I messaged the "host" before booking to let them know I would be celebrating my 40th birthday with a get together of 30-40 people (upon booking, the onsite max was listed as 50 people). Their response was about the max number of onsite vehicles, which was 10. We'll carpool... no problem!
Months later, ON THE DAY OF CHECK-IN, I received a message that said in order to receive access to the property, I must reply "agree" to the following:
"No more than 30 people... on the property at one time. If you are ever over this amount we reserve the right to fine you... or immediately cancel your reservation"
"Please no parties or events"
The list of rules continued.
THEY WAITED UNTIL CHECK-IN DAY TO MAKE ME AWARE OF THEIR ACTUAL RULES even though I was completely transparent about my event and expected number of onsite guests.
The "host" claimed to be unaware of the event, even though the details were in the message string. My last message to the "host" was requesting the address for my caterers. The "host" replied with the info, so they were WELL AWARE of my gathering. My only saving grace was that I had our messages saved. As it turns out, the "host" is a team of people - so you may not be communicating with the actual "host".
THE WORSE PART IS, the "host" offered to just cancel my reservation (family traveling in, planning for months, equipment and caterers scheduled). All canceled, unless I gave them a HEAFTY event fee (I can't say how much but it included three zeros). It appeared to be the BEST SCAM EVER!
After speaking with the "host" for over an hour, we negotiated to make it a deposit instead of a fee, pending the home didn't show signs of an event - which it didn't because, as previously stated, I was turning 40! (In my messages, I even invited the "host" to attend my gathering.)
Instead of canceling my long planned event, I had no choice but to pay the money. I told him THIS WAS ROBBERY AT ITS FINEST! My family and I spent a great deal of time combing the house and taking photos of damages so we wouldn't be blamed later. WE TOOK A LOT OF PHOTOS! The interaction put quite a damper on my celebration weekend. The home is okay... I've experienced better. Definitely not worth the trouble, based on my experience. Reserve at your own risk. My only advice is to put everything in writing.
PS. VRBO requests incidences be reported within 24 hours but I did not for fear of losing my "deposit". Apologies VRBO for not making you aware of this sooner.
