Vacation Rentals by Owner

Disappointed

Guest: Valerie P. (FL)
Date of Stay: 03/01/12 Review Submitted: 03/21/12

As a seasoned traveler and myself a VRBO homeowner, I know how important these reviews are. Many potential guests will base their decision on what previous guests have written, just as I did. We were 2 moms and our 20 yr. old daughters, and I rented this home based on the favorable reviews. Unfortunately we were very disappointed. The location was good - very centrally located, and just a short walk to Hollywood Blvd. The downside is that you have to walk thru some undesirable areas to get there. The house is tucked between mostly apt. bldgs, where people are coming and going at all hours. It's quite noisy with traffic, people yelling, and the gate to the apt. bldg. next door constantly slamming. There is also another residence attached to the back of this house, which we were not told about The house was not very clean or well maintained. The guest bath had a leaking toilet, broken door latch, and the light was blown and we were unable to access it. In addition, the bed linens and towels are stained and worn, and the comfortors looked dirty and old. The kitchen was dirty with crumbs, and the rugs through the house are filthy. Additionally, the house is very dark due to dim halogen or totally blown bulbs. We had 2 cars, and were told there was 1 spot in the driveway, but plenty of street parking - we found that wasn't the case. When we did find a spot in front of the house, we received a $68 ticket because it was 'street cleaning day' - coming from an area where there is no such thing, we were unaware. Yes, there are street signs, but they are very small, and you have to go out of your way to find them. I feel very strongly that this information should be made readily available to guests either in the house, the contract, or via e-mail. Finally, I did not find Vilda to be easy to communicate with. 6 days before our arrival, I had to e-mail her to find out the check-in procedure. Any questions I had usually took a few days or a second e-mail for her to answer. I own, manage, maintain and clean my own VRBO beach rental in FL. It's rented consistently all season long, booked a year in advance, many guests return every year, and I have 100% positive feedback in my reviews. A well maintained home, cleanliness, good communication & attention to detail are key to running a successful rental - these things are not a priority in this home as is evidenced by advertising a bottle of wine upon arrival, but finding nothing! Sadly, I would not return.

Owner response:Dear Valerie, We are very sorry if you had bad experience staying at our house. I was not aware that you were pretty upset with us way even before your arrival date. Our goal is to listen to our clients concern and make them happy but I never receive any of your concern until you were check out so I thought everything went well. We will do our best to listen and solve all our clients concern if our clients would let us know. We dont have a perfect home and a Four Season hotel customer sevice. We run the business in an old way just like other home owner do. But we do care of our clients as much as you care of your clients. We would not know the trouble and try to fix the problem if we wouldnt hear it from clients. Unfortunately you never give me a change to listen to your concern until you check out and give us a review. I will mail a check of $68 to pay your parking ticket today. Again very sorry for everything. I hope everything is well.

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Charming House in a wonderful location

Guest: Maddy (Everett, WA)
Date of Stay: 02/16/12 Review Submitted: 03/23/12

We loved this house, especially the location. We arrived the week before the Academy Awards and were just a couple blocks from all the action at the Kodak Theater so we got to see them setting everything up. House is very comfortable and charming with two bedrooms and two baths. Location could not have been better. Just a few miles from Beverly HIlls, Universal Studios and downtown LA. Walking distance to the sites of Hollywood. Supermarkets very close by and also excellent restaurants within walking distance. We highly recommend this location.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

great hollywood location

Guest: cynthia (needham, ma.)
Date of Stay: 02/01/11 Review Submitted: 03/19/11

My best friend and 18year old daughter and I stayed here the first week in February. The house and property are beautiful. Great amenities like shampoo,conditioner and body wash in each bathroom. Parking was good and the Hollywood walk of fame was three blocks away. Very convenient to grocery stores etc. and two blocks from In-n-out burger. We actually drove down to the beach which wasn't too bad unless you go during peak traffic. The location for visitors is great if you want to see Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Universal. I definitely recommend this property!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful little house

Guest: Chris (Roanoke, VA )
Date of Stay: 05/19/10 Review Submitted: 05/28/10

We visited in May '10 for a week and couldn't have asked for a better place to stay. The location was great, the house was very comfortable and had everything we needed, very clean and nicely decorated. The off street parking was a huge plus too. Would highly recommend this property to anyone looking for a place in Hollywood.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Had a great time staying here for my 29th birthday

Guest: HllywdBD (Dallas, TX)
Date of Stay: 05/14/10 Review Submitted: 04/07/11

I've been meaning to leave this review for almost year now. We stayed here for 5 nights for my 29th birthday. It was the perfect location since we had a lot of stuff to do in the Hollywood area. We travel a lot and I would say this was probably some of the most comfortable accommodations I have stayed in yet. The house felt like we were right at home. We had a rental car, but it was close enough that we were able to walk some of the time. Vilda was very pleasant to deal with and returned our deposit in a timely manner. We would definitely stay here again!

