We were unable to reach the host in the last three days before check in. Even one day before check in also has no response although I tried to text and call (given number from airbnb help desk and from the airbnb app). So I contacted the airbnb to complain. With the airbnb help desk's help, finally the host texted me to confirm the stay, I had wasted a lot of my time to contact him and seek helps from Airbnb help desk and I was so worry shall I find an alternative for our stay at new York in the very last minute although I have booked the unit more than a month ago. Very very bad experience.
The phone number as advertised in the app was not working. I texted in airbnb app with no reply. I contacted the help desk to ask for number also not working. Till the host texted me and giving me of his new contact number. I think he should update his number on time or at least to informing the guest on time especially those guest who are checking in soon.
The address given to me or texted to me later is totally not the address advertised. The real address we moved in was 440, 10th avenue. It is so confusing and I thought it might be different unit given to us. But when we visited the unit, it is same with the photos they advertised. The host explained to me that was due to whatever app system error. But this is weird.
Also the host informed us not to telling his neighborhood this is for airbnb and asked us to claim we are his friend.
The one opened the door for us is his maid and we don't meet the host in person.
Having said that, the location of the unit is ok, and the unit is clean to stay also. But might not suitable for family with small kids as the staircase to the second floor (the unit) is so slanting. Even difficult for us to bring our luggages up to the second floor.
Thanks for the airbnb help desk who able to help us to reach the host in the very last minute. Their helps means a lot in easing my worriness of unable to reach the host in such very last minute along my travelling. I learnt from this experience that the response from the host is so important or it will make us not sure if our booking still on, especially the address advertised is not the real address of which we moved in. If the host does not give us the real address in the last minute, we won't even able to find the unit based on the advertised address.
I hope the contact number and the real address to be updated to ease the tenant to locate the host and the unit.