Airbnb Stay in Hong Kong

I am usually gentle and forgiving with my accommodation reviews. Especially Airbnb reviews, as I see these hosts are people like you and me. But, this time round, I was less forgiving.

Bf assumed that I will give the host a not-so-nice review. I was pissed off during check-in. More on this later. But that pissed off feeling has gone with the wind (or perhaps it was the yummeh HK food), so my review was as genuine as it could be. I omitted the part about additional payment though.

Towards the end of the trip, bf asked whether I have changed my mind about our accommodation.

Well … I said there are 2 sides to the story / review. Always try to put a positive spin on a negative situation, that’s me.

I didn’t have good experience liaising with some of the HK Airbnb hosts. Most of them marked up the price than listed, reason cited as peak period. Not one. But many. This host included.

For this particular listing, the host asked for additional HKD 600 (approx RM 338 / 2800 baht) for 3 nights stay. He was okay for the additional payment to be in paid in cash during check-in. I agreed, as it is still relatively affordable, given that it was peak travel period. Altogether, we paid about 10,000 baht for 3 nights stay.

So why was I pissed off?

If you read my earlier post, we departed from Bangkok on 31st Dec on a 2am flight. Money-aside, we wanted to maximise our first day in Hong Kong.

I slept through most part of the flight, but not my bf. We landed around 6am at HKIA (Hong Kong International Airport), and bf was dead tired. Dead tired that he took naps sitting up at the airport.

We had a slow start, but it was okay. No rush to anywhere, as it was meant to be slow-mo holiday.

By the time we left the airport, it was around 8.30am or so.

 

 

 

We headed to the hostel, with the intention to drop off our luggage at the hostel. Yes, there are hostels listed on Airbnb. And I wonder why? Being able to drop off our luggage before check in, that was the main reason why I booked the place. I was hoping for early check-in, but otherwise, left luggage works for us too.At booking stage, I did mention to the host that I was hoping for early check-in (if room is available), and gave him our flight details. And I’ll check again closer to our trip.

One week before our trip, I gave him my flight details again, and asked whether early check-in if possible. He didn’t even reply my question, but said that check-in is at 3pm. And be PUNCTUAL.

Then you better be punctual, yourself! As I am a bloody (pardon my language) punctual person.

 

 

 

 

He wasn’t punctual. And room wasn’t ready at 3pm. And this was not informed to me beforehand. I informed him via LINE on my arrival, and he had to cheek to inform me only then that the cleaner has called in sick. He would have to do the cleaning himself, which he can’t NOW. And ask me to come back at 6pm. Can you see why I was $%^& ? But I managed my emotion, as didn’t want to spoil our holiday mood. It was also the eve of New Year.Sigh. Poor bf was sooooo tired, that he was already sleeping at the hostel’s corridor.

The whole place is installed with digital door lock, and main door and our bedroom’s passcodes were given to me before check-in. Thank god for that.

I got the store room’s passcode from the host, and changed the bedding myself, so that we get to take our afternoon nap. And he said that he’ll do the cleaning later.

The host had to remind me about the additional payment then. Not the right time, when the guest’s check-in is screwed-up, no? I felt my blood rising, but told myself to keep cool. How many times had he reminded me about the additional payment, even before my trip has started? All his messages ended up with additional payment reminder. Money, money, money. Aiyooo.

 

 

Sorry if this sounds racist to some of you, but this place seemed to attract guests from one particular neighboring country. Oh my. They do have poor hygiene and also inconsiderate. Loud talking after 12mn is a taboo in shared spaces, people.

 

 

My long-winded review here pretty says everything I’ve gotta say.I don’t mind booking myself into this place again, if there is no pressure of ‘everything to goes well as per plan’ and will just need to keep my fingers crossed that my hostel-mates are clean. For goodness sake, make sure the toilet is flushed and clean up after your own poo slash. Basic hygiene, got it?