I have mixed feelings about my stay in Carrie’s place. While the experience met my technical needs, I was somewhat underwhelmed with the overall experience. In the following review, I will try to be as honest and unbiased as possible. Here goes:
- Check in: Prior to arrival, I was told the key is in the mailbox at the bottom of the unit’s stairs. When I arrived, I was unable to find any such mailbox. Confused, I called the host - No answer. I sent a message via Airbnb, and got a reply: “door is unlocked.” After dragging my suitcase a few stairs up to the unit, I discovered the unit was in fact unlocked. But I still did not have a key. I had to send another message requesting a key. A couple minutes later a young man brought me a key and with that, the slightly confusing, impersonal check-in process was complete.
- Location: It’s east of the action, in a residential neighborhood. The area is pretty quiet. An Uber to Capital Hill is about $8, and to the space needle about $15. The area felt safe.
- The Home: Well appointed with all the essentials. The washer and dryer were a plus. The bed was super comfy (firm type). On the downside, the whole place had a slight musty smell, there’s a crack in the tub that needs to be repaired, and some creaking noise can be heard from the adjoined Home.
- Communication: Professional yet completely technical. Our entire communication was summed up by a couple message exchanges before my stay. I believe that part of what makes Airbnb special is the ability to interact and meet the hosts, making the experience more personal than a hotel. That was not part of the experience here. While I was afforded complete privacy, it would have been nice to receive some kind of greeting or exchange of pleasantries during my stay.
- Check out: The host was nice enough to let me leave my bags In the house a couple hours past check out. I was not given any check out instructions so I simply left the key in the house and left. I received no goodbye.