Our time in San Diego would have been a 10/10 but for the AirBnB in which we stayed. It was a major disappointment, starting from before we even arrived. Prior to our arrival, we requested an early check-in because of our flight time. We were advised by the host that we would hear back from her regarding same until the day before our arrival. There was nothing but silence from the host through our arrival, so we just operated on the assumption there was no early check in available. It would have been nice, though, to hear from her to confirm.
Arrival was unpleasant as well. On its face, not difficult: park on the street, enter the unit, and get the card for the garage. However, given how busy the district in which the unit is located, parking the car -- even for a few moments to get the garage key -- was next to impossible. Moreover, the fact that the garage was off-site made it inconvenient. There garage itself was decrepit, and at times scary (many homeless). Finally, it was difficult to discern what entrances had the key card option; every time I went in, I had to see the attendant to explain that I entered with a ticket and was leaving with a key card. A minor inconvenience, but an inconvenience no less.
The biggest disappointment, though, was the actual unit. The photos on the listing do not adequately reflect how dated and poorly maintained the unit is. The unit itself felt like post-WWII Italy -- dated, stuffy, and old. There were fruit flies flying around the unit; based on that and other factors, I question how clean the unit was. The linens had a funky smell. There were many items that needed to be updated or fixed; for instance, one of the floor lamps was held together with duct tape, the paint was chipping around the bathroom fixtures, and the floors were creaky and loud. The bed linens were not white, so it was difficult to judge to what extent they had been cleaned. Moreover, the bed itself was like sleeping on a trampoline. Definitely the worst nights' sleep we've had in a while.
I can go on...
-The AC is set to not go any lower than 69, which is barely comfortable. This is particularly difficult because opening the windows peacefully is not an option, as the street noise from the busy Gaslamp District is loud.
-The bathroom floor tiles were actually broken and dangerous. I am surprised no one has tripped and fallen getting out of the shower. This poorly maintained aspect of the bathroom is a liability waiting to happen.
-The fridge was of questionable cleanliness as well. The gaskets look moldy and crusty. I am happy I did not put anything in there.
-The linens themselves were stingy -- a flimsy comforter, top sheet, and pillows. I would have truly been better off staying in a 2-star hotel -- but at least there I would have gotten some body wash (not included in the unit, but a used 1.5-liter mouthwash was part of the amenity package!)
On balance, this is a shameful listing that truly reflects the salutory neglect of its host. I will not be returning -- and caution anyone else who considers staying here.