Casa Gaia

Cosy little apartment with everything you need for a short stay. Great central location with a terrace for breakfast/evening meals if needed. Air con and hot water much appreciated after a day out in the sun! Kitchenette suitable for simple evening meals cooked on the hob.

Firstly we wish to state that all matters raised below have been directly discussed with the owner. We have attempted to present an objective review of the property. Our stay was for a period of 7 nights. The property location is good, close to most things that you need. The outdoor terrace is a very nice place to eat meals. There was some nice fresh fruit in the fridge to greet us, along with a box of cookies and a bag of chips & bottled water There was also a vase of fresh flowers. We thought a nice welcome. The place has everything you need. Pots, pans were of good quality and surfaces all looked presentable. There was a good dining table and somewhere comfortable to sit (although the lounge chairs could do with a good steam clean) Hot water in the shower was very good. Solid wifi connection. Sheets and towels clean. We saw no evidence of cockroaches.

Damp: This is the number one issue to address. There was an overpowering smell of damp/mould coming from the cupboards in the kitchen. This odor and presence of a damp feeling was also present, albeit to a lesser extent throughout the property. There was a thunder/rain storm during the course of our stay, as well as a brief downpour on a separate occasion. Water entered the property and covered the floors on both occasions via the back door and the window frame. The backdoor backs directly onto the backyard. The backyard is itself a lower terrace and obviously doesn't have adequate drainage. The kitchen cupboards also back onto this wall. We were required to mop up the water with towels , with limited success. The explanation for the damp was not accepted. Bed frame felt insecure, bolts were loose. Had the bolts tightened by owner, however didn't hold well. Frame definitely needs replacing. The bed has been referenced in prior reviews, yet still not addressed. Mattress can also do with replacing. No Cleaning schedule: We had to contact the owner, (after 3 days) particularly regarding emptying the bin in the toilet. It was addressed, once only, after our phone call. Noise: It should be noted that the apartment above has wooden floors so you are aware of movement upstairs. Summary: This place has potential and some quite positive points, Fix the damp. Replace the bed. Advise of cleaning schedule. Hosts are on a steep learning curve and have a way to go. Listening to and acting upon, client feedback would be a good starting point.