This is the first time ever I've left a negative Airbnb review. On the positive side, the unit itself was quite clean and the neighborhood was nice. However, the listing was inaccurate in a number of key ways and there were staples missing that are critical to an enjoyable stay. Here are the key reasons why I found my stay disappointing:
1. The unit was listed as "entire house" and "ground level", with the description noting that it was a single family house. The first two items listed are inaccurate, as the rental is just one floor of a two floor house and is a basement apartment, not ground level. The third is technically accurate in that the home is a single family house, but it is misleading given the rental is only for the basement of the home.
2. When I arrived, some key staples were missing from the apartment. Most importantly, there was one roll of toilet paper for two bathrooms for a three day stay. I read one of the prior reviews where they had mentioned this was a problem as well, so I am surprised that it wasn't remedied. I bought some toilet paper and left it for future guests. There were also no garbage bags in the unit or garbage cans in the bathrooms, just one under the sink in the kitchen. Additionally, the listing states the place offers shampoo and a dedicated workspace. There was no shampoo or shower items, aside from handsoap for the sink. The picture for the unit listing shows a desk set up that is not actually in the unit. The towels from the prior guest had not been washed and dried, so we used pool towels for bathmats and did not have hand towels for our stay.
3. The walls of the unit are quite thin, and we could hear the upstairs tenants walking around throughout the day. On our last night, they were up until 1am watching TV / playing music and it was loud on our floor. Given the listing and instructions were adamant about no parties or noise after hours, I was disappointed to have this happen.
4. The walkway to the unit needs work and should be pictured in the listing. There are steep stairs going down to the basement unit. Elderly guests would really struggle to get down those stairs. Additionally, the railing gave me a splinter. At the base of the stairs is a drain that seemed to attract a number of flies which were an issue whenever we left or arrived at the unit.
5. The instructions have a strict "no shoes in the house" policy, which I understand and abided by. However, a $300 fine is assessed for any violation, which struck me as draconian. Some people are unsteady on their feet due to age or balance issues, and shoes can provide traction given there are no rugs or carpeting throughout the unit.
Overall, I cannot recommend staying at this rental. People should know what they are getting into, and an accurate listing is critical for that. If the owners were to correct the listing, it would be a step in the right direction.