This unit and host was a greatful learning experience for using the airbnb app in general. We were forced to cancel this 2-night stay reservation once we arrived based on
1. Safety
2. Peace of mind.
We quickly learned the high foot traffic volume for this prime area. Lots and lots of people constantly passing by the unit. Its also at a traffic light so lots of noise with vehicles, radio's and motorcycles. We could not avoid these noises because the unit has no a/c(as previously noted). And the only windows of the unit are faced to the streetlight intersection.
We are a family that has experienced a break in. So that being said, we take precautions when staying at places. We initially noticed both the entry door off the busy street and the unit had a large thin tempered glass with a light weighted wooden frame as doors. Both doors showed CLEAR indications of forced entry by the door latch with noticeble broken off pieces of the doors right in front of the latches. Both the doors felt loose once closed meaning you could wiggle the doors once latched closed. These doors reminded me more of an office door within a unit. Another note, there were no deadbolts on either door or additional security once inside the unit. Just loose doorlatches. These, to us, were simple and clear conerns of ours.
The host expressed there were no recent break-ins, but i simply would not rely on simply that to feel comfortable for me and my family. Unfortunately the host was not empathetic enough to understand our reasoning for cancelation. I was clear on all these points and tried to negotiate some type of refund and even asked if he could accommodate another stay from his +20 listings. I was willing to pay more for the sake of feeling safe. He said none were available, even though we found several available on his very airbnb profile. The host expressed these conerns did not deem a refund of any kind. We werent even expecting all of our money for a refund. We were just simply hoping for some type of understanding by recompensating us a bit. Lesson learned. We ended up having a great stay at the Pacific Terrace Hotel just up the way. Beautiful views and reasonable prices.
My advice, just be cautious and mindful of your needs as a guest on this app. Because your personal issues wont always be addressed
On a lighter note. This unit was really nice once inside. I can easily see this geared towards a younger generation. Definitely NOT for my family though. Hope this helps anyone out there!