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

[raisemyheartrate]

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

You only get check in information less than 24 hours before check in on Airbnb and she couldn't have cancelled at that point!

The key thing yes definitely, the courtyard wouldn’t bother me.

Absolutely mention the key thing!

and this is air BnB? Because if so… that’s completely against how the owners are meant to operate.

Did you have to chase beforehand? Or did you wait for the day and hope for the best?

Is this for holiday or work?

No you don’t

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

The owner doesn’t send the access details

air BnB automatically issues 48 hours before arrival

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

enjoy your holiday!

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?

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

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.

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

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

How many reviews does the property have?

not one single mention about the access?

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.

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?

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?

It absolutely would be grounds

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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