This Airbnb was one of the the few in Austin that had enough beds for my family of 13 traveling here. This was the reason why we booked the place. That being said, we were quite disappointed with the Airbnb.
First off, the neighborhood was not ideal. This was not in the description but it was in other reviews which we did not read until after booking, so that was on us. The host should put in the description that the we would be in a VERY rough area. Not being local to Austin, it would’ve been nice to know prior to booking as we don’t get the address until we book.
Secondly, they were extremely strict on guest number. We originally booked for 10 people in a home that would suit 16 people, so when we were able to have our other family come along, making it 14 people, they increased the price dramatically. Not sure as to why as it was still under the number of beds available. Then when one could not make it due to having summer school, there was not even a refund for that one person that ended up NOT going. Even if refund was not possible, I had messaged the hosts with NO response. For the price point in the end and the Airbnb we had, it was not worth it.
Third, one of the bedroom doors was locked without our knowledge, so when we shut it, we were locked out of that room which had all of our belongings/ money/ ID. I contacted the hosts but the only way to reach them was through the app and they were not responsive, not even acknowledging they saw our message and would be able to assist. Since we needed those personal items right away, we had to figure it out in our own.
Fourth, the Airbnb was not clean. There were mosquitos, fruit flies, and flies EVERYWHERE. We always sanitize everything when we come in and we noticed the kitchen was not as clean as it should be, and random trash still left in the guest rooms.
Lastly, the noise sensors. We were on a family vacation with children and we were just playing board/ card games. We had music on, but we made sure that from the outside, the neighborhood could not hear us, which we checked repeatedly due to the hosts saying there are quiet hours in Austin from 10PM to 6AM. We had several text messages saying we were “reaching the limit” when, in fact, we were just playing games and not throwing any parties like our next door neighbors in the same complex. Those neighbors were partying and drinking in the front yard until 4AM when we were all trying to sleep and as I recall, there should be quiet hours. How was my family too loud from the inside when the next door neighbors were throwing a party outside?
All in all, I’m glad we found a place for so many people, but I would NOT recommend this place unless it is the last resort. It is not a great location with hosts who are strict but also are super unresponsive at the same time.