I don’t know how this man is a Superhost, because he is farrrr from it. Don’t get me wrong, his house was beautiful, in a great location, and perfect for a couple nights. But if you ever have to communicate with him, DON’T. He quickly turns the conversation into an argument if he doesn’t like something you say. I’m all about open communication and am not one to get into arguments or confrontation. I kindly messaged him to suggest that he should be more clear on his listing. I didn’t say I was unhappy or upset, but told him it would’ve been nice to know that:
1. There’s no AC in bedroom B, but there is an AC unit in the common room next to it.
It was warm in our room even after we utilized the two fans he provided, opened the window, and closed the shades. He immediately dismissed me and said it shouldn’t be warm in there since it’s 70 degrees (at 11pm when we had this conversation). During the day, it reached the mid 80s which means the upper level will got warm with a closed door (we locked to keep our personal items secure).
2. There is renovation of the backyard patio (not useable) and a very large pile of bricks blocking the front deck.
Which meant it was also difficult to roll luggage through the dirt/sand to get to the back door entrance (where you’d have to enter). He said we shouldn’t need to use the patio at 11pm, but I thought that was besides the point?
Another issue we had that was not taken very well... There was a blockage of one of the side pathways of the house to the back door. We got back at 11pm and almost tripped over it. We had to use the flashlight on our phones to see clearly where we could step to get into the house. I informed him and he dismissed me again saying it should be clear. And then said, “there are two paths to the back, and your characterization of the north path as being dimly lit is just plain wrong; I know my house.” We didn’t know there were two pathways to get to the back door! He didn’t tell us and we didn’t want to snoop around the house. We saw one path, so we took it.
And quickly going back to the start... I messaged him in May introducing myself and asking if he’d suggest car rental or public transit. I got no response so went ahead and rented a car. Finally I receive a long message from him asking when we plan to arrive along with info about the house and parking. So I asked if we could use the parking pass but he says he strongly discourages having a car unless absolutely necessary. Which would’ve been nice to know 2 months ago when I had asked!
I am very low maintenance, respectful, and was only kind to this man until he started attacking me with rude responses once I tried giving him a suggestion. This man does not take constructive criticism or feedback very well and Gets quite defensive. Keep in mind, this man has never met me but he questioned my character multiple times and tried to convince me I was wrong without taking any responsibility. He told me, “you were unhappy about some things and complained, but my view is that your complaints are more about you than my listing” and that suggested to “set your expectations and more importantly your attitude appropriately.” And then told me that it was rare that he finds himself as “pissed off by a guest” as he was with me. Finishing off with, “I have hosted literally hundred and hundreds of guests and I know when I’m dealing with an outlier.” He even tried to tell me how I was feeling... that I was “intent on being difficult” or that I’m “unhappy”? Which wasn’t true at all. If you read the rest of his reviews, most are good (assuming they didn’t need to speak to him). However, there are some that reviewed him poorly (not surprised at all) and he responded quite rude. Make sure you read them and his responses! It was the worst customer service I’ve ever experienced and he wasn’t very professional. You don’t have to worry about us staying with you ever again, Robert.