DISCLAIMER: This review is for the host’s other property in Newport linked here:
https://abnb.me/ctIIVHTXjtb
We originally booked a 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home for 7 guests (this listing, “Casablanca”) with Danielle for a long weekend Friday-Monday for a family wedding on Sunday. The week before our trip, we received a message from the host that they needed a few more requirements to meet the city’s latest short term rental rules and so the home we booked (and paid for in full) was no longer available for us. This was 9 days prior to our trip. Danielle mentioned that luckily they had another place (linked above) of the same caliber where she could host our group. We were told this house was an “upgrade” since it had an additional bathroom, more square footage, and parking. With little to no time to find another option, we agreed to the switch.
We were told the home was a 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom. However, the 3rd floor which had the 4th bedroom and 3rd bathroom was unfinished. Half of the 3rd floor was still under construction with exposed plumbing from an old kitchen, rough carpentry, and open walls. The bedroom on the other side of the construction was simply furnished with a bed, frame, and table. There was no AC in the room, although this didn’t affect us on our trip (cooler temps - last weekend of September). The bathroom was old and had not yet been renovated like the rest of the home. Half of the shower had open walls and ceiling. The shower head just stubbed out of the ceiling and there was no shower curtain. The shower was unusable. At best you could call this a “half bath” with a toilet and sink, maybe. My brother and his wife slept on the 3rd floor the first night. They were so uncomfortable up there that they slept in 2 spare twin beds at the 2nd floor hallway for the remainder of the trip.
As I noted before, the weather was cooler in Newport this weekend. Temperatures dropped below 50 both Friday and Saturday nights. The 1st and 2nd floors had NO heat. The thermostats had not yet been set up and so the radiators would not kick on. I messaged the host a few times to try to fix, but was unable to do so over text. She then came by the home to try to assist, but could not resolve anything. She sent maintenance over to take a look as well - he was also unable to resolve anything. That said, there was no heat provided on the 1st and 2nd floors during our stay.
The 2nd floor Bathroom sink was unusable. The water pressure was so low that you couldn’t even brush your teeth - the water dribbled out of the faucet. The flusher on the toilet was also very loose and hanging out of the tank by a thread - it stilled worked, but we were all waiting for it to fully detach. The shower had good pressure and worked well.
The backyard and upper deck on the 2nd floor were nice. The BBQ worked well.
Parking was easy and convenient. The house comes with 2 dedicated spots and there is street parking. The house is also in a great location.
There were some other random “safety” concerns and issues around the house, in my opinion. But this isn’t a home inspection report. No need to go into detail here.
Overall, the home has good bones and nice decor, but was NOT ready to receive guests. We understand that stuff happens, but a host needs to be honest with their guests. We did receive a partial refund due to the conditions of the home. This review is not angry, just honest.