My red flags with this property began with the list of chores required at checkout. the host charges $125 for clean-up but asks you to strip the sheets (not the comforters...More on that disgusting fact later) and start the wash, load and start the dishwasher, dump all trash, and clean out the fridge. My second annoyance was the strong language regarding having parties in the rental. He will charge you $500 if you have a party and $25 a person who is in the rental not listed on the original rental. I planned to have a friend over but changed my mind after this wording. There is also a lot of talk about noise. Ironically the neighbors across the street had their music so loud we could hear it in the rental. Luckily they stopped at 10 pm.
The third issue I had was reporting there was no hairdryer. I sent three separate messages regarding the lack of a hair dryer. I am traveling with two high-schoolers and myself and purposely did not bring a hairdryer because one was listed on the amenities. I had a terrible hair day and ended up buying a hairdryer after radio silence requesting one from the host. He stated he missed the messages.
The last annoyance was the great setup for coffee but absolutely no sweetener.
I sent a message to the host explaining my overall disappointment. To this, he responds with a lengthy explanation of why he has set the rules he has. Andrew has had a history of parties at his properties.
Shortly after my message, I receive a message from Andrew stating the housekeeper has found pee on one of the comforters. To this, I explain I have high school-age kids and the pee was not from us. My child took a picture of what looks like spit up from one of the comforters reporting he was going to sleep in that bed but when he discovered the stain decided not to. Because the bed was not made I pulled the sheets for cleaning with the rest of them. Andrew insisted my teenagers peed on the comforter and charged my credit card $53.41 for a new comforter even after I sent him the image of the dirty comforter. The host does not clean the comforters between guests. That's just gross.
So Andrew has made me regret using VRBO for short-term rentals. I have attempted to dispute the change with VRBO but it is up to Andrew to do the right thing. I may be back to hotels from this point forward. I encourage you potential renter to continue to read all reviews prior to selecting a place. A single 5-star review does not tell the whole story!
