Ahhh.. I so wanted to write a great review, even with the problems I experienced. I gave it some time and thought, and see there is merit in disclosing what my stay was like for future guests sake. To begin, I wish I knew what it REALLY would be like vs what was featured on Staeven’s Airbnb description. While the rooms are as pictured, I am very much a secure room type of guest. Read: I immediately put the Do Not Disturb on my hotel room door unless I want service. That said, the hosts say you can engage as much or as little as you’d like. Reality: The hosts live there and are ALWAYS THERE. I found myself in my room going... “Do I reeeeallly need a fork to eat this salad?” Yes, of course. But that involved interfacing again for who knows how long 🤦‍♀️
Three takeaways from my stay: They have multiple rescues (aww ☺️), two of which are allowed outdoors (one intermittently). BUT they have a shoes off policy AND carpet. Meaning if the hosts’ allergies are that sensitive, those pets can’t ever be allowed outdoors, then to come back in. It wouldn’t have been a big deal but the host confronted me on the last day about wearing my shoes indoors. Why.the.last.day. How would that repair the previous day’s impact? That said, the lock I had confirmed before coming was a hook and eye (practically zero protection), and my door wouldn’t even close all the way. Yikes. Having been burglarized before, I did not bring up concerns because I didn’t want my unsecured room to become a target. Lastly, the previous guests had left the bedding all stained and while washed by the host, he didn’t change the bedding out to something else. Ew! I left some of the bedding off while I slept so I didn’t have to deal with it.
After the trip, I requested a refund (who wouldn’t?!) Staeven declined. Such a shame he let money get in the way of good business practices. This was my first Airbnb experience and let’s just say, it was interesting. I’ve told a number of family and friends about it and they have both laughed hysterically while also going “I’m sorry... what?” So, I hope this review helps others in making the right decision for them. While Staeven said he has apparently corrected matters for future stays, that doesn’t remedy MY stay. Truly a bummer.