I was so excited to stay at this unit and it turned out to be my biggest Airbnb disappointment. A very expensive disappointment. Previous reviewers have said things like “this place is not ready for prime time” and my experience as a long term renter reflected this.
When I checked in, power to half the lights and the A/C was off. I found the circuit breakers which had tripped and was able to restore power. Unfortunately, a previous tenant had left the washer door closed and it had physical mildew and a terrible smell. The living room TV was broken (it would cycle on and off) and the furniture on the roof didn’t match the photo. (If you’re looking at a photo of L-shaped furniture and blue chairs, none of that is there.)
To be honest, even with these defects, I wasn’t all that upset. The owner is overseas but he had a local contact who got the TV replaced and ordered a lounge chair for the roof (cheap plastic, but effective and quickly delivered).
There were other things that didn’t work, like the ice machine in the fridge, the buzzer to the apartment, the temperamental stovetop. But none of these are things you can’t live without. Based on the wear and the date of the appliances, I'm guessing the remodel happened in 2005-2006. It’s nice but the listing oversells it.
Halfway through my stay, the upstairs toilet broke (a plastic part broke that lets it flush). I messaged the local contact and he said they’d get someone out. I texted a few gentle reminders like “do you have an eta on the plumber” and still no one came. Considering how expensive this place it, I was surprised they didn’t send someone. After ten (10) days, I sent a message to airbnb that the toilet was broken and not fixed. I woke up to angry messages from the foreign owner - I was a terrible tenant, why can’t I just use a different toilet, and demanding that I immediately vacate the premises. It was angry and vitriolic enough I carried a go-bag with me just in case I came back and was locked out. The messages were sent on airbnb messenger and airbnb offered me compensation.
For how much it rents for it’s a shame the owner doesn’t put minimum efforts into the place or hire a management company. When I’m renting a place at this price point, I’m not looking for another headache in my life. If you do rent this place, manage your expectations and be aware of my experience with the owner.