KH
Kaylee Harris
Aug 31, 2026
We chose this property because we were looking forward to a relaxing waterfront stay, but unfortunately, this became one of the most disappointing Airbnb experiences we’ve had.
One of our biggest concerns began before arrival. We were only informed after booking that fishing and swimming were prohibited in the waterfront canal, despite these being significant restrictions for a waterfront property. This should have been clearly disclosed in the listing beforehand.
The communication before arrival was also unnecessarily stressful. Although this was a self-check-in property and we had already communicated that we were on our way, we received multiple messages requesting an exact arrival time and insisting on a specific check-in window. This made what should have been a straightforward self-check-in experience unnecessarily complicated.
Once inside, we noticed that a picture had fallen from the wall beneath the air conditioning unit, which we reported. The following morning, we also discovered several maintenance issues, including cookware that needed to be washed before use, a nonfunctioning toaster, and an inoperable dishwasher.
The most concerning issue was the air conditioning unit. It began leaking a significant amount of water directly into the living area. We had to move the pull-out couch to prevent further damage, at which point we discovered what appeared to be substantial pre-existing water damage underneath the unit. Within minutes, a large puddle had formed on the floor, and my boyfriend’s suitcase and personal belongings beneath the unit were soaked. We also discovered exposed electrical wiring near a wall outlet, which understandably raised safety concerns. Given the combination of the electrical issue, leaking air conditioner, and other maintenance problems, we contacted Airbnb for assistance.
The way our concerns were handled by Waterfront was particularly troubling. At approximately 1:00 am, in the middle of the night, we were asked to leave the property entirely so someone could come address the electrical issue. This was not simply a request for us to step out of a room; we were being asked to vacate the entire property in the middle of the night. As out-of-state travelers with nowhere else to go at that hour, we did not feel this was a reasonable or appropriate solution.
The following day, while we were away on a scheduled excursion, we received a call from the owners asking us to allow a maintenance worker into the property. We had not been informed beforehand that someone would be coming or that access would be needed while we were away. We explained that we were not comfortable allowing someone into the unit while our belongings were unattended and respectfully declined.
What was most disappointing was the experience after checkout. We followed the checkout instructions carefully, yet the hosts’ subsequent review minimized the maintenance issues and portrayed the situation as though there were no meaningful problems with the air conditioning or exposed wiring and as though we simply refused maintenance access. That left out important context, including that the initial request to leave the property came at approximately 1:00 a.m. We documented the leaking air conditioner, water damage, and exposed wiring with photographs.
Unexpected maintenance issues can happen at any property. What matters is how they are communicated and handled, particularly when they involve water damage and potential electrical safety concerns. Unfortunately, we did not feel that our concerns were treated with the level of urgency or care we would expect as paying guests.
There are beautiful places to stay throughout Key Largo, and a waterfront location can certainly be appealing. But a great vacation rental is about more than the location—it is about reliable maintenance, clear communication, and, above all, guests feeling safe and cared for. Unfortunately, that was not our experience here, and based on ours, we would personally not be staying at this property or any Waterfront locations again.