After paying for what we expected would be the full use of 8 rooms, we were told that because we were “only” 9 people, only 5 bedrooms would be opened to us. The ad clearly stated that our fee would open up the entire property. In the end, the host conceded that the ad was misleading and opened both houses (but to our surprise, not every bed).
We paid a fee for linens that were insufficient and dirty. The beds we could use were pre-determined for us by the host. One set of sheets had hair all over & another set had urine, which caused the whole room to smell. The mattress protectors and top blankets were dirty with stains. The main living room smelled of urine.
We paid a fee to use the AC with a limited amount of electricity. We were told to keep windows closed at night due to break-ins, which left us sleeping in hot rooms (not every room has an AC unit). The fear of incurring additional fees was not the “vacation” experience we hoped for.
We paid a cleaning fee for a house that wasn’t clean. There were ants in the kitchen and a few bedrooms. Food was left in the pantry. There was old water in the tea kettle, trash that had not been removed, old food in the freezer. The bathrooms all had bars of used soap. We had to wash every dish before we used it. The egg cups still had egg on them, old, crusty food on glasses, plates, silverware. We received used, smelly sponges to use with dishes & had to purchase new ones. Several light bulbs were out. The pool light was broken. In a time of a deadly virus (Covid-19), to know we were in a completely unsanitary house was disturbing.
We were also surprised in the days leading up for a request of a lot of $ to be transferred to their bank account as a deposit. We left a US check, which was returned to us upon departure.
The Internet was HORRIBLE. If I had a call, none of the other 8 people could the internet at all, and even then it was bad. The smaller house had NO wifi at all.
Finally, while there ARE 8 bedrooms, the set up is a bit strange. Three of the rooms are conjoined, with one room being between the other two. No privacy. We have pictures of proof of everything should we be allowed to share them.
So while the view is incredible, the location perfect, and the space sufficient… the other elements of our experience were so challenging, we can’t in good conscious recommend the house without making you aware. We regularly stay in vacation homes & this was by far the most challenging.