While the place overall was cute / modern, there were MANY HIDDEN PROBLEMS! Including the host.
We encountered numerous issues, more than I can fit on one hand, as well as some pretty large cleanliness and safety concerns -- please read before booking for the 2021 status of the unit. We stayed for 4 weeks, while WFH during Covid. Usually we don’t complain but given the terrible customer service from the host (and even customer shaming when we surfaced a complaint), this one deserves a review.
Here is a high-level list of issues and notes on the host below:
--- There was a CRICKET INFESTATION with sightings across multiple rooms (ie fridge, bathroom while peeing, front door, and even falling from the light fixtures on the ceiling). Originally Host dropped off sticky pads & bug spray (leaving it to the Guest to spray inside and outside for multiple days straight). After continued reports of increased sightings, Host never took the issue seriously or contacted a professional until Airbnb Support was looped in Week 3. Given timing, no one came out and the crickets remained throughout the stay. *FYI, crickets are VERY noisy (especially in such a small unit) and caused lack of sleep -- please note, the noise machine was no help for this issue.
--- Towards the end of our stay, WATER BEGAN LEAKING from the upper unit into our living room light fixture. The couch was soaked, not to mention the possible electrical safety hazard. The Host responded but then went radio silent for 6 days without action or inspection, and finally texted us with less than 1 hour notice day-of (which isn’t much time when you’re on a hike and have valuables out) to have the handyman enter. All in all, the problem was never fixed as their return date was moved given it fell in our last / 4th week.
--- SAFETY CONCERN: I originally thought the passcode lock with no key required was cool until... while WFH, someone used our pin pad to successfully unlock and enter the space while I was on a work call. It happened to be a cleaning crew for the upper unit, but was worrisome to know that someone has access to our same code (especially if we hadn't been present). The Host wrote it off as a mistake but overall too many issues surfaced over the course of our trip.
The toilet paper holder fell off the wall on first use, it was likely hastily installed. When a new occupant moved in next door, we heard them scream through the wall when their’s fell off too (with no success in reattaching).
--- On the topic of thin walls, we heard word for word every fight the couple living above us had.
The dryer was poorly vented. Every time we did laundry, the bedroom became humid, steamed up the mirrors and walls and even the mirrors and windows in the bathroom and kitchen.
Water also entered the front door area with rain given improperly fitted weather stripping. Made the entryway unusable during rain and easily tracked throughout the unit.
Overall there were: (1) major cleanliness, (2) potential health hazards and (3) TOO many issues that shouldn't occur while you’re on vacation and greatly impacted our stay. The responsibility for fixing problems (especially cricket extermination) seemed to fall on the Guest vs the Host assuming responsibility and escalating. We were underwhelmed with the customer service and even felt guilted when reporting issues, which he then did not take seriously. At one point he even accused us of being slow to respond but all Airbnb receipts show our response time was within 24hrs (often sooner). And even though the Host response time was quick as well there was a failure to actually take action, escalate and resolve major issues.
But, that said props for a solid location (.5 miles from Balboa and Little Italy).