‘Serenety at Stonehaven’ is a very nice property. We learned this when we stayed there over the Christmas holidays in 2017. In fact, it is so nice that we booked it (several months in advance) for Christmas 2019. Unfortunately, we were unable to stay there a second time.
Our ‘Super-host’ Amanda, called us just after Thanksgiving to ask if we would mind moving down the hall to another condo she owned. She told us that it was “essentially the same” and a “mirror image” of Serenity. I was surprised by her request and asked why she was making it. She was quite clear: she could rent Serenity for three more weeks (at least) if we would not be there over Christmas. Reluctantly, my wife and I agreed to Amanda’s request.
Our worst fears were realized when we arrived at the substitute property. It was much smaller (by more than three-hundred square feet) and the bedrooms—being directly off the main living area—lacked privacy. We requested that we be given the condo for which we had a contract (and had paid for). However, Amanda refused. Because of the constricted space we were forced to cancel a family gathering we had planned (cleared with Amanda in advance) and our additional adult guests decided to stay elsewhere.
We got by in the smaller, less-private unit. But we were not happy about having to change our holiday plans. I would add that at no time did Amanda formally change our reservation (this would have entailed her receiving a lesser amount); nor did she offer any other form of compensation.
The conclusion to be drawn is this: Amanda was dishonest in her dealings with us. Potential guests should bear this in mind should they be tempted by one of her properties.