Vacation Rentals by Owner

Wish we stayed longer at this home!!!

Guest: Kyle (Manhattan, NY)
Date of Stay: 01/07/12 Review Submitted: 02/24/12

We stayed for 4 days and our plans were last minute plan. We had a great time. We never heard of salt water pool system and when I get back home - I will have to add this to my "spa" (don't have a pool). Could not have asked for anything more. The owner was prompt with our initial call and made things that much easier when a lady greeted us at our arrival. All the great reviews are exactly what this house had. I don't know why someone would think otherwise, but I know there are many unhappy people in this world. Thank you for having us at your home. I hope we left your beautiful place as we found it. Will be back for our future vacations to Palm Springs. Thank you again.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Disappointing rental

Guest: vacationers (Berkeley, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/27/11 Review Submitted: 01/31/12

This house has the amenities stated, but has quite a few problems that we were not happy with: 1) unbelievable noise level of jets taking off from the airport and heavy traffic noise from a nearby major street (and we live in a metropolitan area - so are not overly sensitive to urban noise). Even inside the house with the doors and windows shut, the noise is loud enough to stop your conversation because no one can hear you when a jet takes off. Traffic noise is load in the front bedrooms - bring ear plugs. The house is located very near the airport flight path. Absolutely deafening. 2) We both got very itchy skin infections all over our bodies from the pool/spa that took two weeks to clear up. 3) The Master Bedroom bed is so hard it's like laying on a piece of plywood - it was so uncomfortable we could not sleep on it and had to use one of the smaller beds which was not large enough for us both to be comfortable. 4) The neighbors on one side arrived at the front door to "politely interrogate" us because (I assume) they saw my spouse outside with a friend of ours who lives in the area and his dog. They kept asking us how many dogs we had and were not satisfied until they had been inside the house and seen there was only one dog and only two of us staying there. We have rented many VRBO homes and this is the first time we've had the neighbors spying on us. 5) The neighbors on the other side had children that harrassed and teased our dog through the hedge anytime they were outside. We had to keep bringing our dog in and it made being outside unenjoyable. 6) The pool maintenance guy and groundskeepers were supposed to come at certain times on certain days. We purposely tried to be away from the house at the specified times, yet on a completely different day and time the pool guy walked into the yard unannounced (while we were unclothed). We did not appreciate having a stranger walk in on us like that. On another day, both the yard and pool people came in the afternoon instead of the morning - once again disturbing our privacy. 7) You have to meet someone at the house to get in, and must give a specific arrival time. This was not convenient for us. All other VRBO homes we've rented we've been able to arrive whenever we got there and either pick up a key somewhere or access a lockbox with a given code. We would not rent this house again. There are other homes in the area that are much nicer, don't have these problems and cost the same.

Owner response:I received two emails with the following comments from this guest: Arrival: "Maryline was very welcoming, thanks". Departure: "We have enjoyed our stay very much". Prior to this guest arriving, 2 couples stayed for 2 weeks and left 4 days prior to this guest arriving. A review from this party is on our site and it's a complete opposite experience. In response, I will address each bullet point: 1. You do not need earplugs or need to close the windows and doors to have a conversation. Living or vacationing in Palm Springs – everyone is (or must be aware) the airport is centrally located to all of Palm Springs. It's a fact and has been for many years and has never had an impact on enjoying Palm Springs. 2. Our pool/spa is a salt water pool (no chlorine) and past guest never had an issue with itchy skin. Perhaps guest got sun poison, bad lotion or ate something bad. I don't know, but again prior to this guest - no other party had a skin issue with a salt water pool. 3. I wish I can accommodate every mattress preference. If I had a soft mattress, someone else may want a hard mattress. This is a personal choice and our home is no different than any other VRBO you may encounter. 4. I cannot dictate what the neighbors do. I can assure guests our neighbors are not trying to spy or intrude on your activities or vacation time. A guest has the right to conduct themselves as they see fit and not being bothered, if that is the case, is a guest choice. 5. Having 3 dogs of my own, and for the past 8 years of owning this home, I have never encountered the child harassing my dogs. In reality, I cannot see the other side of the neighbors property through our hedge. 6. The pool and gardener come to clean and keep the property tidy for your pleasure. At times, the schedule from these people can fall behind, but we make every effort the services are done with minimal intrusion for guest. If I was advice of a timing issue - the situation would have been taken care of at once. 7. Maryline is at the house to greet guest and is not required. Although there is a house manual to read, guests enjoy Maryline providing information about the house. Contrary to what this review states about Maryline - the email received contradicts the review about Maryline and their stay. As owners, we take all reviews seriously and being notified of issues that may arise during your stay is very important . If we don't know there is an issue–how can we rectify the situation?