Owner response:Dear Jamie, I am so Glad that you enjoyed your stay at my house. I hope to see you again next time. Thank you again. Vilda

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Location, House, and Value

Guest: NBPgeorgia (Newnan, GA)
Date of Stay: 09/12/09 Review Submitted: 08/31/10

Before we booked, we didn't know exactly where we wanted to stay around LA. We couldn't have been happier with this house. It was a really nice place and really felt like it was our house while we were there. Very clean. Nice and secluded feel even though you're right in Hollywood. We will be back again.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Brenda Verkamp (Hastings, NE)
Date of Stay: 08/05/08 Review Submitted: 08/05/08

We stayed at this property in July 2008. It was very CLEAN, ORGANIZED, and such a cute place. It met all our needs that we ever asked for. There was one large bathroom and the other bathroom was a little small but it worked for our needs. I would definitely stay here again and Vilda was wonderful to work with. Thank you Vilda!!! Our girls are still talking about "THEIR" house. :)

Owner response:It was my pleasure to meet all of you. Hope to see you again (make sure this time you book it earlier).

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Guest: The Loh & Soon family
Date of Stay: 07/06/08 Review Submitted: 07/05/08

Dear Aunty Vilda,We have really really enjoyed our stay in LA, "The city of Angels". Thank you so much for your hospitality! Your house is so warm nad homey that we look forward to coming back home after a long and tiring day out. Your house is really lovely! Its seems to be giving off its own kind of warmth. It reminds us so much of our home back in Singapore!Once again, we thank you for your hospitality and letting us stay in your house. It has made our Hollywood and Los Angeles experience simply wonderful!

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Guest: Tony, Luiza & family
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/30/08

Dear Vilda,Thank you for your assistance and hospitality during our stay in LA. It was a home away from home. Your home is clean and fully equiped and in a great location. I hope the rest of our stay in America is as this one. All the best.

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Guest: Sitara & Rosalind
Date of Stay: 06/27/08 Review Submitted: 06/26/08

Vilda,Just wanted to expressive our gratitude for saving our trip! No one was able to accomodate us but we came across you and all was said and done. Great location and also safe. You definitely take care of your guest and its always a pleasure to run into people like you. It really makes an impact on a visitor when locals are as friendly and helpful as you. Our stay couldn't be better. Thank you so much

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Guest: Susan Wahlers (Gilbert, AZ)
Date of Stay: 04/26/08 Review Submitted: 04/26/08

Dear Vilda,Thank you so so much for letting us stay in your house! It made our Hollywood experience so much better! The place is adorable. We will most definately recommend this place! Love,Sammie, Trisha, Alexys, Melinda, Trish and Sue

Owner response:I am glad you had fun. Hope to see you all again.

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Guest: The Hughes family3 (St Louis, Mo)
Date of Stay: 04/26/08 Review Submitted: 04/26/08

Dear Vilda & Bill,Your home has by far been our most enjoyable VRBO rental. Thank you ever so much for everything. Everything we could have possibly needed was here. Eventhough you were so willing to offer anything else.We love LA and will be back in the fall. I never need to look anywhere else for accomodations. This place is perfect!! You're a dearie too!

Owner response:I am glad you enjoyed your stay. I can't wait to see you and your family again in October. Vilda

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/26/08 Review Submitted: 04/26/08

Dear Vilda,It is such a lovely house! Thank you so much for your hospitality and attention to detail. Hopefully we can come back again! Thanks!

Owner response:Thank you and hope you will be back.

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Guest: Han & Family
Date of Stay: 04/23/08 Review Submitted: 04/22/08

Dear Vilda,It is such a lovely house! Thank you so much for your hospitality and attention to detail. Hopefully we can come back again! Thanks!

