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

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.

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

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

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..."

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.

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?

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??

But wouldn't most people prefer not to book in the first place rather than cancelling at short notice once they found this out? Surely you can see that some people might like to know about pain in the arse key pick up at the research phase rather than post booking?

What’s your issue?

Yes, the pictures show the sea - because the courtyard is below the level of the flat ever so slightly (about two feet or so) and so from the flat you can see the sea, but not the courtyard. It’s very clever photography I’ll give them that

I agree

baffled that not one review mentioned these issues
baffled that there wasn’t a picture of the courtyard and demonstrating no sea view

I can’t even imagine a courtyard with a sea view tbh

But the listing explicitly states sea view from the court yard?

or simply “sea view”? Which there was

It was described as sea view

There was a sea view

No, but the photos form part of the listing. So if you’re going to post photos that imply a sea view from the courtyard, I think it’s reasonable to expect one!

Are you always this picky? You seem determined to lay fault with the OP?

Yes to both

• Inconvenient to not have a key safe and exacerbated by not receiving instructions for collecting key half a mile away (on foot at 1am) until day of arrival
• Sea view not actually from courtyard, but from indoors

Look.. the listing said the property had a sea view

there was a sea view

hence not one single review mentioning the lack of a sea view!!

I get the feeling they’re an Airbnb host who also likes to take liberties with their listings and so they don’t like people who call it out

Oh I wish I owned a second property and could air BnB it!!!

The key collection is not unusual for apartments (particularly in France). The building management do not allow key boxes to be attached to the building. You will find lots of keys need to be collected from a key holding service, usually where there is 24hr secure access.

I'd mention the key safe and if the courtyard photos if they are misleading or AI enhanced.

Anyway if this is how you choose to spend your holiday… then I imagine it’s not going to be a great success anyway.

Enjoy your day

I think they are YOUR AirBnB host @raisemyheartrate!

Honestly @Premierinnsleep give it a rest.

Key collection yes, someone might be staying there and arriving by train or taxi, or even a lift where the driver goes back home or somewhere else.

As for photos, this is a case of buyer beware. Always likely to be selective or exaggerate.

Was there a reason you didn’t get a taxi straight to the pick up point for the keys, get them to wait, then drive you to the property? Was the key due to be delivered to the property, but this then changed when you were delayed?

I’d mention both.