cheska15

Some of you have had awful experiences. Does anyone know if Airbnb/ owner filters out negative reviews

Melnq8

I don't think they can cheska. AIr BNB doesn't post your review until the owner writes theirs, and if the owner doesn't write one, they will publish yours 14 days later. The owner can't see your review until it is posted. If you don't get any response from the owner via private message regarding your concerns, I'd definitely advise others of the state of the apartment in your review.

cheska15

An honest response from the owner, and I’m glad he responded

I'm sorry the place was not perfect clean. I come every time between each guest. So I came last Sunday, I cleaned it (vacuum cleaner, mop, dust, toilet, bathtub, etc.), but actually I didn't pay attention to the marks on the wall of the bathtub and doors. I apologize for this.

pgtraveler

I've had mostly good experiences renting apartments over the years. Only once did I have to clean when we got there. Sometimes there have been minor cleanliness issues like the corners in the bathroom, the baseboards, towels smelling like mildew, etc. Things that were easily fixed. I've never rented a place with no cleaning fee. Not sure what to expect in that case. Most charge a hefty cleaning fee, and while I leave the place neat and the dishes in the dishwasher, there is no way I am cleaning.

You were right to email the host, and at least he got back to you. I would leave an honest review so at least others know what to expect.

joduhl

Cleanliness matters! We have rented many apartments over the years through VRBO and airbnb and they have all been clean. I read the reviews very carefully and in fact was just looking at a link to an apartment someone posted on a different thread here - Bologna - and each review mentioned it was clean.
I also think there should be basic supplies - toilet paper, dish soap. We are paying and these do not cost very much.
And I believe in writing reviews as a service to others. I rely on reviews and I try to acknowledge positives (I have pointed out when there are generous supplies, including TP) and warn about any negatives.

joduhl

Cleanliness matters! We have rented many apartments over the years through VRBO and airbnb and they have all been clean. I read the reviews very carefully and in fact was just looking at a link to an apartment someone posted on a different thread here - Bologna - and each review mentioned it was clean.
I also think there should be basic supplies - toilet paper, dish soap. We are paying and these do not cost very much.
And I believe in writing reviews as a service to others. I rely on reviews and I try to acknowledge positives (I have pointed out when there are generous supplies, including TP) and warn about any negatives.

stokebailey

So true, joduhl. An accurate review is so important to others. When traveling with my husband, I look very carefully for the words "quiet" and "noise." Spotlessness is good, but not always my first priority.

AlessandraZoe

cheska15--You are not being too picky--your standards are my standards--but we've always found renting to be a mixed bag. Like others, I search the reviews for the words, "spotless" and also for the words, "MOLD." I study any bathroom picture in any hotel or rental for signs of bad grout. You should feel free to be frank in your evaluation, and you can certainly relay that the owner took some responsibility.

bigtyke

When we rented our 2 beach apartments in San Diego county primarily to friends and relatives, we just asked everyone to leave them clean. I don’t remember any problems or complaints from the next week’s occupants. After we started renting to others, we just added $50-100 to the tent and hired a cleaning company.

mjs

I agree cleanliness is most important.

FTOttawa

Have not had cleanliness problems in any of our Gites de France, CléVacances or VRBO rentals. I don’t have any experience with AirBnB. I prefer real BnBs.

The current gîte rental is reminding me how grateful I am for TP, bathroom hand soap, oil and vinegar, salt and pepper, and paper towels. You can take wine corkscrews for granted. Glad I brought a supply of ziplock bags to deal with leftovers. As with cottage rentals in Canada, it’s often prudent to bring one good kitchen knife. Had we stopped at a market as I intended, we’d also now have an ample bag of herbes de Provence. Drat.