The airbnb website doesn’t clearly address that the check-in requires very detailed personal information. You need to upload the front and back of your driver’s license, your email address, phone number, the face profile pictures including the front, left and right. On the previous night of my check-in, I still didn’t get the check-in instruction so contacted them. They told me if I am not comfortable giving them all the information then I should cancel. Of course I could not cancel as it was too last minute. When I uploaded all my info, they told me that my email address was not verified and they still refused to provide the check-in info even thought I got multiple emails from Sonder already by then (they already used my email!). The customer service couldn’t figure it out. I also told them I needed to use their storage but it was just such a hassle to get the code. Even though their customer service was quick, it was not very helpful. They need more systematic structure for that. And collecting too detailed personal information doesn’t make sense to me even though they are using a third party secure app. I was extremely uncomfortable about sharing and uploading all the personal info on a website since I am working in a personal information de-identification company and know how bad it can be. Finding the building entrance was a little tricky.
The apt is very modern and industrial interior with high-ceiling and lots of storage. Looked clean at the first glance. However, the major problem I had was the animal urine smell all over the unit, next to the bed, near the dining table and in the bathroom. The smell tremendously bothered me during my whole stay. Another thing is the configuration of the furniture. As soon as I walked into the unit first time, I thought the low profile coffee table next to the bed would be hazardous when going to the bathroom at night. I was careful until I totally got tripped over the table at the last night of my stay and my both shins were dented and bleeding. It was my mistake but I am sure that could happen to somebody else in the future. Location-wise, it was just alright. If you are going to a conference at the student union, UM, then you need to walk for 20 mins, not too bad but it was too far for me. Anyways, I am glad I got out of there and I would never go back. The staff ladies on site were very helpful though, but they are not always there.