Did I make a mistake? Noise complaint

[John8690]

Dear Community. I'm writing because I recently stayed in an airbnb in Bogota, Columbia. I spent a lot of time researching reviews to find a quiet place as I am a very light sleeper and I wanted a good night sleep because I was working while travelling. There were 4 and 5 star reviews for the place I chose but nothing mentioned that the place was noisy (which I now wish people would be more honest in their reviews, unless noise doesn't bother them at all, because it was quite loud). I always search for mattress comfort and noise levels because those things are important to me. When I stayed in Scotland the mattresses were very uncomfortable and full of wires and I ended up with a sore back, so I learned from that experience. 

In my review I felt I was very neutral and showcased all the positives, which were - sunny, spacious, great view, great communication from host, great check in flexibility, friendly/ helpful security, well equipped kitchen, clean. When speaking about the noise I first said that people who are not noise sensitive won't mind but since I am a light sleeper the honking, yelling (all night) and construction at 7am from outside made it hard for me to sleep (I wear earplugs and bring my white noise machine with a pillow over my ears and the noise was above and beyond all of this). I also mentioned that for those who like a firm mattress they will love it but that it was a bit too hard for me, nothing that a thin foam topper couldn't fix. I posted those comments because I felt it was only fair to people who are renting that they know the situation but I was very careful to really emphasize the positives. I don't want to hurt anyone's business but I also don't want to pay for a stay where I cannot sleep and neither should anyone else. 

The host wrote me on airbnb as well as my whatsapp to say that I should have told her those things in a private message as I was now hurting her apartment's reputation and her business. It did make me think and I did feel bad but I still think renters have the right to choose where they want to stay. We are not the beasts of burden for someone else's livelihood. However, I did hope that I could change the review since I suppose the mattress comment is an easy fix (so long as she takes the suggestion and buys a topper). So that comment I could have sent privately, in retrospect. I'm a bit new to using airbnb so I'm learning and I of course want to follow the proper etiquette while also respecting that people need to make a living. I still stand by my very diplomatic noise comment. It was factual without being inflammatory. I feel it was a well balanced review. After explaining all that to the host and apologizing for any upset caused she continued by writing me again saying I should book more premium stays if I want those comforts. This I don't agree with at all. I don't have a premium home and my bed was very affordable but it's extremely comfortable and I have a very quiet space. I could stay in a luxury hotel that is noisy as well. All I want is a peaceful place to sleep at night and honest reviews to be able to make my decision. 

I looked to see if I could update the review and remove the mattress remark, since that is something the host can change but it says I can't after both of us have posted. 

Thanks for any perspectives. John. 

[Quincy]

Hi @John8690,

When did you leave the review? I found a Help Center article that might be useful to you about editing a review if you feel it wasn't entirely fair.

Additionally, I came across this post in the Community Center regarding editing previous reviews, where @Alicia753  and @Mike-And-Jane0 shared their insights. Perhaps they can share their experiences with editing reviews.

Quincy

[Helen3]

Hi @John8690 

I think there is nothing wrong with your review and the host shouldn't have contacted you to complain.

you can't amend a review you can only asked for it to be removed .

it is always worth contacting hosts during your stay if the listing is not as advertised. 

[Joan2709]

@John8690 

Yes, once both reviews are published, you cannot edit them. We can't see your review or the Host's, but based on what you mentioned above it was a balanced fair review and I see nothing wrong with mentioning the noise, although you could have said you are particularly sensitive to noise in the review. Did the Host leave you a good review?

Yes, Hosts prefer that guests notify them via message during the stay if they are having an issue so hosts can try to remedy that if possible. It is extremely frustrating for a guest to checkout having said nothing about any issues during the stay and then leave a bad review. Perhaps let the Host know during the stay if you had problems with the bed and perhaps they can help with that (buy a topper). That said, as you mention, not everyone likes the same firmness on beds and we have had 100s of guests rave about the bed, only to get one say it was "too soft". 

The noise is is definitely relevant. Sometimes this is not an issue a Host can control and is a one-off situation (like a broken water main in the street that requires repair). However, if the listing is on a noisy street, or the Host is aware that ongoing nearby construction will continue for an extended period, that should be indicated on the Listing in several places. This includes in the property description and under Guest Safety Section under "Potential for Noise." That said, many guests don't read the listing properly before booking and it is disclosed, but the guest didn't see it. Are you sure the noise issue wasn't mentioned anywhere on the listing? 

One thing to keep in mind is everyone's definition of "noise" is different and if other guests didn't mention noise in their reviews, then it's possible that it is just something you'll have to be sure of before booking in the future. Since your are such a light sleeper, I would send a message to the Host before booking and explain you are a light sleeper and very sensitive to noise and if the Host knows of any street noise, on-going construction, etc. in the area that could be a problem for you. Always send a message to the Host during the stay with any issues. Believe me, we want to know so we can address it if possible during the stay and not hear about it in a review after the stay. Most good Hosts will do whatever is in their power (and reasonable) to ensure a guest is comfortable.

Good idea to provide private feedback, both good or bad to a Host. This helps them correct any issues before the next guest arrives and if positive, helps them continue being a great Host. However, if your review was fair and balanced, then don't let a Host intimidate you. If you really feel the review was not appropriate, then you can ask Airbnb just to remove the review since neither Host nor guest can edit a review once both are published.