The property has some great features. The location is amazing, as was the comfortable bed, strong air conditioner, washer & dryer, and ocean views from the balcony. It was the perfect location for exploring downtown Kona.
However, I was disappointed to find that the unit was not cleaned upon arrival. We arrived 15 minutes before check-in as the owner stated it would be fine. When calling the owner about the unit being cleaned, he blamed our early check-in - like the unit would’ve been clean in that 15 minute time frame. As I stated earlier, he said it was fine to check-in at the time we did. We ended up waiting 2 hours for the place to be cleaned and were late to a rehearsal dinner for our friend’s wedding because of it.
The owners response to the whole cleaning situation was defensive and rude. I asked if it was possible to refund the cleaning fee and was told if that was the case, he would be kicking us out and we’d have to check in to a hotel. It was and is completely reasonable to discuss a refund of the fee due to the fact that we’re in a pandemic and the unit was not clean. The guest, (in this case, me) shouldn’t be held responsible for a fee when the service wasn’t fulfilled before arrival. I ended up having to contact Airbnb support and am still waiting for a resolution.
In addition, literally 3 minutes before checkout, the owner arrived to drop off stuff for the house cleaner but did not introduce himself. He just handed me the stuff for the house cleaner AND the check (payment!) for them, asking me to leave it with the stuff he handed me. I felt the whole interaction was somewhat inappropriate. He came literally 3 minutes before check-out time and I believe he could have easily waited those 3 minutes for us to leave the property. He shouldn’t be handing the guest the payment for the house cleaner either, but maybe that’s just my opinion.
Other than the owner’s response to the cleanliness and the interaction at check-out time, it was a great stay in paradise.