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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask if I’m being overly picky, or if you’d mention these things in an Airbnb review?

182 replies

raisemyheartrate · 31/08/2026 07:32

I’m currently staying in an Airbnb, solo, and thinking about the review I’ll write.

There are two main sticking points for me:

  1. The listing did not mention, anywhere, that key pick up for the flat is located about half a mile down the road. I didn’t get check in instructions until the day of check in. I had to drag my bags to the flat, at 1 in the morning. It’s just an annoyance that to be honest, I would have avoided if I’d known about it.
  2. The courtyard is really not as described. It was pictured to look huge, with a sea view and sun all day. In reality you can’t see the sea unless you’re in the flat, and the sun is gone by about 8:30 in the morning.

AIBU to mention these? It was an expensive apartment so I think I’m being slightly more critical than I’d usually be

OP posts:
JumpBoyJump · 31/08/2026 08:18

Yes to both! I wouldn’t have been able to manage this and wouldn’t have booked if I had known. Also why wouldn’t you also say you can’t actually see the sea from the courtyard as described??

Premierinnsleep · 31/08/2026 08:18

raisemyheartrate · 31/08/2026 08:16

Me too! All the reviews focus on the amazing location, which is true. It’s right on the beach and a minute from public transport so I guess other people have overlooked the negatives. I’m not too bothered by the courtyard but the key thing is big for me

Show quote history

Not one single review mentioned these issues? How many reviews?

a walled courtyard with a sea view? Was there a picture of the courtyard in the listings?

AuntieBiotics · 31/08/2026 08:17

Weve never had such late information when booking with Airbnb. The last couple of times we've had it as soon as you make the final payment - however far that is before you travel, can't remember. Full details about where the key box is, door codes or any other arrangements. Expecting a guest to walk 1/2 mile to collect a key is not acceptable.

5128gap · 31/08/2026 08:17

I would want to know about both of those things.
You don't have to write it in tones of harsh criticism. Just say "If you have any mobility problems or lots of bags, you should be aware that..."
And "The courtyard is in shade all day from 8.30am, so is nice and cool if you want to avoid the sun..."

researchers3 · 31/08/2026 08:17

MelonSorbet · 31/08/2026 07:44

I wouldn't mention either. Half a mile isn't far. I'm used to walking as I don't have a car so it wouldn't even register as an inconvenience with me. It must have taken ten minutes to get from the key pick up to the apartment, if that.

It is at 1am, especially with kids and luggage, it's ridiculous! They should just get a lockbox like every other airbnb!!

Original poster
raisemyheartrate · 31/08/2026 08:17

Premierinnsleep · 31/08/2026 08:13

  1. **The courtyard is really not as described. It was pictured to look huge, with a sea view and sun all day. In reality you can’t see the sea unless you’re in the flat, and the sun is gone by about 8:30 in the morning.

there was a picture of the courtyard … presumably surrounded by a wall and you can see the sea from the courtyard? That would be unusual

You’re like a dog with a bone!

Yes, the picture is obviously taken from inside the flat (I can see that now I’m here!), but it made it looks as though it was in the courtyard

OP posts:
Snoken · 31/08/2026 08:17

I’d mention the key but definitely not the sun as it’s season dependant. Had you been there June you probably would have had a lot more sun.

Original poster
raisemyheartrate · 31/08/2026 08:16

Premierinnsleep · 31/08/2026 08:14

I am curious why two such serious issues don’t appear to have been mentioned by any other reviewer

Me too! All the reviews focus on the amazing location, which is true. It’s right on the beach and a minute from public transport so I guess other people have overlooked the negatives. I’m not too bothered by the courtyard but the key thing is big for me

OP posts:
thetinsoldier · 31/08/2026 08:15

I’d mention both. People might book the flat so they could sit out in the courtyard.

Premierinnsleep · 31/08/2026 08:14

I am curious why two such serious issues don’t appear to have been mentioned by any other reviewer

Sophue · 31/08/2026 08:14

I would mention both as they would be importantly facts in helping me decide whether to book or not.

