Family in Old City

[Janet560]

@Ozlem3 The time expired for me to post this review, but perhaps you can find a way to use it.  We thank you so much for all the things you did personally to make our stay so pleasant.  I send you all good wishes, with hopes that we might make another visit to Istanbul!

We have traveled enough to be choosy, and we like to choose “special places”.  This one, Buhara Family Inn, is SPECIAL!  Certainly a “Superhost” is special, a designation always worth looking for.  But uniqueness also comes from being perfectly located, or delightfully situated in a real neighborhood, or it’s amazingly convenient to go places you want.  Sometimes there are perks, like it includes a stunning breakfast or breathtaking view (it did!), and every so often you are lucky enough to have a host that just wants you to be really happy, and will go out of their way to make it possible.  This is what happened to us at Buhara Family Inn, Family in Old City.

The hosts are so accommodating.  Our correspondence set the tone for a visit that was extraordinary.  We had a base; we were warmly welcomed, and the pleasant interactions extended well past the most attentive concierge service we ever had.  Our rooms were totally sparkling clean, the bathrooms ultra-modern, and our recommendation is unconditional.  It is everything that the pictures show and much more.  There are uncountable numbers of hotels, and Airbnb’s in Sultanahmet.  It would be hard to select one without relying on user reviews, so check all of reviews on this one.  You’ll find mostly enthusiastic endorsements like ours.  Especially if this is your first visit to Istanbul, staying within easy walking distance of the most frequently visited tourist destinations, AND public transportation, is desirable.  Staying in a family-like atmosphere that is charming, professional, and intimate is perfect.

[Sarah977]

@Janet560  How nice that you wanted to thank the host so profusely. He may not see it here on the community forum, unless he posts here and checks the forum. You could send this to him via the message thread on the Airbnb site you had with him when you booked.

[Janet560]

thank you for writing me in response to my dismay that Airbnb has a policy that precludes posting a review if the guest has not posted it within 14 days of departure.  That seems absurd and punitive.  My experience, and in this case my delight in composing a description that I thought would be illuminating to others, is no less valid 15 days later than 14.  People who are selecting a place from many options rely on reviews, especially thoughtful ones, to guide their decisions.  I am not just writing to compliment the host; I am thinking of people who are in a position like I was who don't want to spend hours combing through the various choices you present.  If I can find someone whose tastes seem to match mine, who has gone to the trouble of vetting a site for me, then I welcome the chance to stop searching.  It doesn't help anyone to send the message to through the message thread.

I surely hope you will revisit this policy, or at the very least explain why it's in place instead of just saying, "that's the way it is".  

[Sarah977]

@Janet560  I am just a host, this is a community forum where hosts and guests can post questions, ask for help from others, etc.- you are not communicating with Airbnb itself here. I agree with all you said, and it would have been great if you had posted the review in time, so as to let pospective guests know what a good experience you had. 

14 days seems like plenty of time to leave a review, and Airbnb does send out emails letting you know that you have xx days left to write a review (did you not receive any?) but I can imagine that there are some situations where a guest is unable to make that deadline for one reason or another.

The reason I suggested you send this to the host is not only that I'm sure he'll be delighted to receive it (and should know that you didn't simply decline to leave a review, if you haven't already told him you just missed the deadline), but he could also print it out and use it in some way that would benefit him- print it out and put it in the guest book, if he has one, or use it in some way if he has his own website, or lists on other platforms.

[Janet560]

Sarah, Im so sorry.  I did, indeed, misunderstand, and i apologize for thinking you represented Airbnb.  It is, of course, a community forum, and I am remiss for not using tbe Forum properly.  Normally, i think you're right that a couple of weeks should suffice to post a review.  In my case, this time, it just wasnt.

Thanks very much for the civil and courteous response to my indignant message.

[Sandra856]

Hi @Janet560 🙂

There has to be a limit because the review system is blind, meaning your review or your host's review of you won't get posted until both reviews are submitted. For instance if your trip had been horrible and you write a review about your experience it won't get posted before the host writes a review as well (OR after the 14 day review period is over). If there is no time limit your review won't get posted (and you can't warn future guests) and the host can get away with not receiving a bad review by not submitting a review. 

The reason why the reviews are blind is that both guest and host can write an honest review knowing the other part can't read it before they have submitted a review themselves. I hope it makes sense 🙂 

[Sarah977]

@Janet560  Thank you for the apology- I really wasn't offended- many people post here thinking they are communicating with Airbnb itself. I could tell you were just confused.

By the way, you sound like a stellar guest and every host would be thrilled to receive such a detailed, articulate, and complimentary review like you wrote.