From the get-go, we were burning time enjoying ourselves in town until we received the check-in notice from VRBO. So we drove over and then the stingy owners wanted additional money to get in--after we received the notice that the home was ready for us--and we watched the cleaners leaving as we pulled up. We reluctantly paid. There was a tripping hazard near the front door so one family member set it against the house out of caution for the kids. Apparently it was set against some video camera for which the property owners like to watch you with?? Pretty creepy. As we were hiking the high peaks, we were notified that there was a camera blocked--which we had no idea what they were talking about. So while we were hiking, the owners came and went thru the house and through all our stuff. There was plenty of fire wood provided, which seemed nice, so we had a small fire in the yard. Apparently that's not allowed. For the 17 years I have been enjoying the Adirondacks, everyone always has fires outside--it the Adirondacks.
Now the owners are trying (not going to happen) to NOT refund our huge damage deposit. There was no remnants of a fire after we cleaned up, and their tripping hazard was put back, so not reason to keep a damage deposit. There was no damage.
Their check in rule book is insane, and they want shoes off and no eating on the couch--in which they actually make reference to humans being animals in their book. What kind of vacation is that?! Very uncomfortable place. But by all means, if you like zero privacy, being monitored on camera, and being run by jail house rules--this IS your place! We went to another wonderful place from here which we just had the BEST experience ever. First time ever having a bad experience on VRBO! Good luck, and happy(ier) vacationing!!