Premierinnsleep · 31/08/2026 08:13
  1. **The courtyard is really not as described. It was pictured to look huge, with a sea view and sun all day. In reality you can’t see the sea unless you’re in the flat, and the sun is gone by about 8:30 in the morning.

there was a picture of the courtyard … presumably surrounded by a wall and you can see the sea from the courtyard? That would be unusual

fashionqueen0123 · 31/08/2026 08:13

A key safe should be on the property not half a mile down the road!

Nincompoo · 31/08/2026 08:11

I’d mention both. The entirely shady courtyard would be a dealbreaker for me.

Premierinnsleep · 31/08/2026 08:11

Raptors · 31/08/2026 08:10

They won't refund for that and it would mean the OP would be without accommodation for her trip.

I think it's completely fair to include it in a review so others know about the unusual key collection before booking, don't you?

Show quote history

It absolutely would be grounds

and has the Op confirmed that many reviews and not one mentioned the access?

Mulledjuice · 31/08/2026 08:11

A courtyard is, by definition, typically walled on at least 3 sides so I wouldhave been surprised to be able to see the sea from it.
did the listing actually say sun all day/sea view from courtyard?

Raptors · 31/08/2026 08:10

Premierinnsleep · 31/08/2026 08:08

It doesn’t
because the system sends 48 hours before. Not the owner.

and if you don’t like the access because genuinely excessive distance, then this would be grounds to contact air BnB for 100% refund.

Show quote history

They won't refund for that and it would mean the OP would be without accommodation for her trip.

I think it's completely fair to include it in a review so others know about the unusual key collection before booking, don't you?

wherethewaterisdarker · 31/08/2026 08:10

Mention both - both are relevant and helpful info for future travellers. I think the more people are honest on Airbnb reviews the better. I get the feeling that many aren’t due to the reciprocal nature of the reviews.

Premierinnsleep · 31/08/2026 08:10

How many reviews does the property have?

not one single mention about the access?

2ndHandLou · 31/08/2026 08:09

MelonSorbet · 31/08/2026 07:44

I wouldn't mention either. Half a mile isn't far. I'm used to walking as I don't have a car so it wouldn't even register as an inconvenience with me. It must have taken ten minutes to get from the key pick up to the apartment, if that.

Come off it, who wants to be walking any distance with their luggage in the small hours without notice

No ones impressed by your superior walking skills

Premierinnsleep · 31/08/2026 08:09

SethAndReubenTooSendGaloshes · 31/08/2026 08:08

You're right, it's 48 hours.
The point is exactly the same.

Show quote history

But you open
read
see the inordinate distance
reasonable grounds to contact air BnB for full refund

Premierinnsleep · 31/08/2026 08:08

Raptors · 31/08/2026 08:07

I've only ever had check in details 48 hours before when I've used air b&b which I believe is the policy and would still be too late for someone to cancel a booking. So quibbling over one day seems a smidge pedantic?

Show quote history

It doesn’t
because the system sends 48 hours before. Not the owner.

and if you don’t like the access because genuinely excessive distance, then this would be grounds to contact air BnB for 100% refund.

SethAndReubenTooSendGaloshes · 31/08/2026 08:08

Premierinnsleep · 31/08/2026 08:05

No you don’t

Show quote history

You're right, it's 48 hours.
The point is exactly the same.

Raptors · 31/08/2026 08:07

Premierinnsleep · 31/08/2026 08:05

No you don’t

Show quote history

I've only ever had check in details 48 hours before when I've used air b&b which I believe is the policy and would still be too late for someone to cancel a booking. So quibbling over one day seems a smidge pedantic?

Premierinnsleep · 31/08/2026 08:07

raisemyheartrate · 31/08/2026 08:06

I’ve never had an Airbnb provide information any earlier than this to be honest. Travelling for leisure

Show quote history

Oh well then don’t waste your holiday stewing about what you’ll write in your review upon departure on Mumsnet!!

enjoy your holiday!