Recommended for:

Fantastic Place! A great time had by all. Will come again next year!

Guest: Chris (New York)
Date of Stay: 12/10/11 Review Submitted: 02/08/12

Thank you for having a great place for people wanting a relaxed and quiet environment. Our stay began when greeted by Maryline. She was so helpful and nice. We travel a lot and at times we have to read manual to get to know a home. Maryline was a very nice touch on the owners part. When we arrived, there was a basket of fruit and was so needed after a long travel day. The home was clean, airy and light. At times, it seemed our party was the only one in the neighborhood as there was silence - something that is enjoyable when vacationing. We enjoyed the salt water pool and spa all times of the day - especially after a good round of golf. We cooked most of the time and the kitchen was fully equipped with everything. From all types of cooking spices(herbs), dishes, glasses - etc - you name it - the kitchen had it stocked. All the bedrooms were so manicured that I hated to get on beds when we checked in. We truly enjoyed ourselves and thank you for making our stay so enjoyable. The owners were very attentive from the beginning of our booking and Maryline was a short distance if we needed anything. Lucky for us, we were on our own and the home took care of itself. The pool person comes twice a week and gardener once a week - so we did not have to do anything. Coming back to the house after a long day of golf and outdoor activities was such a pleasure. We felt as we stayed in a hipster place like the "rat pack" would have back in their day. We have decided to book or stay for 2012 by the time our stay was coming to an end as we did not want to miss a chance of home being booked. It was a sad, but happy day as we truly enjoyed ourselves. THANK YOU FOR HAVING YOUR BEAUTIFUL HOME ON VRBO. See you in 2012

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

LOVED THIS HOUSE!

Guest: Eric (Miami, Florida/USA)
Date of Stay: 06/06/11 Review Submitted: 06/15/11

We stayed at this home for a full week for our anniversary. We arrived on Monday - June 6th and were met by Maryline, woman that takes care of the home, upon our arrival as schedule. Maryline was helpful and showed us around and gave us great information on restaurants and golf courses we should check out during our stay. We could not have asked for anything more on our special week as the home took care of itself and had no issues. We cooked most of the time as the home was (is) fully equipped with everything one needs to make a gourmet meal (wish I had as much glassware and cookware at my own home). Both of us were impressed by the decor and furnishings this home has. We felt as we were in a hotel 5 star suite, but without the crowds. The outside was also exceptional. Plenty of lounge furniture that we had more seating to move around and it was only the two of us. Worth every cent. Thank you for having a great home. Will Come back next year!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Very comfortable house

Guest: mrgordonlb (Long Beach, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/29/11 Review Submitted: 06/21/11

My partner and I stayed here for a week after Memorial Day. We rented the house with 3 days notice prior to arrival. The owner, Ernest, was very responsive and helpful. We really enjoyed ourselves. The house is spacious, comfortable and well stocked with everything you need to entertain. It's in a nice neighborhood on a quiet street. The pool is very nice and maintained well. Palm Canyon and downtown Palm Springs are just a short drive away. Although the house is near the airport, it was surprisingly quiet because it's not a very busy airport. We had friends come and join us for a couple of nights and there was plenty of room. I really liked the large living room and dining area and the minimalist decor. The kitchen is very well equipped and the house is stocked with plenty of extra linens, bath towels and beach towels.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Poor service DO NOT STAY HERE!

