We had issues with the host regarding cleanliness issues and I will address that. First, some positives. Excellent location in the old town steps away from some of the most popular eateries and minutes from the beaches. Apartment is new and well appointed, though one shower is a little inadequate if you have a big group. One room has no windows so it could be unpleasant on warm nights. Check-in was very smooth and host was responsive until we ran into issues after checking in. There was a strong urine smell in the open kitchen. I alerted the host and he sent a cleaner promptly. The cleaner mopped the floor and the smell dissipated. Later in the day we discovered a kitchen utensil caked with food in the drawer, fingernail clippings on the sofa and floor, and a shopping bag filled with trash in a closet. I sent photos to the host. He apologized about the shopping bag, but dismissed the other issues, saying the cleaner spent 4 hours cleaning before we arrived and when she came over to deal with the urine smell we had not brought up the other issues (which we had only discovered later in the day) and told her everything was fine (the urine smell was taken care of). He offered a complimentary cleaning service halfway thru our 4-night stay but I declined, considering the lack of attention to details of the cleaner. We had also already vacuumed and mopped the whole apartment. Instead, I requested a refund for the cleaning fee. The host did not respond until I nudged him the following day and he refused, saying my demand was not fair, and reiterated his explanation. He also said he had never received any complaints and from the photos of the listing I should see that the apartment is perfect and clean. I consulted with airbnb and was advised I can initiate a refund at the end of our stay. I did that and the host refused and I forwarded the case to airbnb to mediate. Airbnb responded and said there Is nothing they can do bc the host refused. This is the first time I’ve encountered a problem like this and I wonder what “mediation” means to airbnb. I have followed up with them and am now waiting for further response.