Rent at your own risk.
The rental did not accurately depict the full scope of the home. The pictures looked good, but the overall presentation was unsatisfactory.
The home was deplorable - the entrance of the home was completely dirty. The tiles were missing, the carpeting was completely stained dirty, the white walls we're filty, multiple rooms and cameras, the door to the basement where the studio is located squeaked loudly, the stair leading to the basement was very steep and is a fall risk, the paint on the landing in the basement and toward the studio front door was chipped and peeling, and the building looked unkempt and unlivable.
There were dissertation length instructions for accessing the home. The instructions came with scribbled pictures via texting (through the app) and were difficult to fully discern.
The host also said he/she (uncertain of the gender) was unavailable for a meet and greet because he/she had to run an errand - despite a long standing process of meeting guests. He/she apologized for the length of the instructions, which came 3-4 hrs before the 4pm check-in start time - albeit all fees of $531+ had been collected.
Additionally, the home was small as expressed but there were copious dos and don't with threats of disabled technology if tv volume exceeded specified range. Excess junk in draws and cupboards with signs of ”no access”. Despite the listing stating ”professional cleaning, ” you're insulted with a note that ”nobody is your made.”
The back porch was unswept with old dirt and debris all around. The pillows were piled on top of the table and scooted to one side of the chair.
The sofa bed was not made up as pictured. Just red sheets and you needed to inform or asked for blankets.
The initial listing said parking on premises, which had contradicted a review by another renter. I went with the information on the posting - mistake. The check-in instructions noted I needed to park on the street (hard to find parking). I went back to the listing after my below complaint and the posting about parking on premises had changed (smh).
After a 7hr drive to Brooklyn where I grew up and went to junior high, high school, and college I was exhausted and disappointed. I wanted to drive back to where I traveled from.
I notified the host of my displeasure and concerns - I was met with reminders about the rules. My noted concerns we're not addressed. I had to again specify that I never complained about nor not I break any rules. I was again met with dismissals and minimizations.
I checked in on the night (8pm) of July 22nd and I left the morning (10am) of July 23rd. I spent one night, and had to make arrangements elsewhere. I was never offered any consolation - only that I should enjoy my day when I made notice of my departure.
It's clear from my experience, this host was or is unable to receive constructive feedback.
One-piece of advice to the host - you have to act like an adult, when you're asking for adults only renters. As a highly skilled professional, I was dismayed at how I was treated.
I've made a formal complaint to air B&B with supporting documentation.
Dr. Campbell