Please read this review!!!
-1 star for the parking
-1 star for the questionable operation
-1 star for the cockroach
-1 star for host’s response
= 1 star review
This Airbnb apartment is exactly as pictured; you will get the art and uniqueness as shown. However, here are the things that are not pictured:
The parking for this Airbnb is located in the back of a dimly lit Walgreens parking lot, not “on premises” as described. While it is within close proximity to the building, it is unsecured and seems like a prime area for a break in. The building has a gated lot, but you will not be allowed to park there. Noel explained that she frequently parks in the Walgreens lot and has never had an issue, but the fact of the matter is that you will not be parked on premises.
Upon entering the building for the first time, a resident asked that we don’t mention “Airbnb” while in the building because they didn’t want management to find out. Noel later informed me that technically her contract allows subletting because she leased before Airbnb existed, but the building fostered an environment that made us feel we needed to sneak in and out to avoid management.
After checking in, we decided to leave for a few hours. When coming back, we flipped on the kitchen light and found a cockroach running around in the sink. We had used the sink earlier, so the cockroach was drawn to the first sign of moisture. The immediate attraction to the water told me that there were no proper traps/bait put out. I can’t imagine what it would’ve looked like if we had showered there. We decided not to stay for any of the 3 nights that we booked, because we did not want to risk bringing home any pests. I am aware that these types of buildings commonly have bugs, as I live in a similar building myself, but there are ways to prevent them from coming into a unit that require minimal effort.
After cancelling our reservation and notifying Noel of our issues, she decided to “educate” us on urban living instead of assuming responsibility of any kind. I live in the middle of a large city myself and understand that certain risks come with the area, but false advertising and the lack of effort to keep pests out say more about the host than they do the city.
I have stayed at plenty of Airbnb’s before with friends, but this was my first time booking one myself. Needless to say, it was not a good experience. With all the fees, hassle, and horrible customer service...I think I will be sticking with hotels from now on. At least I would have received a full refund if it was a hotel!