhood in which I spent half my childhood. I enjoyed hearing the bells ringing and the music playing of an ice cream truck as it drove down the street. My wife took an approximate 30-minute walk to 14th Street Park and felt pretty safe.
LOCATION:
It's about a 10-to-15-minute drive/Uber/Lyft from Long Beach Airport, and a 2-to-5-minute drive/10-to-15-minute walk to and from local parks and recreation, markets and restaurants.
PRIVACY:
As previously mentioned, my stay was in 1 of 3 bedrooms. My bedroom, which was labeled #3, like the others, had a key lock on the bedroom door. The key was waiting on a desk in the room. However, prior to even making my way to my room, there was also a 4-digit code lock on the front door at the entryway of the home. This provided for the privacy of each individual room and the privacy and security of all guests within the home from the outside public.
COMFORT:
Here’s a list of the amenities that I observed during my stay. It’s not to say that what was listed was not available. This was just my observation of what was readily available and useful to me.
My bedroom; key lock on bedroom door, Wi-fi, a Desk (1) and Chair (1), Nightstand (1) w/Lamp (1), Pillows (2), Blankets (1), sheets (2), Towel (2), and Hangers (7).
The common areas within the home, included a living room, bathroom, kitchen and a tiny yard with garden just outside the front entry to sit in and relax.
In the bathroom: Hot water, Toilet paper, Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower gel and Bars of soap.
In the kitchen: Microwave, Refrigerator/freezer, stove/oven, Coffee maker, Dishes and Silverware.
However, be mindful of these areas, particularly the bathroom, which at any given time may be occupied by 1 of up to 4 or more guests depending on how many people are checked in at the time. So, pick your spots lol.
Mike, as the on-site host, was not only immediately accessible for any concerns that may have arisen, but he was also available for casual conversation if/when necessary. The entire home was clean, and the common areas were replenished often during my stay. The price was reasonable, which is rare nowadays, particularly in this area. I only saw one other guest during my stay, who was respectful. This was very comforting as Mike and I had earlier conversed about his guest vetting process. This was only my second Airbnb experience where I had to share common areas with other guests but was comforted after having the chance to converse with the other occupants, one of which is currently enlisted in the US Air Force. Being prior military, myself, as well as retired law enforcement, this really set my mind at ease.
ACCOMMODATING:
On my first evening, I contacted Mike about an extra towel, trash bag and a portable heater (because it was a tad bit chilly). He took care of it immediately. During the 2nd day of my stay, my daughter had an accident during her naptime, and I had to wash the bedding. Mike was kind enough to spare some laundry soap so that I could wash it. When I informed Mike of the shower water being cold, he once again fixed it immediately. I have no complaints.
OVERALL: In my opinion, this Airbnb was exceptionally delightful. It was also considerably less expensive than other Airbnbs in the general area. So, if you’re looking for a clean and safe place to lay your head down at night, with a down to earth host, at an (at least for now) affordable rate, this may very well be the place for you.