I am a well traveled, computer literate senior. I am just starting to learn the ins and out of Airbnb listings. Unfortunately I cannot post photos but the passageway between the tight houses is unlit and unsafe, the front garden weed filled and the house sits right next to an elevated highway. The room was, well spartan, overlooked an unkempt garden but I wasn't there for the view. $88 seemed high, but the Marathon was taking place; hotels were full. Fortunately I met the 2 pleasant men in our shared space who were there to run.
I am well aware by writing this I will likely unleash a negative review but let me tell you my story. I arrived 10 pm after a trying flight from overseas (no flights home till next day), extended confusion at Logan to get over to Delta to address a double booking, encountered a taxi driver who didn't seem to want to put my suitcase in the trunk and unsure about finding Saratoga St. I kept the host informed by text on my progress, as requested. Then I'm dropped off in the dark at a dubious looking location. Check-in instructions in hand I try to find the gate in that vinyl white fence front; I find hardware on the backside but nothing to open the gate which doesn't budge. Young men from the neighboring house pass by and offer to help, to no avail. I have no choice but to climb the front stairs, favoring my braced knee, to ring the door bell. I'm very tired, exasperated, cranky. The door opens and I'm greeted by a big grinning face that doesn't bother with 'hello' or 'good you made it' but instead says "oh, you didn't read the instructions!" The gate had to be kicked to get it open, not in the instructions. Of course our encounter did not improve. I told her I was very tired. On entry to the back door I believe she said something to the effect of 'I suppose I need to put in the code too'. Once in I was faced with a very steep, very narrow staircase to climb with my suitcase. She offered to take the suitcase but I really wanted her to leave, but she kept following me, rather snippy about do you want to see the bathroom, and the like. Somewhere I had faith there would be a bed so I could remove the knee support and go to sleep.
The next morning I planned to take an Uber, which I wish I had taken from the airport but the host advised taking a taxi. I proceeded downstairs slowly and nearly made my escape out the door only to have that face with the big grin appear at the door, not with good morning, or I hope you slept well. Instead this brittle host made an incentivizing offer, bribery. "I will give you a free ride to the airport if you apologize for being rude. We all want good reviews." Implied threat? Who was inappropriate?
I ordered the Uber and had a most pleasant ride and flight home.
But at least now I've used Uber! Remember in spite of everything we do live in the best of times and life is good!