My reservation was cancelled, and eventually refunded after reaching out to Airbnb support; Host left me out in Little Italy to look for emergency arrangements as she went back and forth with support to argue the discrepancies in her listing. After losing her appeal, host still refuses to refund charges for fees paid outside of platform.
First red flag- Listing is intentionally blank, no house rules, check in/out details are provided. Photos of key areas such as bathrooms / kitchen, are distant or missing altogether. You won’t find out what you’re dealing with till it’s TOO LATE. Please do research on this business before booking. This is a phenomenal deal for someone in search of this type of arrangement, however the listing is not representative of what you can expect. The last step of check in, a property tour, is where I checked out.
Second red flag- Host insisted on taking communication off platform with repeated use of text! When I inquired why I wasn’t receiving details via airbnb per the usual, host insisted it was due to their reservation system. Many people were operating the airbnb account / sending communication, as this is a single location, in a network of locations.
Upon check in, you can expect to be confronted with underwhelming customer service, offering work for trade to live on the property, asking you to reenter all your personal information into their reservation system via iPad.
Third red flag- Requested additional fees for essential amenities listed on airbnb listing to be paid via square app, outside Airbnb platform.
This included $20/night parking, $5 per towel.
At this rate you’re able to find a place in a higher price range, and avoid all the surprises!
Host was ultimately denied refund appeal for violating Airbnb’s policy of promoting another business on the platform as it is their practice to offer a “FREE” towel if you liked/followed them on social media.
Promoted as a 16 bed, 2.5 bath shared living space (hostile / dormitory)
However this is where the listing is most misleading. You will not be sharing the space with just 16 other people. ANYONE can purchase a $15/ day pass (10a-10p) to access this space! And it is promoted within a network of shared spaces where a day pass allows access to any of their locations. Ie. EXPONENTIAL NUMBER OF HOUSEMATES. This might work for some who are looking to socialize however it is far beyond what is outlined in the 16 bed hostile being promoted. Also keep in mind the crowd being drawn in, when their business card is promoted as a $15/day shower and kitchen to those "living out of your car?" They even felt the need to outline requirements such as “Must appear sane and sociable” at time of check in.
You can expect access to:
Community bunk room which includes 16 beds, a large vanity area, mini fridge and restroom. This space is dim lit, and well air conditioned. Beds are bunk style one over another lining the length of the room. Personal space includes a reading light near “medicine cabinet” sized shelving set into wall. Pillow, sheets and a quilt. Space was chilly so I would definitely recommend bringing additional bedding if you sleep cold. I was assigned a top bunk which featured steps leading up to two paralleled pods. Each has a twin size bed, set on a full size platform allowing you less than a foot of space along length of bed for luggage. Naturally, due to the lack of space, there is personal belongings stored on steps, floor, hanging over and piled onto beds. There is a staircase leading out to street access / parking structure directly from this space (you can only exit, not enter in from here) They promote having cameras on property and lockers for after check out / for day pass guests, however I personally don’t see much protection for personal items in this space. Because it was so dimly lit, housemates posted up in their pods and no one enforcing who can enter this space. I would’ve personally taken my things with me as I went out should I have stayed.
You and anyone who purchased a Day Pass can expect access to the two remaining areas:
A lounge / work area featuring couches, a communal work station and restroom. Lots of people hanging around; I was the only female in the entire space. Restroom was a standard sized bathroom with a piece of plywood dividing toilet from sink and tub. Because sink was on tub side, they added a hand sink in the top of the toilet itself. A community pile of toiletries is available for anyone to use, what you see is what you get, mixed collection of things left behind. No individual toiletries actually provided.
A dining / kitchen area with bench style and hi top seating, a full kitchen and multiple refrigerators with designated space for each person. This area was a bit messy didn’t seem well managed / organized. For example when trying to show me my designated fridge area, it couldn’t be found. Host said she would return with tape to “add it”
Buyer beware- I was so excited for my first hostile experience that I let it get in the way of finding a secure place to stay while traveling. I hope this review prevents that from happening to anyone else.