Terrible Experience
Review Submitted: October 22, 2009
Date of Stay: October 2009
Frankly I'm shocked to read the previous reviews. I have never had such a terrible experience with a hotel or rental during the many travels I've had.
First of all, the apartment my group was given as our rental was definitely not the one in the pictures. It was generally the same layout (leading me to believe we were given another similar unit in the same building) but was not recently renovated, did not have marble in both bathrooms (one of the bathrooms has only a shower not a tub/shower combo) and the kitchen layout is completely different as well, not to mention unattractive and ill equipped.
Second of all, the place was very dirty. Upon arriving for what was supposed to be my cousin's birthday celebration weekend in New York we found ourselves doing laundry, buying towels (as there were only 6 for a place that "sleeps 8-10"), toilet paper and laundry detergent and wiping down filthy countertops and tables. And the dishes and silverware are almost unmentionable.
After a walk to Chinatown our first afternoon in the city, and after doing a few loads of laundry, we arrived back to the apartment to find a pushy "realtor" and "possible tenant" walking around the unit. Not once were we informed that random people would be in the apartment unattended with our belongings. Instead of apologizing the "realtor" acted as if we were crazy for our concerns.
Finally, as if all of this wasn't enough, the owner/landlord informed us on our last day/night in the unit that we owed her an additional and substantial amount of money not noted in our agreement. After trying to explain that we had numerous emails proving what was owed and that we had indeed paid our agreed upon fees she immediately gave us the ultimatum of "pay up or get out".
If anything we were owed money back or at the very least a discount for having to clean the unit, restock it with essential toiletries and purchase absent items that had been noted in the listing.
Renting this apartment ended up ruining what was supposed to be a relaxing long weekend for my friends and family and definitely not the way to celebrate your birthday.
Owner's Response: I have been managing vacation rentals for the last 5 years and this was the ONLY HORRIBLE experience I ever had with a renter. Upon arrival Renter said that they dont have full rent amount and I have to comeback to pick up rent - previously I made it clear to a client that full amount of rent MUST be paid upon arrival. Despite the fact that I had not received any money I still let them check in and gave them keys. Renter inspected apartment and said everything looked great. Also I let the client check in a few hours before official check in time and I waved all extra charges. Later that day I was trying to get in touch with a client to coordinate time for rent payment but renter was obviously avoiding me and wasn't at the apartment at the agreed time.
Next day I received a phone call from renter complaining regarding cleanliness of the apartment, etc - and asking to negotiate the rent. I pointed out that why this complaint is brought up 24 hours after check in and inspection of the apartment upon check in, but client insisted on negotiating the rent. Finally we set up a meeting and client paid only for 2 days out of 3 days reserved, saying that they changed their mind and need apartment only for 2 nights. I warned client that I will be forced to keep their security deposit for the 3rd night. Client threatened with a lawsuit and bad feedback on Homeaway. Never filed a lawsuit but here it is a bad feedback on Homeaway website. On website it clearly states that all reservations must be 3 nights minimum, and if I have known that client only needed apartment for 2 nights and not 3 as they mentioned and made reservation for I would have never accepted their reservation. Plus it was a weekend reservation, when 3 nights is a must.
Apartment is thoroughly professionally cleaned between the guests and I always welcome previews of the apartment by your friends or family that live in NY before you make a reservation.
As I mentioned above - this is the worst experience I ever had. All of my clients always have great time staying in the apartment and they do comeback and refer their friends and family.
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