We were very sad to arrive at this rental to find a bill/notice next to a meter showing we had to pay by the KWH for electricity! In any prior correspondence from the company, it showed our nightly rate, parking included and a “winter heat” line with 0 euros next to it and (pay upon arrival) next to that. No notes on the HomeAway advertisement regarding an additional cost, nothing else noted. Since we were traveling in early October and weather was supposed to be average, I didn’t even bat an eyelash at a potential “heat” charge. Then we arrive to find out that ALL electricity to be consumed during the stay was additional and our responsibility. Including doorbell lights, cable boxes, smoke alarms and refrigeration, any and all appliances whether we would be “using” them or not. We were staying two days, planned basically only to shower and sleep in the home and be out exploring. However, on top of this hidden cost, there was a timed meter on the hot water heater. In order to shower, we had to turn it on and wait for it to heat. This home was the worst experience we have ever had renting homes for travel. A terrible inconvenience even if you were aware in advance (which we were not) of extra costs per night. I have never in my days of renting homes (anywhere) come across a normal, assumed feature like electricity being additional. It ruined part of our Ireland vacation to be so limited in showering times and the idea of paying for electricity is absurd. Hotels and accommodation all over the world include basic needs. As the rental agency said when I called and argued this point and felt duped, “they had problems with people wasting electricity” well, I would say, get out of the home rental business because this is part of the risk!!! We do our best to always conserve for the earth anyway and surprising guests upon arrival with a cost to use the lights is no way to do business. Beware of Trident Holiday Homes and I hope HomeAway and VRBO will remove them from the site, as they are not being transparent with costs. We paid a healthy sum per night to begin with. This was no discounted home. And then get a shock and another bill. We did unplug any appliances we weren’t using since we were given no option. Like the empty refrigerator. Absurd!! Aside from this company, all other parts of Ireland were amazing, people kind and normal rental terms. Ireland is perfect. This is not standard. Don’t be scared away. Good Luck!
