This home definitely hits the mark in location and cleanliness. The pictures were as pretty as the property. The outdoor area and common space is perfectly open and makes it easy to enjoy time with other guests.
We struggled with this review, as I let the group weigh in on how to respond. Given that we are AirBnb Super Hosts ourselves we understand that profit margins need to be met while offering an experience to guests. Ultimately, we felt duped with the amenities and tone of the property as it overshadowed the experience for some.
The welcome kit is received at the date when a refund can no longer be issued. Also, it does not reference the limit to the AC. The tone, although instructive, is very harsh. I had forwarded the welcome packet to the other guests prior to our stay and we were all in agreement that it was a rough welcome. It almost feels like this host has been burned before.
During our stay we had a rough first night. We could not change the dial on the AC. It is preprogrammed with limitations. Todd has it remotely programmed to 73 and it automatically goes to 78 at 6 am. Most of the guests in the house sleep about 69 with ceiling fans. The dial never goes below 73 and this made it very difficult for some guests to sleep. What was worst, is that we required lots of back and forth communication to even agree to get him to take off the 78 auto at 6 am. Since we had physicians in the house, they were very specific that National sleeping guideline temp are between 67-70.
The next afternoon, he said he would revisit turning the dial below 73, but it require a phone call. He did let us know that it was unheard of and he never had issues with guests like this prior. He seemed conflicted and even reached out to AirBnb for advice. He also said that it would require hours for us to pre program and it couldn't be done remotely (although everything else seemed to be remote) if wanted it any lower than 73. Also, he wanted us to test it out one more night. It seemed very obvious we were not getting anywhere and it could easily ruin our stay if we pushed it any further. We ultimately agreed to 73 just to minimize communication. If these sleeping temperatures are an issue for you, I would definitely address it ahead of time. I had informed Todd during our stay that this is considered a limit to an amenity and should be discussed somewhere. If not in the listing, then in the welcome pack since everything else is. It seems like it still hasn't been listed (last day to leave review) which is why we are mentioning it.
It seems that other things are purposely omitted. Cutting costs to hit margins here is the overall theme. Laundry is $5 a day and controlled by a digital code. Ideally, we don't use the same towel for a week on vacation and would need to either wash a towel or change. Either way, in the booklet it says "listing does not mention laundry". Again, just seems off, but it's true that laundry isn't mentioned in the listing. Can be perceived as a "gotcha" type of feeling.
The hot tub being under control was the same issue, but we knew of this extra charge. Even when we asked for it to turn at certain times, it requires much more communication like the "hot water turns on now but what time do you want the jet streams on (lowers temp by 2 degrees)." And right when I thought we figured out this militant style, and try to prepare for the day ahead with a time, there seemed to be more unnecessary communication regulated.
Ultimately, we enjoyed our experience and made the best of it. I let Todd know that. My other guests did tell me afterwards that the air and over communication was a huge issue. Two rooms had trouble sleeping. They decided not to keep harping on it because they realized I felt responsible having planned the trip.
Ideally, we would have paid all this up front to not deal with it. We would have even paid the cost of AC or had asked prior if we knew this was an issue. He told me that most homes limit the AC settings on AirBnb but it was our 3rd visit to Ft L and our first time having this experience. Again, if this is standard than we are just letting you know.
Lastly, Todd was communicative and responsive regardless if it wasn't the response we wanted to hear. You can tell his intent was positive, but that we was worried about his bottom line, which is understandable.
My advice would be to have these conversation prior if these types of things are an issue for you. The property is clean, backyard is gorgeous, and location is perfect for
Wilton Manors.