I am extremely disappointed and very sorry to read your review and receive your One Star rating on our property, which has previously only received 5 star ratings from other guest, many of whom are happy returning customers.
It was quite clear from your previous correspondence that you had made the decision to leave our property, prior to you raising any issues with us. which did not allow us the chance to address any of the issues that you raised. However, once we knew about your discontent, we instructed our Property Managers to investigate and make good any problems. It is unfortunate that you point blank refused the Property Management Company entry to investigate and address your concerns, which we offered at entirely our own cost.
You insisted that you were leaving after 16 nights and demanded full reimbursement and compensation to be paid directly into your account before the date of your early departure and not via VRBO. We explained the VRBO process, but again you refused to deal with, what you called, "a foreign booking agent" (VRBO). We found your tone unacceptable as you projected very direct, aggressive, bullying and threatening tactics throughout, adding that if your demands were not met in full you would take legal action.
Again we explained the process, that after full consideration of all the facts, should we feel any money should be reimbursed, it would be done after your original planned departure date and not before, in line with the VRBO process and paid via Vrbo not directly into your bank account from us..
It is quite difficult to address all your points, as additional points of, quite frankly, a ridiculous nature, could not be rectified and are beyond our control. As you mentioned in your previous email - the sun not shining on the pool and terrace - it was January/February and as with any holiday, you are at the mercy of the weather and we cannot do anything about it. Indeed, we also now know there was a tremendous tropical storm, which affected the entire area quite badly and caused much damage to surrounding properties. This also affected TV, internet and WiFi reception. Likewise, with regard to your comment regarding the neighbours dogs barking, if the neighbour was approached in a reasonable manner it would have potentially eased this difficult situation, but you calling him a ‘moron’ clearly would not have helped the situation and your case.
Unfortunately, we could not get involved as you did not raise any issue with us until you advised us you were moving on?
Following you raising the issue of the hot water going off, via this review; ( the first we have heard of it), we have since had the hot water checked and it appears to all be working satisfactorily. The boiler is reasonably new and we replaced it about 6 months ago. However, we will of course keep a close eye on it going forward.
We carefully word our property description on VRBO and we are confident our description accurately reflects the property, furnishings and facilities available. You also reference our ‘rule book:’ May I assure you that the comprehensive property guide we leave for guests, is for safety (such as emergency contact numbers), assistance (with property facilities) and guidance to local beaches, restaurants, taxis etc in the local area.
Referencing the property as being in a 'low grade area’ is wholly untrue. It is a much sought after area and indeed a house across the road sold this year for over £700,000, which does not have a swimming pool or a driveway and extra land area to the side of the property or indeed any parking facilities available at all. I would suggest that for the majority, this would not represent a low grade area or property and would strongly suggest that your description is highly misleading and wholly inaccurate to anyone reading your review.
All of our bed linen sheets, pillow cases including mattress and pillow protectors and also towels are of high quality Egyptian Cotton. An additional Winter bed-cover/Duvet is sometimes used, should the property management company deem this necessary in Winter months. However, every piece of linen is High Grade, Hotel quality in line with Portuguese ‘clean & safe’ guidelines. It is an insult and a slur to suggest otherwise.
You state that there was nowhere to park,. However, there is adequate parking in front of the property. We often have guests with more than one hire car, which does not cause any problem. The garage is locked and not available for guests as it contains our personal items. The drive gate is locked for additional security, especially if children are at the property. The garage is not advertised as available nor is the drive way. Neighbours are extremely accommodating with parking should you need extra space. There is only one neighbour who prefers to park with his near side wheels up on the kerb. This is his personal choice , is the only car to do so and should not be a concern to anyone and should certainly not spoil anyone's holiday.
We pride ourselves on achieving our 5 star rating (after 45 genuine reviews of which 45 are all 5 Star), our VRBO ‘Premier Host - Partner’ status and our 10 point VRBO ranking. However, disappointingly, following your 1 Star Review this unblemished record has been tarnished and our VRBO ranking has been reduced to 9.8, which as you are well aware, is extremely damaging to us.
Hopefully, our potential future guests will see through your ‘complain and claim’ approach and your 1 star rating.
I am deeply saddened that you didn't raise your issues with us until after you had made plans to leave and that we were not allowed any opportunity to react and try to put any issues right for you and that you feel that a 1 star rating is a true refection of our property and the service we provide.
I would wish you all the best in your future rentals.