Unfortunately, I didn't have a pleasant stay at Lilian's. While on a business trip in China, Lilian entered the listing without my permission.
I contacted Airbnb immediately after this occurred. Airbnb confirmed the host entering the unit without my permission "is a clear violation" and "the guest can decline any request to access the listing during the reserved dates."
While in China, Lilian contacted me asking if she could enter the unit to make sure everything was turned off. I let Lilian know TWICE that I prefer no one enters my place when I'm not present. Privacy matters to me.
Note: I kept the a/c mode on when leaving for my trip to China. I did so because a week prior, Lilian’s husband entered the listing while I was there. He stated their tenant above me was having issues heating his unit. Lilian’s husband instructed me the heating/cooling system in my unit has to be on the same mode as the tenant above me. (Lilian wasn’t present during this conversation.) With May approaching and warmer days ahead, I decided to keep the a/c mode on just in case the above tenant decided he wanted to catch a cool breeze.
Airbnb informed me it didn’t matter whether the a/c unit or lights were on or off, I could deny the host from entering into the listing.
After several exhausting exchanges with Lillian via the Airbnb platform, she sends me a message stating she's entering my place to inspect it. What really angered me is when Lilian went on to say that she spoke to some really good friends that felt me not giving her permission “raises red flags."
I was incredibly hurt.
Why does my request for privacy raise red flags?
After entering the unit, Lilian stated there was a safety hazard: my hot plate. I’ll admit, I had a previous conversation with Lilian about the unit before booking. However, I was never under the impression hot plates were prohibited. The hot plate even remained visible when her husband entered the week prior. After speaking with Airbnb, they stated the host didn't clearly define house rules in her listing and she must do so moving forward.
I no longer felt comfortable carrying out the rest of my two month stay, so Airbnb granted me the option to cancel my reservation.
With a cancelled reservation, I asked Airbnb to ask Lilian if I could pay for three additional nights because I was in China and needed time to return to her NY listing and pack my belongings. Lilian stated a three night stay would be $1400. I understand hosts have every right to charge whatever rates he or she wants. However, I find that amount to be ridiculous when I was paying around $1900 for a full month at her listing. It’s just my opinion, but I felt the host was being spiteful.
Not willing to pay $1400 for three nights, I cut my China trip short so I could return to Lilian’s place and pack my belongings.
At this point, I was completely drained and wanted this experience to be over.
The host never apologized to me for violating Airbnb policies. However, she did send me a final email reminding me that checkout was at 11am and "fees would apply if checkout is late."
Lilian’s place is lovely. However, I can’t recommend her listing to fellow travelers.