Overall this was a disappointing, stressful and negative experience.
Laundry:
The laundry is coin operated and shared with the community so you won’t get your own washer and dryer. Except, the laundry machine didn’t take coins as was promised and it required an app thats only available in the U.S. which I had no access to. The message I received after I had booked said it was coin operated. When I contacted the co- host, her response was for me to go find a laundry mat down the street. I paid for an airbnb so I wouldn't have to search the city for a laundry mat and inconvenience myself. Luckily I had transportation but not every one does which makes it way worse for them. The co host said they had a new property manager so things could have changed, and that she will contact the property manager and get back to me but she never did. Not really sure how contacting the PM would solve my issue. If you're a super-host and you promised an amenity that wasn’t available, the least you could do is download the app on your phone and cover the cost of laundry as a courtesy. It would cost you maybe $10 for the duration of my stay.
Parking:
Was told free parking all around the house and I got two tickets. There are red zones in certain areas that should be noted to guests. Some guests aren’t from the U.S. After I explained to the co- host about the first ticket they still didn’t tell me about any red curb and thought it was a city sweep. The co host had no idea when their own city sweeps occurred at their own Airbnb. I explained there were no signs and they didn’t bother to tell me it was a painted red curb. So I moved to the other side of the road and got another ticket. Very poor communication. The hosts refused to take any responsibilities for anything and did not even offer to pay half of the ticket.
Also, parking was always packed and it was hard to find available spaces. When parked in the street in the front of the house, its tricky to open the car door and get into the car through the drivers seat because of the traffic constantly blasting by. I had to crawl in from the passenger side most of the time.
Privacy:
I thought this would be somewhat of a private cottage all to myself but I was wrong.
If you are thinking of a nice, chill, laidback get away this is not it. First of all, this was a LOT smaller than I had imagined. It also faces a BUSY main road in San Diego. It is uncomfortably close to traffic and the moment you open the door you are met with cars blazing past you. Opening the blinds is awkward because the neighbours, yard workers, and any one who walks by can see directly inside. This Airbnb was less private than a hotel. The photos are misleading. I was under the impression that the yard was private, with tall bushes surrounding the backyard seating area but it is a shared yard with all of the neighbours. You are basically sitting in someone else's yard, literally right beside their window. The kitchen window in front of the breakfast table is in the neighbour's yard, so you can hear their entire conversation and if they walk a few steps forward they can see you sitting at the kitchen table. I like some sunshine inside so didn’t like keeping the blinds closed. It May not be a big deal to some, but if you want some privacy this isn’t it. Also had thin walls, I could hear the neighbours talking and using the bathroom through the wall every morning. Again, you have more privacy in a hotel.
Cleanliness: The shower head had scum, and the bottom of shower was stained. Also, the coffee maker still had a used coffee filter with old coffee from the last person.
For the price I paid, I could have gotten a nice hotel with parking, laundry service and accommodating staff. I mean, I don't understand the title of superhost when the host does absolutely nothing to accommodate you, just act like they will be helpful but the moment you need help they can’t do anything. What is the point of that? This was a learning experience but a huge nuisance. Overall, very disappointed and wish I booked a hotel.