Guest: Frequent Traveler (Tyler, Texas, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/25/11 Review Submitted: 06/06/11

Needless to say, the rental was frustrating. The problems were as follows: 1. Wind turbine on the roof (bearings worn out) made a constant metal on metal sound. Could not sleep the first night because of the unbearable sound. No one responded that night even though phone calls were sent out to both the Property Manager and the Owner. This issue did not get resolved until 24 hrs later. 2. No one met us when we checked in to show us how to operate the heated spa we had paid for. Could not use it the first night even though we had paid for it. 3. Televisions. The bedroom TV never worked. The main TV did not work for the first day. 4. Lawn care company had to come thru the house with their equipment. 5. Pool equipment personnel woke us up at 7:00 am Sat., with their cellular telephone speaker phone. 6. Instructions to get on the internet did not work. 7. Directions for the sound system (TV) were incorrect. Overall, not a very pleasant stay due to the lack of response from both the unreturned phone calls from the Owner and the lack of actually taking the time to meet us from the Property Manager. We finally met her 24 hours after we checked in. Many of these problems might have been solved, at least in a more timely manner, had they responded to our telephone calls. When discussing these problems with the Owner, he offered a $40 rebate for the lack of heat in the spa and a free night, if we would come back later and spend more money at his property. He also basically said that in his contract, he was covered for not giving any rebates or refunds, for any reasons, in the event of any malfunctions. The Owner is correct in this assumption. He does not care if you have an enjoyable, peaceful stay with all of the advertised amenities. This Owner simply wants to be guaranteed that he receives his money and has no intentions of refunding or rebating any monies due to problems at his property. Beware this property, if you have problems, the response is slow and no guarantees that your will receive what you are paying for.

Owner response:As a property owner of my vacation rental - we take pride in our positive reviews and take any negative review very seriously as we too are travelers. This negative review is the first and the points the guest makes are, in our opinion, out of context as the whole picture is not given in this guest review. We wanted to give our future guest reading the negative review the facts that we hope you consider and truly appreciate hearing our side. We always make a point of having someone meet the guest at our house upon arrival. Unfortunately, this guest had his travel times incorrect and the person meeting them received this information at the last minute. There were phone calls and text messages exchanged the evening of the guest arrival. The guest where able to enter the home around 5:30 pm (instead of 7:30pm as initially thought was the arrival time). Maryline, the property manager, did not get a call from guest until around 10:00 pm that evening in regards to the noise outside the home - this being the "wind turbine" that we were not aware of the noise (and we had prior guest that had no issues with such noise). Unfortunately, we could not address something that was unknown - until we first heard about this later that evening around 10:00pm). The next morning - the noise was easily fixed and taken care of. From this point on (guest stayed 4 days total) we did not hear of anything else wrong with property and we were happy to hear that). The "heat for the spa" was available for guest - by simply pressing the "spa heat" button on the inside of home pool remote. The TV in the bedroom - the winds that evening somehow reset the cable box. Simple fix was to turn on and off the cable box. The TV in the living room - the volume control was not pushed by guest. We have a complete home booklet for our guest as past renters have used and refer to if any questions they have for the home. The pool and gardener complaint - was not known to us at anytime until we received this review. This was taken care of for future guests and would not happen again. I offered this guest a two night free stay for their future stay as they come to Palm Springs often - but guest wanted to check with his wife first - and never heard back from them until this review was sent. In no way do we want to have unhappy guests. We take pride in our home and have been very fortunate to have all our past guest write positive reviews for the past 5 years we have been with VRBO.

Recommended for:

