James mentions on his listing that there is construction noise. I did not make note of it much and when James messaged me before my arrival, his only further mention was to ensure the windows were closed due to dust. I further inquired if the construction noise was significant and was told it would not affect our stay given the unit is on the top floor and the construction is on the bottom.
When we arrived, there was a good amount of construction noise but we believed we could handle it as we were outside for the day. However after the first night at 7AM sharp we were awaken to the sounds of power saws, heavy drilling, jack hammering and metal working. This starts at 7am and we were told would continue until 5pm, everyday. This was noise that no person should or can deal with. The noise comes from construction right outside the bedroom window and wraps around the unit affecting the second bedroom and living room equally as well.
I complained to James and his property management company. Another person at his management company was quite empathic after listening to the recordings of the construction noise and attempted to communicate to James that this was not ideal. However James refused to even consider a transfer to another unit they manage or a refund. He offered no sympathy or understanding and told his co-worker the noise was completely tolerable and normal. Eventually the other employee at the company arranged for another stay at another unit, however I booked this property solely for the view as it is across the bridge where Sydney CBD is and where my other family is staying at the Sheraton Hyde. I felt that given the inaccurate listing we should not be forced to stay at a location where we did not accept. I felt a refund for at least the nights we would not be staying
(booked three nights and left after the first) would be the least James could do given he downplayed the level of construction noise. I would have accepted a refund of the two unused nights and to book my own accommodations and get along with my vacation. James told me he thought I was being unreasonable given construction was mentioned in the listing and he allowed me to check in very early, and another property was found. Early check in has no relation to the matter at hand. While that was a nice gesture, having your guests be able to check in early when no other guest books the day before should not be held against you when clearly the property is not suitable for guests with that amount of construction noise. And in regards for the transfer to another unit, I felt we should not be forced to accept a stay at a property we did not choose, and especially one managed by James again given his interactions with us.
After leaving the unit, I escalated to Airbnb support who after listening to my videos and recordings of the noise refunded my two nights, discounted my first night, and reimbursed the new accommodations I booked for the two other nights.
I hope future guests are treated better, the property view is truly gorgeous.