BLACK MOLD! DO NOT STAY HERE! Filthy! Poorly managed by a dismissive property management company! Not as advertised! Blatant neglect of basic cleaning services! Deceiving pictures! Requesting a cleaning refund from the company - DENIED - now being reviewed by Airbnb.
The time spent in this facility was far below satisfactory, largely due to the lack of cleanliness and extreme filth present in multiple areas of both units. This was especially disappointing and concerning due to the recent increased awareness and effort made by most hospitality institutions to provide thorough cleaning for consumer health and safety amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
These were the observed issues:
Black mold in the bay window of Unit 2. This was by far the most unacceptable, unhealthy, and unsafe example of poor housekeeping/cleaning.
The floors had been swept but were obviously not cleaned with a mop or wipe. After spilling water on the hardwood floors, I wiped it up with a paper towel and it was completely black.
Transparent scotch tape was found all over the ceilings and door jams from the previous renters’ decorations.
Long strands of hair were present in one of the bathroom walls and one of the fire alarms.
The AC units and fans were covered in thick layers of dust and completely unusable.
The oven door in Unit 2 was covered in moisture/grime.
Bedsheets had dirt/smudges/stains.
Interior and exterior windows were filthy.
Also, many of the amenities in the unit were either not present as advertised, unavailable, or too dirty to use. For example, the listing advertises three bathrooms, but there are only two available, one in each unit. This made things more difficult for the ten guests we brought, which was the advertised capacity.
Other issues:
One of the televisions was “out of service.”
Electrical wires were exposed in one of the ceiling light fixtures.
Paint was peeling throughout both units.
Multiple painted surfaces had scratches all over them.
One of the bed headboards was peeling.
Lampshades had water damage.
The dishwasher in Unit 2 would not function properly.
Many of the windows and doors did not have protective screens.
No oven mitts were present in Unit 1.
I was appalled by the condition of both units. I understand the exterior of this property may be hard to maintain due to its proximity to the ocean and all the oncoming moisture, sand, salt, and wind. However, the interior of the units should not be in as poor of shape as it is. I was completely deceived by the pictures in the Airbnb listing and would not have stayed here knowing what it actually looked like.
I wrote a detailed letter and provided over 30 photos to the host in an attempt to get my cleaning fee refunded, which they refused and blamed me for not communicating these issues during my stay. I did not know requesting additional cleaning services during my vacation was an option, which it shouldn’t have to be because I paid $374 to ensure that it would be clean upon arrival.
The experience with this company was terrible, and I strongly discourage anyone from spending their hard-earned money here. I was hoping to include in my review something along the lines of “I requested a cleaning refund, and they cooperated and apologized.” Instead, I was identified as the problem, and it remains unresolved. I guess the customer isn’t always right? We’ll see what Airbnb thinks. I hope they advocate on my behalf.
Also, after paying an extra $20 to check-in early, the company did not send me a new door code to let myself in. I had to prompt them to send me the code because they had not done so by my check-in time of 2pm. Untimely responses by a property management company that has little to no interest in providing quality customer service experience. Very, very disappointing all around.
Additionally, although the property is located on the beachfront street of Ocean Beach with a beautiful, coveted view of the surf, I was completely unaware of the OB culture and social environment. The lawn in front of the residence is full of street vendors, which I don’t mind, but the real problem is the sketchy transient population I observed on multiple occasions participating in drug-related behavior or experiencing public episodes of mental illness. This area is not family-friendly.