I’ll start by saying, maybe my experience is a fluke compared to the glowing reviews this place has received? I’m generally a pretty laid back, understanding person who rarely ever leaves negative reviews. I don’t keep unrealistic expectations and I know things aren’t always perfect. I chose this AirBnb for its high remarks, but admittedly, I was a bit disappointed and will be staying in a hotel for sure next month that I’m back in town. I know this is a lengthy review so in a nutshell: It was not left in the cleanest state when I arrived and my concerns were not addressed by the host. I'm a nurse who works with at-risk populations, so confirmation that the space has been properly cleaned is really important to me. There is also a long guide book thatI felt so bogged down taking time to constantly reference, that overall, it added more stress to an already stressful weekend of grad school.
I’ll begin by saying the owners send this lengthy guidebook detailing house rules and regulations ($150 fee for unplugged electronics, $10 if you accidentally stain a white towel, $150 for leaving the keys in the wrong place at check-out… Spoiler alert: it’s not where you found them at check-in). I was so worried about accidentally bumping into something plugged in that I just avoided any partially occupied outlets at all costs even if it was an inconvenience. When I arrived, the first thing I noticed was how cold the unit was. It was left at 65, so I bumped the heat up to 70, then from 70 to 75 because it didn’t seem to warm up in there. I spent half my time this weekend either under the blankets or sitting in the corner trying to get warm by the ONE vent that heats the entire unit (as far as I could see). When I got in the bed, I noticed many small black hairs and one long one in the bed. I notified the owner what I found (I told her new linens were not necessary, but just wanted her to be aware). She answered two days later after having to follow up with her. There were no apologies or empathy, simply that she would ask the cleaners to tie back their hair next time. I ended up finding a long pubic hair in the shower caddy and dirty dishes during my stay as well that I notified her about, telling her that I’m usually not a stickler for these things (I’m a nurse, you get desensitized to these things after a while) but the cleanliness was concerning considering we are in the middle of a pandemic. I never received a response. This is not to mention the pink “molding” (per the internet, it’s actually bacteria) on the corner of the shower curtain and dirt scuffing in the bathroom as well. I figured after having to follow up after two days for a prior concern, it wasn’t worth the effort to say anything about the pink “mold” and dirt. I would not travel if I didn’t have to, however, my grad school is requiring me to be on campus for labs. It worries me staying somewhere that I’m not confident was cleaned and sanitized properly knowing I work with at risk populations.
Additional to my concerns going unaddressed, the communication was a bit confusing to me seeing that there are multiple reminders that quiet hours are 10pm – 7/8am (per the guidebook, their neighbors deserve “their right to a peaceful existence!”) yet the owner decided to check in with me at 10:35pm the night I arrived. I flew in from the east coast, was jet lagged and already sleeping, and had to be up early the next morning for my labs on campus. Don’t get me wrong—I thought it was kind to check in and ensure I was settling in okay, but maybe waking folks up when they might be sleeping isn’t the best move?
About the unit… be prepared to also hear every little peep the neighbors make. The walls are so paper thin, I could hear the neighbor snoring in the morning when I got up to study. They also had some very vocal dogs who put on barking concerts throughout the day. I know the owners can’t help this, but it definitely was a nuisance if you’re trying to focus. The provided TV is a small, laggy Roku that sits wobbly on its extended mount… and that’s it. You are expected you to bring your own streaming device or login credentials if you want to watch anything. I have to say, I’ve never stayed anywhere that expected me to provide my own streaming service. There are also various scuffs and stains on the wall (which didn’t bother me, but given the multiple fines listed in the guidebook, I took a video of these when I arrived and let the owner know there were present before my stay). There are absolutely no visitors allowed either, so don’t plan to have any friends over. The lock feature on the front door keypad also did not work (you could still lock the door with the physical key though!), and the rooftop was not accessible though it’s advertised in their AirBnB posting.. Despite there being a cleaning fee, you’re expected to remove all your trash (yay tracking down the correct disposal area in an unfamiliar building!) and run the dishwasher with any used dishes.
Overall, not my worst experience but nowhere near the best. I usually love the Airbnbs I stay in and enjoy the homey, local experience… But I will 100% be staying in a hotel when I come back again next month for sake of ease and convenience.