VERY DISAPPOINTED

Guest: WCK (Vancouver, BC)
Date of Stay: 04/28/11 Review Submitted: 06/21/11

THIS LISTING IS AN ABSOLUTE MISREPRESENTATION. THE OTHE REVIEWS ARE SIMPLY UNTRUE OR OUT DATED. WE COULD NOT AND DID NOT STAY IN THIS HOUSE FOR ONE NIGHT. THE BATHROOMS SMELL LIKE SEWAGE, THE BED LINENS ARE OLD AND STAINED, THE BEDS ARE WORSE THAN ANY MOTEL 6, WALLS ARE DIRTY AND IN BAD NEED OF PAINT, CEILING IS THE SAME AS THE WALLS, THE EXTERIOR NEEDS PAINT AND MAINTENANCE AROUND THE POOL DECK. THE ONE PIECE OF FURNITURE IN THE LIVING ROOM IS THREAD BARE AND WORN OUT. THE PATIO FURNITURE IS OLD AND DIRTY. THE REFRIGERATOR HAS A LEAK IN IT AND HAS AN OLD RAG COLLECTING THE DRIPS. THE KITHCHEN IS OLD AND VERY POORLY APPOINTED. WE LEFT WITHIN 1/2 AN HOUR OF ARRIVAL THE OWNERS HAVE WITHELD MY RENT PAYMENT AND HAVE NOT RESPONDED TO 50 EMAIL AND VOICE MAIL MESSAGES. WE HAVE RENTED A NUMBER OF TIMES IN PALM SPRINGS AND WE HAVE NEVER HAD AN EXPERIENCE THIS BAD. WE RENTED ANOTHER HOME THAT WAS SPECTACULAR AND SAVED OUR VACATION. VRBO HAS BEEN ABSOLUTELY NO HELP AFTER MANY REQUESTS. PLEASE TAKE IT FROM ME, IF YOU WANT TO RENT A HOME IN PALM SPRINGS, "DO NOT" RENT THIS ONE

Owner response:I am responding to this review for my future guest. I would appreciate if you would read the reviews prior to and after this guest arrival date and take note of the timeline of these other reviews. My home is not misrepresented in any way as the reviewer stated. The pictures you see on VRBO website are completely true. Maybe this guest did not like the type of furnishings I have in my home, but in no way is the furniture in any different, old or falling apart as stated. I can tell you my home does not have special powers to make itself a terrible place to stay and sabotage this guest. Unless my home has (or had) special powers to renew itself after this guest left 1/2 hr. later - and the house by itself pour new concrete around the pool deck, bought new furnishings and beds, remodeled the kitchen, replaced linens, paint itself inside and out and got rid of any smell - all within a few days of other guest checking in - then my home is one of a kind to have such powers to renew itself in such short notice. This guest arrived at my home and contact me stating he had change of plans and wanted to cancel. He stayed on a phone call to me for 25 minutes out of his 1/2 hour at my home. I refunded, in a timely manner, the guest 100% full security deposit and also gave back funds for the pool heating when I was not required. Per our contact, any guest would have to give 30 days notice to cancel - all clearly stated in the written contract signed by guest and owner. This guest canceled literally at last minute. I can only assume this reviewer was not happy with the written contract he signed and decided to write this review two months later. Again, I can't stress enough to take notice of the timeline of other guest reviews that stayed before and after this reviewer's reserved dates. Furthermore, I don't know how this reviewer can state other guest reviews are untrue? I only wish I could give phone #'s from other reviewers to verify their validity, but this is not allowed with VRBO. I also travel and I expect a nice place to stay when renting a private home. I strive 110% to make my home a pleasant, clean and enjoyable space for guest. I plan to add a video that VRBO can approve to further support my response to this review I welcome your calls about this review and any other questions. I thank you for judging this review on its merit and consider the circumstances and motives this man had to write such a review when others reviews contradict his 100%.

Recommended for:

April, 2011

Guest: no nickname (Calgary, Ab., Canada)
Date of Stay: 04/02/11 Review Submitted: 06/25/11

We would recommend this to anyone. Just like the pictures. Fabulous space, private back yard and "clean". There is a person who meets you at the house upon arrival and shows you how everything works and then you let her know when you are checking out and she comes back over to do the cleaning. Was within an average of 20 minutes from most golf courses and grocery store near by. We were a little nervous about being in the proximity of the airport, but it was fine. Planes don't fly in and out of Palm Springs late at night. Beautiful private back yard, well maintained and clean pool. When we were not golfing, we spent all of our time in the back yard. Our deposit was also returned in a timely fashion. We would stay here again in a heart beat and highly recommend it. The owners seemed to be like very nice people. They were quick to answer all of our questions before our arrival. Being we had never rented through VRBO before, we were a little nervous and did have lots of questions. Highly recommended.

