I'd like to start by saying that my review is solely based on me and my friend's direct experience and I hope no one else has to share in this, but book after ensuring the below has been resolved. Like many of you we were excited about the space based off aesthetic and reviews - so the outcome was very unfortunate.
PROS:
The (inside) of the apartment is exactly as pictured, decorated very chic and post modern with nice functionality - minus the low ceilings, which is almost to be expected in a city basement apartment. Met with wine and metro cards to reload, was a nice touch. Bike rentals right out front were super convenient. 3mi radius to practically everything, win-win! Katie was very communicative.
CONS:
For us, it was imperative to share what was NOT pictured:
- The Entry Way: As two women, my friend and I were quite alarmed to discover the entry to the apartment being so secluded, with nooks that a predator could potentially be awaiting us when coming in at night. While there is a motion sensored light at the door, it would have been nice to see photos of the entry prior to booking.
- The Pests: Throughout the stay we had various encounters with many pests ranging from spiders, gnats, mosquitos, and ants. The hosts were notified and explained that they hadn't had these issues before and that it could be due to climate change, they provided bug spray and informed us of an electric fly swatter (which we put to great use) prior to them heading out of town, but the matter still wasn't resolved and I was bitten. I provided the hosts with a photo of the red bite on my chest and Katie was apologetic, but still there was no resolve or suggested accommodation. Additionally, the space seems to hold some moisture which is what I believe attracts these bugs. My suggestion to the hosts was to invest in an exterminator and a dehumidifier to hopefully remedy this problem.
- The Neighborhood/Attempted Burglary: The neighborhood is prime location, as I mentioned literally 3-5mi from major points of interests. While we appreciated the location, we also had several run ins with prostitutes, of which the host Katie advised she was aware of but was shocked that they were out so early - bizarre, but obviously out of her control so there's grace for that. It wasn't until our last night when we came home from dinner that our safety concern elevated. Our Lyft dropped us off and there was a guy with a ski mask, a prostitute, two children doing what appeared to be a tik tok video and another male with a hooded jacket on all within a few feet of the home and a random black Chrysler with dark tint parked out front with the lights on - at approx. 10:30pm - to say we were alarmed is an understatement! We were trying to find a way to sneak in the apartment with hopes that these suspicious individuals didn't see us AND that no one was awaiting us in the entry way nook. Shortly after entering we decided we were so uncomfortable and didn't feel safe that we would forfeit the final night and just leave, while packing someone attempted to enter the home and the horror of thinking we were sitting ducks is unfathomable. I immediately called 911 and the police advised that I include this experience in the review. I have never in my entire life had an experience like this and definitely not at an airbnb, but the worst part is feeling like the host didn't believe me. Although Katie checked in, her primary focus seemed to be the police report and not sincerely being concerned with our traumatic experience at her home.
Ultimately, the entry and the pests can be rectified; however, safety isn't something you can put a price on - book at your own risk. The hosts refused to refund us and we had to go through Airbnb Safety department in order to get a refund, which is super disheartening after everything that transpired. To think, I was there to take my mind off things for Father's Day because I recently lost my father, yet I left with more grief than I arrived with. This is the first negative Airbnb review I've ever left, and I sincerely hope it's the last.
My hope is that the hosts will remedy what's within their control and update their listing to be more forthcoming, and that you will do your due diligence to ask questions prior to booking because no one should have this experience, especially when traveling/paying.