After booking I was shocked to learn there would be 6 other guests staying at the same house. Because I was traveling abroad soon and COVID was spiking I tried to cancel the reservation I had made just the day before. I thought maybe since they hadn't done anything except send a few canned messages I might get away losing $20 or $25. Instead, Susan replied, "Hello John, please review the strict cancellation policy below:
**To receive a full refund, guests must cancel within 48 hours of booking, and the cancellation must occur at least 14 days before check-in"
Okay, you got me there but not even a discussion.
Next, I asked if we could check in early as my son's graduation ceremony was at 3:00 and the check-in time was 4:00. This message was ignored entirely, not even acknowledged to say "No."
Upon arrival, the house looks to be in a sketchy neighborhood. Kind of run-down houses nearby. Check-in went okay, PEPIN is on the 2nd floor. The first thing I noticed was an open window with no screen. None of the windows had screens on them which is a concern when staying in Minneapolis during the summer on the 2nd floor. I would have felt safer having the windows open if they had had screens.
Later that night the lights flickered so I messaged the host if they had any candles or flashlights in case we lost power. As an aside they are totally absentee hosts I think they live in Boston, so there is no knocking on a door to get help. Again this message was totally ignored, not even acknowledged to say "No." Right after this I messaged them to say they had left a window open and that it was storming out. They responded lickety-split to say thanks for letting them know and please close the window. Hmm, interesting. When something concerns your guests' safety you ignore them, but when it concerns your $$$ or property you respond promptly.
During the night I got up to go to the bathroom around 1:30 a.m. One of the other 6 guests was playing their computer or TV so loudly that I messaged the host again asking what can be done? I honestly didn't expect an answer until the next day. However, I never got an acknowledgment of this message either, never ever.
The next morning just got a canned message "Hope you enjoyed your stay! and Please rate us 5 stars!!" Seriously? WTF?
I will never stay here again or any property this host lists on Airbnb.