My stay with Antonio was my first Airbnb experience. My significant other was my travel companion, and the two of us felt that Antonio and his accommodations were wonderful! We are medical and engineer couples in our mid-20’s and typically stay at 4.0-5.0 star hotels and travel both domestically and internationally. We have considered staying in an Airbnb prior to staying with Antonio but never pulled the trigger due to factors such as concerns about cleanliness, safety, and convenience, but decided to pull the trigger this time after needing lodging last minute due to a recent move across states resulting in less time to plan our trip in advance. Our preferred hotels were full and/or overly expensive given that it was last-minute. Additionally, as we are traveling more and more, we have been wanting to immerse ourselves in local culture more, as well as undergo experiences that “bring us back down to Earth”. With that said, we sent Antonio a reservation request from the airport we were at, and he was kind enough to accept despite the late time and lack of reviews given that we were new Airbnb users.
Check-In Process • Upon alerting us of our stay, Antonio asked us our location and immediately provided us with very thorough information regarding the specific directions to his home. He told us how to get there step-by-step in a timely matter and also provided us with information about his Home and how to get inside, etc. We arrived to his home in no time and unlocked the door with the provided Password Key for the keypad, which is very secure and easy to use. Antonio immediately greeted us and showed us to our room and giving us a tour of the surrounding spaces and items we were given for use (towels, additional blankets, etc.).
The Home • Antonio’s home is very well-kept and organized. Our accommodations included the small bed with an additional pull-out bed. Also included was a small TV, a mini fridge, a microwave, an electric heater, a TV table, a small sitting stool, an empty shelf in the cabinet above the bed for additional storage, hooks for towels and coats, two blankets, two pillows, a small trash can, two complimentary bottles of water, two cups, and a pitcher. There is also a key for the bedroom for added privacy and security and WiFi. The home is located in a safe area that is just a short walk away from the train station and bus stop, which we utilized for our flights from LaGuardia and to John F. Kennedy, as well as Manhattan. Additionally, there are small restaurants and shops nearby; we enjoyed sushi from a place that was directly on our way to Antonio’s home for the first time after getting off at the bus stop, as well as Dunkin’ Donuts, which is open 24/7. During our stay, there was one other temporary Airbnb guest, as well as an elderly female guest whom was staying there for a longer period of time whom were both very quiet overall.
Antonio • Antonio is a very nice and sincere person whom was very welcoming to us during our stay. He was able to provide us with a couple of small items to borrow during our stay, which was greatly appreciated. He is very responsive and great with communication (especially with responding to messages). Additionally, Antonio is eager to help you with any of your questions or concerns. He is a great resource for touring the city in terms of asking questions. We did not run into him much during our stay, but when we did, it was always with a smile.
Other • I read a handful of reviews mentioning concerns along the lines of the bedroom having a faint smell, the floor being sticky, etc. It is important to remember that Antonio’s home, like many others in New York City, is older. The faint smell was not due to a lack of cleanliness, but rather, the space heater, which generally went away after running for awhile. We did not find the floor to be “sticky” but can understand what other guests may have meant, and think that they were confusing this concern with the general texture of the floor tiles.
To Antonio • Thank you, very much, for the exceptional stay. If we see you on Airbnb during our next visit (despite the fact that you are moving elsewhere) we will definitely request to stay with you again!
— Gabriella C. and Kevin B.