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Guest: Alicia & Patrick Woody
Date of Stay: 03/10/08 Review Submitted: 03/09/08

Thank you so much for your generosity and hospitality in sharing your beautiful guest home with us. Having such a beautifully appointed home in the heart of hollywood was an absolute dream!The proximity to great shops and restaurants far exceeded our expectations. Never again will we stay in a hotel! Thank you again for everything and we will hopefully see you back here again in the very near future.PS: For all future guest-be sure to check out griffith park observatory!!! (the sunset there is unbelievable)

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Guest: Kathy & Nicole (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 01/15/08 Review Submitted: 01/15/08

Thanks for the great stay. Your place was convenient and very well appointed. We felt at home in LA during our New Year's stay. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend your place to others. Restaurant recommendation: Hungry Kitty, Yamashiro (awesome view)and the cat and the fiddle for their super beau garden. We also liked hiking in Runyon Canyon Park and took a drive over to Santa Monica Pier.

Owner response:Hope to see you again.

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Guest: Sandra McCleary (Roanoke, VA)
Date of Stay: 12/12/07 Review Submitted: 12/12/07

What a charming place. The pictures do not do justice to the home. It was super clean and completely remodeled. I would definitely go back. I think she could charge a lot more for it after looking at other places. It was so close to EVERYTHING.

Owner response:Thank you so much for your comment. I am glad you had a great time at my place. Hope to see you again soon.

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Guest: The Enrique Iglesias Fan Club
Date of Stay: 12/10/07 Review Submitted: 12/09/07

Vilda, This place was great! We had a wonderful time and enjoyed your home greatly. We hope to come back soon.

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 12/02/07 Review Submitted: 12/01/07

Vilda,Thank you so much! Your pLace is beautiful and we had a fantastik time! We will be back.Tanza, Annette, Shiela, Brandie & Lorrie

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Guest: Mascaraque Family (Barcelona, Spain)
Date of Stay: 11/23/07 Review Submitted: 11/23/07

Dear Vilda,Thanks for such a wonderful stay at your property in LA. You were a great host, with great attention to detail, that made us feel really at home.The house is beautiful, cosy and clean, and within easy reach to any of LA's attractions.We will certainly recommend it to all of our friends!

Owner response:It was my pleasure to meet you family and had you stay in our home. Hope you will be back soon. Vilda

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Guest: Chris & Trista (Illinois)
Date of Stay: 11/19/07 Review Submitted: 11/19/07

Vilda,Thank you for preparing such a lovely home for us to stay in. Everything was so well clean and maintained. We will look you up next time we're in town and need a place to stay!Chris & Trista

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Guest: Thomas family
Date of Stay: 11/10/07 Review Submitted: 11/09/07

Dear Vilda,Thank you for your kind hospitality. We were in town from Maryland for a funeral of a beloved family member. It has been a difficult time but your lovely place was a calm haven for us all.We will highly recommend your accomodation.Sincerely,Sharon Thomas

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Guest: Jeanette & Family (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 11/02/07 Review Submitted: 11/02/07

Hi Vilda, my family and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at your home. The home far exceeded our expectations and we will definitely stay there again when we return to LA.

Owner response:It was my pleasure to had you and your family stay in our rental home. I hope to see you again in the future. Vilda

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Guest: Rick & Laurie Hardee
Date of Stay: 10/15/07 Review Submitted: 10/14/07

Bill & Vilda,Thank you so much for your hospitality & service you have given us the last couple weeks here. We have been so blessed to stay in such a beautiful, cozy home. You have helped in making our stay in LA as pleasant as possible. We hope to see you again in the near future. Thanks again.Rick, Laurie & family.

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Guest: Governor Singson & family
Date of Stay: 08/07/07 Review Submitted: 08/06/07

Dear Vilda,Thank you so much for the wonderful service you provided us during our stay at your home. The fresh flowers, wine, toiletries etc. we're nice added. Thank you for keeping the house always clean. The house is so beautifully decorated home. We will definitely refer your vacation home!

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Guest: Kristy King (Castle Rock, WA 98611)
Date of Stay: 07/16/07 Review Submitted: 07/16/07

I stayed in the house for 2 weeks. The accomodations were excellent. The home has a very homey feel to it. The owners are very friendly and nice. They will make sure your stay with them will be an enjoyable one.

Owner response:I am glad you enjoyed your stay. It was nice to meet you and hope you will be back someday.

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Guest: FRED ERESE (LOS ANGELES/CA)
Date of Stay: 07/10/07 Review Submitted: 07/10/07

My family had a wonderful stay at your Hollywood Vacation home. The surroundings were amazing and the atmosphere was great. Thanks for the great stay. You have an outstanding family.

Owner response:Thank you for your comment. I am glad you enjoyed stay in our rental home. I hope to see you again.

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