We choose vacation rentals for the greater convenience and space that they come with versus a hotel room. This place was far from convenient and made uncomfortable by the owner’s presence on the property. The listing says they stay on the property what it does not explain is that you are separated by only two interior doors and a regular interior door handle lock. We were traveling with two small children and bc I felt unsafe with the easy access to the side we were staying in I kept our bedrooms door locked at night. The door situation and shared space doesn’t seem optimal with covid either.
They also have cameras throughout the property, supposedly for “your” safety as the renter. Except that one camera is pointed directly at the couch in the living room area. I was not comfortable with this either, especially with small children. I did let her know they would be covered while my children were inside. I understand cameras on exterior doors, but it feels highly intrusive (not safer) to place them on the people inside.
When we first arrived we found food in the fridge. There was a bag of grapes full of mold left behind, as well as open guacamole that was brown, we threw away. I was told the cleaning crew leaves condiments for others and may overlook other stuff.
I did also find it unhelpful that there were no check in instructions or instructions in the rental for anything. I ended up messaging the owner the day we were supposed to be arriving there to ask for instructions for check in, bc I received nothing about expectations. Also strange, the thermostat is locked and the owner controls it. The first day we woke there we noticed it felt extremely warm. I checked the thermostat and noticed it said locked at 75, on heat. It was just as warm outside. I messaged the owner and it took her 7 hours to respond and turn the heat down. She mentioned she keeps the thermostat locked bc previous guests had the ac on and back door open at the same time. Also, the listing says there’s laundry (another convenience we look for in a rental, so we can pack light). These are on her side and you also must request access and wait around until it’s done so you are not intruding on her space versus being able to start a load and come back at your convenience. While the space is nice itself, it is not comfortable or convenient for the price.
