We are former owners (10 years) of a vacation rental and take reviews very seriously. I was going to just give the review title with no explanation, but was told by friends that they need an honest review when looking for a rental.
Communication with the owner after 1st night:
No box grater for grating cheese?
Rusty whisk in the utensil drawer?
Lamp shade in bedroom broken at the top, with a jagged glass edge.
Unusable grill: the grate is very rusted out and needs replacement. We looked all over, and found no grill cleaning brush or grilling utensils.
Pillows are flat as pancakes and definitely need frequent replacing.
Where can we find the patio umbrella, as shown in website photo to shield ourselves from the sun?
Hair dryer missing.
As advertised in the property description, one of the specifics in our renting the house was the two full baths. However, the pipe in the downstairs shower is capped off, as not to be used in the time we are at the house, correct?
RE: Owner response to the two full baths that we paid for: "I must mention I am dismayed with this situation, as we have had almost all happy guests. If you continue to be dissatisfied with our home, we can discuss the possibility of offering you a partial refund if you would like to find another place to stay." Seriously....a partial refund to find new accommodations at the height of summer tourist season in Portland. Unacceptable!!!
RE: Owner response to pillows that were not only ALL flat, but ALL terribly stained with perspiration. These should be checked throughout the season and replaced, as necessary: Pillows: I am surprised because we replaced 4 pillows in the house during our visit last summer. If the pillows on the bed you are sleeping on (assuming it's the master?) are uncomfortable, feel free to exchange them with others (downstairs, or 2 in the linen closet on at the top shelf, etc.)
Patio umbrella was locked in shed. It was taken out, put in the table, but we would be responsible for taking it in if it rained.
Lamp shade never replaced.
Washing machine left clothes stained.
Rusty whisk/hairdryer/grill equipment/ant problem addressed.
Hopefully all pillows have been replaced. Walmart sells pillows for $5.99!
Owner had us over a barrel for the 15 day stay, and requested FULL PAYMENT at time of booking. Rental money must be put into a property, not just taken out!