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

Zen Place

Guest: Radar (Toronto, Canada)
Date of Stay: 03/20/11 Review Submitted: 04/21/11

If you want a relaxing care free place to be, this is the place. Bring your shorts, bathing suit, flip flops and a book, you are at home. This had to be the most relaxing vacation I have been on in a very long time. The pool, spa, yard, house there are no words to describe. The whole package is here. This is a must stay if you are in Palm Springs!

Owner response:We have been lucky to have such wonderful people stay at our home for their vacation. The past people have taken care of our home as if the home was theirs and it makes future vacationers a wonderful experience and we thank you.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great home, great location

Guest: JS (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 12/26/10 Review Submitted: 04/11/11

We were two families visiting together and we loved the home's pool and outside area even in December! Its also a great location being very close to everything we wanted to see and do in Palm Springs.

Recommended for:Families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Joline1 (Portland, OR)
Date of Stay: 05/25/09 Review Submitted: 05/25/09

This home was a perfect place for my sisters and I to spend a week together. It had easy access to the airport and was close to everything we needed during our stay. The kitchen was stocked with both food staples and utensils for food prep of any kind. The pool area had ample chairs for all of us and plenty of places to get out of the sun if necessary. We spent evenings in the spa gazing up at the night sky. This home is perfect for 3 couples or a group of friends to enjoy a great time in the desert.

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/04/09 Review Submitted: 04/04/09

Every time we travel, which is several times a year, we rent a home. Ernest, yours had the most home-like atmosphere of any place we have stayed – we felt “at home” while still feeling comfortable and pampered. The wonderful kitchen, along with its gourmet cooking utensils, was a big plus for us. And its being stocked with staples for our use, was really nice especially when we forgot some small item in the middle of preparing one of our meals. Also, the spacious rooms, the abundance of linens, the cleanliness, the comfortable beds matched any good hotel. We can’t say enough about the perfectly heated salt water pool/spa – a first for us. The views of the mountains were spectacular. Thanks for the use of the bikes. What we really appreciated was the personal touch. You, of course made us feel comfortable from the start. And being greeted at the door by Maryline, plus having her immediately respond during our stay to our questions, not only about the house, but also about the local area, was like having a concierge at our fingertips. Thanks again for letting us stay in your home. We will definitely be in touch the next time we stay in Palm Springs. Tom and Charlene Courbet, San Diego (Feb 2009 stay)

Recommended for:

Guest: Claudia17 (Los Angeles, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/08/08 Review Submitted: 12/08/08

Thank you for leasing your home to us.. We had a great time in October of 2008 when we stayed for a great long weekend. The grounds and your overall home is great.. With your beautiful furnishings and overall decor - we felt as we stayed in a great hotel without the people and hassle...not to mention our savings.. Your home certainly "does not" have "granny" furniture you find in rental homes... I can see you take "pride in ownership" - and we felt special when being greeted by your people upon our arrival... Thank you again - and will be calling you soon for another great escape to beautiful Palm Springs...

Recommended for:

Guest: Sandy Miller (Santa Monica, California)
Date of Stay: 12/04/08 Review Submitted: 12/04/08

Dear Ernest We had the most wonderful time at your Palm Springs home retreat. The weather turned out to be fabulous, we did not expect that, after hearing the weather forecast. Everything in your home was spotless. We love the salt water pool and spa - nice not to have that awful chlorine smell and nasty feeling on your skin. It was so restful and relaxing- just what the doctor ordered. We had all our meals "at your home" ...S'mores around the wonderful outside fire, late breakfast, wallowing in the pool and hot tub...Relaxing on the great outdoor furniture.. I can't tell you how much we enjoyed ourselves. We are already planning another restful weekend at your home (with your permission) - in February or March. Are you booked during these months? Thank you for a wonderful experience. With appreciation and gratitude, SANDY, RON, DOUG, LYDIA AND GEORGE

Owner response:These wonderful people stayed over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend of 2008....

Recommended for:

Guest: CLAUDIA16 (Los Angeles, California)
Date of Stay: 12/04/08 Review Submitted: 12/04/08

We stayed at your home in October 2008.... Had a great time at your great home... Everything was perfect - from the lighting to the pool and spa... Truly relaxation at it's best... Your home was close to everything in and around Palm Springs... Great location! Will be back.. Thank you!

Recommended for: