First, I will say that the condo building itself is in a prime location. The actual building is beautiful, direct beach access and close to nearby attractions.
Now let me describe my experience with the hostess and unit.
Weeks prior I conversed with the hostess about the type of storage I would need. I’m a travel nurse, so when I travel I bring most of my things with me such as clothes, cleaning supplies, food, etc. A total of two suitcases and 7 storage bins. Not too mention, in my past experiences with Airbnb, the guest has access to storage in ottomans, cabinets, and drawers.
My first issue started with check-in, the reservation time stated is at 10 AM. The night before the host asked me to check in later, she was tired from the night before. Although she knew of my arrival for weeks. When I showed up she was still cleaning, mop and boxes everywhere. After traveling for over 20 hours that’s not something someone paying as much as you will pay wants to see. I was also shocked to see that I only had minimal storage access including a closet by the bathroom, two shelves in the doorway closet, and two dresser drawers. I’m sure she picked up on the state of shock on my face, especially since we had discussed prior to the type of storage she would have prepared for me. She ended up cleaning out the entire dresser, but I had to move most her belongings into my storage bins to make room for my belongings. The hostess kept making comments that the last person who stayed only had a suitcase for their three months. Correct me if I’m wrong but that doesn’t justify the lack of storage I was promised. It honestly seems as though she just packed a weekend bag, and left everything behind. She clearly still lives in this unit, which is an unclear in the reservation posting. It was very uncomfortable to have her items everywhere, pictures, money, personal documentation, clothes, shoes, and her filth.
Next let’s talk about cleanliness.
The refrigerator and freezer were something you would see in a frat house. We spent over an hour cleaning grime out of the refrigerator, the bottom and the shelves were caked from spilt food in the past. The utensil drawer was full of random, suspiciously clean items, that I felt would give me tetanus. I ended up putting those utensils in a box and bought some cheap silverware from target, along with washing whatever bowl or cup I was going to use, before using it.
Now let me describe my hostess interaction. When I say I’ve never been harassed by an Airbnb host, I mean I’ve never had an Airbnb host ask me a minimum of 4 separate occasions to come over to retrieve personal items. For $3600 a month, I don’t think it’s appropriate for someone to treat your rented spot like a storage unit. The first time she came over she needed to get in the back, which is a massive storage unit packed with her belongings. She also stated that she left her car keys and iPad on the counter when she left the first day, which is not true. The second time she asked to come by and get medicine, which her cabinets in the kitchen were full of her personal medications. I cannot remember what she wanted the third time, but I did not respond because I don’t feel like it’s appropriate. Also she kept trying to come over the day before I was checking out.
So why did I stay? When I first arrived and saw the condition the unit, I called Airbnb and requested a cancel since the in person experience did not meet the description and Airbnb standards. Customer service stated I needed to get her to approve the cancellation, and their was a chance she wouldn’t allow a full refund. It was already an awkward and unprofessional interaction when I arrived when she was still cleaning, frantic because, “Most people don’t arrive until 4pm”, although we discussed my arrival the day before. When she was showing me how to access the service elevator, I heard her mumbling and singing to herself, “This is a pain the butt-butt, this is a pain in the butt”. I told customer service do not feel comfortable since the hostess was still there, and my interaction with her was already nonprofessional. I’m not a confrontational person, and I wanted customer service to handle it, I assumed they were their to help. He asked me if I could ask her to move some stuff around, when I told him my dilemma. I also told him about the uncleanliness aspect, he told me maybe I could ask her for some of the cleaning fees back. Like I said, I’m not a very confrontational person in these types of situations. I was extremely uncomfortable. Customer service checked in with me several days after, and I kept telling him about her wanting to come over and get more items. I have documented pictures and videos to prove the condition with check-in.
Overall, if I would’ve known about the storage and cleanliness prior to checking in, I would’ve never booked.
If the hostess gets her professionalism and standards right, it would be a beautiful location. Less than a 10 minute walk to Lauderdale by the Sea, and a 10-20 minute drive to Las Olas.. The condo staff including security, check-in, and maintenance are wonderful. I’ve always had positive interactions with the residents that live there as well.