La Paz: Season Two

Demolitions, Fights and Other Reasons We’re Not Loving Airbnb Anymore

Okay, I was going to write about Mexico City, but I think it’s time to say a few words about accommodations.

As we’ve traveled through Mexico and stayed in numerous places, we’ve realized that we like accommodations where there is a sense of place or belonging (is this because we don’t own a house?), where we can talk with folks about the area, get to know them a bit, learn about their travels and lives, and hang out in common/outside areas.

We’re both introverts so it’s odd to be saying this. Maybe it’s because we’re spending so much time together, but we find it’s fun to engage with others. (??!!)

We had that experience in two places in La Paz, The Red Tree House in Mexico City (more on that in the next blog), and the place we’re currently staying in Oaxaca.

The Airbnbs that we have stayed in certainly don’t afford this experience.

We are by no means Airbnb aficionados. We’ve only stayed in about 11 different places. It is probable that sooner or later things aren’t going to be as expected, maybe even fall apart. But when do you say enough?

Since the majority of our travel is in Mexico, all these incidents occurred in Mexico.

Our first situation occurred in Cerritos Beach, BSC. There was a problem with noise and the air conditioning rattling the room (literally) last November, but our most recent episodes are worth mentioning in more detail.

In La Paz we stayed two weeks in a place we adored because it was on the marina with a great view of the water. The second morning we were lazily getting our act together, and around 10 a.m. there was suddenly crashing and pounding right above us. It was seriously a what-the-fuck moment. I immediately texted the host and asked about it.

She said she thought the noisy part was done. 

Well, I found out some days later that the owner of the place, whom we met, and she had an agreement that his crew would work from 10-1, and the noisy part certainly wasn’t done. This went on periodically during our stay, and got worse towards the end. I sent a flurry of texts and messages to the host and phone calls to the owner of the condo upstairs.

It was ridiculous, so bad that I told her she should cancel reservations for guests until the construction was done or at least let them know what they were in for. She agreed, and said it wasn’t fair to guests. She then said that “she would steeply discount a stay next time.” 

Hmmm…I knew also from our conversations with realtors that her place was for sale. Given that it might very well not be available, or we wouldn’t return, I asked if we could have a refund for $180, and I explained my math. 

I never heard from her. I tried again. No comment. I went to the resolution center of Airbnb, and it was resolved that way. We received our money, but what a hassle.

This past Sunday night’s situation was the worst. We arrived in Oaxaca on Saturday and our first night we stayed at lovely B&B here, Casa Colonial. Jim and Sandi Risser, whom many of you know, turned us on to this place. 

I had already booked an Airbnb for June 2 through 10. We arrived at the bnb as planned, and it was quite lovely, bright and not too far from our Spanish school or the downtown and zócalo. All was normal until we were awakened at 1:50 a.m. by screaming, shouting and crying. The guests below were having a horrible fight, throwing and breaking things. It was painful and scary to listen to.

About 10 minutes into it, I texted our host. She said she would do something. After two hours of continuous fighting, name calling, swearing, etc., the police showed up and took them away. It was absolutely the worst experience. We were so relieved and managed to get back to sleep.

Then at 5:45 a.m. voices below, then yelling. I heard, “Dámelo.” I had heard that too many to mistake who that was. They were back. We could not believe our ears. Immediately, I texted the host. What are they doing back here?

I didn’t hear from her before Ed and I headed off to Spanish school at 8:15. When we returned in the afternoon, I asked if we could talk. While we were waiting, we saw a couple below that looked a lot like the same couple. I texted her again. “They’re back?”

Incredibly, her husband who owns and hosts that bnb, allowed them to return for four more nights. We were appalled and dumbstruck and told her we had to leave. We didn’t trust them; they might go off again. 

She understood and has completely refunded our money, which is not usually done. BUT, it has left a very bad taste in our mouth.

Now we’re back at Casa Colonial, and we’ve gotten a lovely discount for the nights here. It’s the best. Quiet, peaceful with lovely gardens that attract birds and frogs. The night is filled with the sound of frogs and the mornings with bird songs. The staff here is great, and it has all worked out just fine.

Part of the Casa Colonial gardens

Ignacia serves a fabulous margarita!

 We know the advantages of having an Airbnb: less expensive rates, a kitchen, maybe a washer and dryer…something that feels like a residence. 

Yet at hotels and B&Bs, there is staff available to deal with issues more quickly, should they arise. Hosts at Airbnbs often aren’t available to resolve problems. We were lucky that in the latest situation, the owners lived next door so at least they could respond to my message, but sometimes our hosts live at the other end of town or not even in the same state or country. 

It’s all about preferences, and ours are becoming more clear.