The property is very accurately described on VRBO. Very secluded, and a perfect jump-off point for exploring Michigan's northwest lower peninsula. We had two travelers (myself and my spouse) and we communicated with Mike (the owner) extensively before booking and arrival, specifically about our service dog (a Labradoodle) traveling with us. While his listing does say "no pets", after discussing it with Mike, he agreed that a no-shedding dog like ours would be OK because he also has a Labradoodle, with the stipulation that if we ever left the property, we'd have to leave her in a crate, which we, as responsible pet owners brought along and used as agreed. No additional costs were discussed, nor expected (We paid nearly $1800.00 for 5 days). Mike was present when we checked in, and he saw and played with the dog as we went over all of the amenities of the cabin. So far so good.
Prior to checking out, we thoroughly cleaned all of the rooms in the cabin that we used, and even washed the linens. We pretty much left the cabin in as good or better condition than we found it.
After we checked out, we received a message from Mike that said: "We did wash all the pillow cases and bedspreads in case your dog jumped on them. Just to be safe with allergies." Fine, no problem, something a good host should probably do. What did surprise us was a message from VRBO (under the name "Dale", who is really the same "Mike" apparently) the next day after we returned home that we were going to be charged an additional $150.00 because the bedspreads and pillowcases were washed and he had "paid someone to wash all of the pillowcases and bedspreads".
This was NEVER discussed up-front when we talked about the dog, and it should have been treated as a "cost of doing business", rather than the equivalent of a "bait and switch".
We were charged the $150.00, and who knows if we'll ever get it back. It's not going to bankrupt us, but it did add a negative feeling to what was otherwise a wonderful trip. We are not happy about it and want future renters of this Cabin to be aware. Multiple messages about this have been sent to Mike and VRBO, both before and after the additional $150.00 charge was posted, but no replies have been received.
Buyer beware, I guess.
