Pros:
Property was nice, lake swimming was easy and the water was warm. Plenty of room for 10. Relaxing, fun with kayaks and paddle board. Nice screened in porch and cocktails on the patio. Comfy common areas to lounge, video games for the kids, overall clean. Pier set up was really nice. Fire pit was just perfect. Property manager, Frank, was friendly and accommodating.
Cons:
Kitchen had used and expired condiments that filled the entire door of the refrigerator. During coronavirus/pandemic, we didn’t feel that was safe or sanitary. We asked permission to toss the used condiments out and the property manager said it was ok, then 5 minutes later the owner Don, called to say it wasn’t ok to throw them out. We had already tossed out the condiments since we got permission from the property manager but the owner seemed really annoyed by it. He also asked us 2 different times during our stay if we brought our dog. We did NOT bring our dog as he shared that dogs were not allowed but it struck me as odd that he asked twice during our stay, like he didn’t trust us. I also felt uncomfortable that the owner asked several times over email for another deposit after I paid the full cost of the rental and the deposit through VRBO. He was asking for AN ADDITIONAL check/deposit outside VRBO bc of challenges with renters in the past. Finally, he seemed upset that my 80 year old mother arrived at 3:35 instead of the 4pm check in. I asked if it was ok if she came early at 3:30, he said no(even though his contract said renters could arrange to come early). Well, my mother arrived early any way and waited outside (elderly ppl tend to arrive early to things). He called to ask us about her coming early and seemed irked that she did. Overall, the owner’s tense and suspicious behaviors in this process felt unwarranted and off-putting.
The house, property and our time as a family were great, yet the owner may need to consider a bit more flexibility or open-mindedness in his approach with guests.