The owner needs to inform future renters that we must "let him know" every time we leave the premises, so that is very sweet, but completely untrained dogs do not get out. This info was NOT provided in the description. I was "admonished" (his words) for this.
Furthermore, there was a large clump of blond hair in the shower drain; a random and used bar of soap sat in the shower caddy; only one very small bathroom rug (I mean SMALL). This was the bare bones minimum. I suppose you get what you pay for, but as a seasoned VRBOer, I was dismayed to find there was no fresh soap, shampoo, or conditioner provided as a courtesy. Thankfully, I had brought my own. Sautee pans had no lids; there was no kettle for tea; just a coffee-maker. There were no brochures, maps, or information whatsoever about the area. Thankfully, I am from New Mexico, so I was familiar with Las Cruces, but for snowbirds, etc., this would have been problematic. The dogs were sweet as all get-up, but they were untrained, and it is not the renter's responsibility to contact the owner every time I leave. Additionally, the owner informed me that this was a "mask-free zone." New Mexico mandates that during Covid-19 people wear masks for health and safety, and maintain 6ft of distance. This owner did not include his "mask-free zone" information in his listing; rather, he ignored my request to wear a mask, and easily came within 6 ft of my dog and me. I don't give a rip about the owner's beliefs or politics, but I do care about my health, the health of others close to me, and the health of my community. The property interior was dreary. No color. Just one small couch. No throw blankets, nada. Because of an unusual winter blast of weather, it grew quite cold in the small main room. The heater control is not located in the casita in which I stayed; rather, it is in the owner's home, and is controlled by him. This, too, was not divulged in the listing.
This person, frankly, has no business renting out this property. Although a seemingly nice man, he is quite old, and appears to have a difficult time maintaining control of his dogs and the rental itself. This person drives a Jaguar and cannot be obliged to simply provide the basics? I would not recommend staying here at all. It is dark inside; gloomy, and although it has some decent antique art, the place needs a thorough cleaning and renovation.
