First and foremost, I would like to thank the Host for all his work on the Bill Nye show and other entertainments through the years which have enriched many lives, including my own children. This understanding about who the Host is- I believe is very important to my experience at the AirBnB in Alki Beach, WA. I believe in film and advertising the shot and scene are very important. So let's talk about how professionalism in one trade is received in hospitality- which is kinda different from film and similar in many ways… like advertising.
In a film you set the stage and shoot the scene. IF something is not right for the scene- you edit it out, or simply do not disclose it in the film. So you have a picture perfect presentation. Have you seen the photos from this listing- this looks like a complete dream location. (it could be- let's discuss how and why. ;)
First and foremost as many other reviews have mentioned- it’s Smaller than expected. Perhaps some encouragement, may help- [Aesthetics should not interfere with funcanilaty.] Let's start with the Kitchen area. I included a photo. How does one cook without the walk space needed for the kitchen- the really comfortable bed is in the way. Perhaps some instructions on how to fold up the bed to utilize the kitchen space. It’s not really rocket science. This would be a common 1 bed rooms size in Europe. Perhaps you may want to think about a Murphy Bed. As an Engineering Designer- I have recommended this type of bed often for this type of residential application with less than optimal space. As a point reference- I have also included pictures of chipped and cracked dishes. Nostalgia is wonderful in art and decorations- these dishes are meant to be utilized as per the house rules indicating they be washed after use.
Second and alarming- let's talk about that Patio. This is a comfortable space in the pictures, it looks really private. Sitting in the Patio however is much more like a fish bowl in a clutch of apartments which all can look down on you. Privacy is an illusion at this point. Still a lovely sacred space that most anyone can enjoy. As long as the air isn’t deadly. So- to the left is a fresh air intake and exhaust. I am not sure if they are piped to a gas hot water heater, furnace or other application in the system. There are laws in most every state about the location and application of these in relationship to doors, windows, overhangs and residential spaces- like patios for public safety. This may be in compliance or not- an inspector would have to pull out the Fuel Gas Code and Residential requirements to know- it was enough to make me uncomfortable.
Third and reasonably concerning- Unfinished Construction. I am at a bit of a loss here. It would seem that the Hallway has unfinished carpet issues. Perhaps a door was removed or such. Most people would try to fix this eyesore and trip hazard in the only main corridor inside the Listing. The are square and rectangle Brass Plates many contractors use to fix this when they remove doors. I can see how aesthetically you may want to put a barrel arch in this doorway to the Hall and bathroom area. Either way there is clearly room for improvement in your Unfinished Construction Area of the Listing. The Carpet looks to be loose too, a good carpet tech could have you fixed up in a few hours with the Listing matching the advertising tier presented.
Ending with 2 final side notes, as there is very little space- you could really add some sound proofing to the ceiling or possibly to the carpet upstairs. Sonia spoke jokingly of elephants upstairs. Endearingly, I will remind you a good night's sleep is priceless. Parking… the reason parking is specified in the directions is a BIG indicator there is limited to no parking available. Which is completely fine in our UBER age. Not so much fun walking 3 blocks during a holiday weekend for those of us who own transportation.
So this was a big lesson for me in AirBnB. The lesson I learned is if most of the pictures are not actually of the property, instead possible amenities in the area. There may be a reason the Host decided to make this the focus. The baby seal pic was probably my favorite part of the whole experience. Again, I would like to be very clear- I do not believe this Host did anything other than be very good at his trade. For which I am very personally grateful he is. None of these things could have really been addressed during our stay. He did call and check on us several times. He was very polite and professional. This is a lovely location.