So...This unit in Syracuse NY looked completely modern/rustic/cozy and spacious. I should've known it was too good to be true but we gave it a try anyways! Trying to understand where we went wrong and how Airbnb could've been a better help DURING the horrifying experience OR have some stipulations to force the host's hand if they don't reply because they know it is such a short trip!
- When we arrived, we realized the instructions did not tell us what door the unit was and to our surprise there are no numbers on the building or the units!
- We made it inside and realized the apartment was super cold but just assumed we needed to set the thermostat now that the space was occupied. Turned out that NONE OF THE WINDOWS ARE SEALED. They are all cracked open and the host had no shame in putting hand TOWELS in front of the windows to block the cold air from coming in. Additionally, the photos will show you how the return grilles for the heat are covered with electrical tape, therefore, preventing heat from coming out on the first floor. We have a 7 year old and I can tell you, it was not at all safe to have him sleep in the apartment between the temperature and the various safety issues you will read below.
- In addition to the heat not working, the railing cables and railing posts were all loose, exposed sharp hardware, not fixed to the floor at a proper base, etc. There is nothing about the staircase that makes it compliance with health and safety building code, ESPECIALLY if this unit its being advertised as a family friendly apartment.
- When we went upstairs to the bedrooms, there were no linens on the beds. We went to the spare linen closet to avoid a complaint and just put the linens on the beds ourselves....but....when we came to notice, all the linens in the closet were not completely dry when the laundry was done and therefore, none of them were available to be put on the bed.
- We then went to shower, and when we got in the shower we noticed that the toiletries in the shower were all empty. We are talking about 3 EXTRA LARGE COSTCO SIZED bottles of bodywash and they were ALL empty sitting in the shower.
- Then we move onto the toilet. ZERO TOILET PAPER.
- When we finally came around to checking the kitchen we found that there were no garbage bags, no napkins, no paper towels. So...we contacted the host...and we got no reply.
- As a 2 night stay, we decided to try and find whatever we could throughout the apartment to make the stay feasible, however, the temperature eventually dropped so low that it was unbearable, the host wouldn't respond and when we went to go check cabinets for amenities, blankets, anything...all we found were piles of personal messes that were thrown into cabinets to hide their personal clutter.
All in all, ** should not be a unit that qualifies to comply with Airbnb standards being that the host doesn't actually want to "host" anyone. They want to make money and ignore people until they have passed the opportunity to get relocated allowing them to deny a refund, and ignore anything you request in terms of them actually hosting and being attentive.
**[Sensitive information removed in line with - Community Center Guidelines]
