THE WORST AIRBNB EXPERIENCE. TOTAL NIGHTMARE!
- Arrival at the Airbnb location which advertised for “street parking always available”, but actually no street parking available at all
After confirming that street parking is always available as advertised in this Airbnb listing. I reserved for Feb 21st to March 1st. It was cold Sunday night of February and I was very tired from all that driving. there was one street parking available across the street, but somebody put a metal chair in the middle of the parking space. I called Asael if I should remove the metal chair. Asael told me there should be no issue and just move it and park, which is exactly what I did. minutes later, there was women in that side of the house at 2nd floor, yelled at me that I should not park there, it is someone's spot. I said it is street parking. the woman then said "oh if you are going that way, let's see what is going to happen to you!" within minutes, there was 2007 black BMW 530i parks right next to my car and a man got out of a vehicle, demanding me to move out of the street parking. Uh oh…..
*identifying personal information removed*
*identifying imagery removed*
- Attempt to street park led to property damage due to Asael’s false advertising and false advice. The incident cause even bodily harm. Two police officers had to be involved and the issue could still not be resolved.
The black man put the metal chair on top of my car and dragged about 3 feet. which later day on daylight i noticed a scratch. he then threatened me to punch me in the face in the face and trash my car if I do not move my car. I moved away from him and called the Asael. Asael told me that I should fight for my parking spot like a proper American citizen and protect what is rightfully mine. well, no way. I did not sign up for his Airbnb, Just so that I could fight with his neighbor. Asael then suggested calling the cop, as he is far away and cannot help me. which I did. two officers showed up about 30 minutes later, and checked if I was in any physical harm. I explained the officer about how this guy threatened me and dragged metal chair on top of my car with my phone video recorder, but they were not interested. they asked the neighbor man to stop blocking the one way street and then they left, telling me that police should never be called for small incident like this as situation can easily resolved if both parties compromise. What the heck? I can assure that the neighbor had 0 interest in compromising. as soon as they left, the woman in the house and man started pressuring me to move my car or I will be blocked again. I was forced to move my car around the block. the corner parking is dangerous during snow with near 90 degree angle and big cars cannot pass there. A yellow cap almost hit my parked car during turning.
*identifying imagery removed*
*identifying imagery removed*
- Asael the host, assured me that full refund will be given for any duration of stay, and he will help me throughout the stay to prevent this issue again, and asked me not to report or call Airbnb.
Asael called me again, and I told him I am going to report to Airbnb for this incident, cancel this trip and go to other Airbnb or nearby motel to check in that night. but Asael assured me that full refund will be given, please do not call Airbnb as it will affect his rating and give him trouble, and I can stay for any duration i want until I find replacement and Asael will help me if I needed any help. I was relieved to hear that. the two-hour dispute at the outside was so intense for me, I just needed to rest.
However, for the next 6 nights I parked around the block next to 90 degree curve with no turning radius for even sedan. There was not much Asael could do to help me. Every night I was worried someone would dent my car. There was no other close parking spot near there. During the stays my tropical pet fish also passed a way, as it was stuck in my car when the guy blocked me from getting back to my car to move in. On the 6th night, I could not take it anymore, and decided to move out before my reservation was over.
*identifying personal information removed*
- When it was the time for him to issue refund, Asael refuse to acknowledge that neither he promised refund nor asking not to call Airbnb customer service. SAY WHHAAT?
I asked him why he is not processing refund. He replied to me that only when trip is over refund can be processed. I asked him again after I moved out on the 6th day. No reply for the 2 days. 2 days later, he sent automated message at 7am, telling that he left 5 star for me so i should leave 5 star for me. I ask when is refund going to processed, he does not answer. then he started calling me on my phone asking for 5 star in return for 5 star, and when I ask about refund, he just changes topic back to reviews like a broken record! Seriously this man is insane! I could not continue this joke of a conversation anymore. My endurance was gone and FINALLY! I picked up my phone and contacted customer service.
*correspondence with customer service removed per Community guidelines*
- Airbnb refuse to acknowledge any evidence on the Airbnb message app, and it is guest’s fault for not reporting incident in 24 hours, therefore, 100% of decision to whether to make any refund or not, must be made by host, and host alone.
I already spent 4 nights calling Airbnb customer service, not my favorite way of managing my time. Airbnb messaged me that they contacted Asael, and he now refuses to give refund! Customer service agent Andrew and Maria were particularly inattentive about the situation. Imagine myself describing same story every night with different customer service agent and they do not know how to even look into Airbnb message, and does not even know that there is host and guest message board and claims that contacting 24 hours is the only policy that Airbnb will honor. Whether listing was inaccurate or host promising refund and not providing refund, according to them, is NOT written in Airbnb refund policy, so it is at guest’s fault.
*correspondence with customer service removed per Community guidelines*
- Lesson learned. I waited too long and gave too much trust for Airbnb host and Airbnb as a company. Asael is a coward, and a scam artist, and he knows the Airbnb system will let him get away every time. My only hope is Airbnb Community. I NEED YOUR HELP.
For any random people out there who read my post, thank you so much for your time. This is my 2 cents to you. PLEASE DO NOT TRUST ANYTHING THE AIRBNB HOST SAYS ON THE PHONE OR MESSAGE BOARD. IF ISSUE HAPPENS, CONTACT AIRBNB CUSTOMER SERVICE ASAP [MUST BE WITHIN 24 HOURS] WITH ALL VOICE RECORDING AND VIDEO RECORDING IF POSSIBLE. I AM PAYING DEARLY NOW FOR HAVING TOO MUCH FAITH IN HUMANITY!
- Robert is amazing co-host who lives on the first floor. However, one of guest or permanent resident on second floor seemed like she has not left the building for years. She was very rude when I said good morning. She said “I am not your friend, so be quiet and do not talk to me.” Lol. Also the printer was OUT OF INK. Technically, it was false advertising as well besides the parking issue.
*identifying imagery removed*
Robert, the nice co-host
*identifying imagery removed*
Airbnb profile of Asael, supposedly the "SUPER-HOST"