This review is for anyone that may be considering the 'Bluff Park Villa with Ocean Views' listing as a potential space to get ready before a wedding as of October 2020.
Facts to consider:
Total for 10 person reservation for two nights: ~$1,800
Total for add-on cost: $330
Breakdown of add-on expenses:
2 garage spaces; $15 per space $30 x 2 nights: $60
2 makeup artists; $25 each: $50
1-2 videographer; $25 each: $50
1-2 photographer; $25 each: $50
1-2 day-of coordinator; $25 each: $50
1 dog (with approval); $35 x 2 nights: $70
The waiver liability form for the vendors asks for a drivers license number, social security number and/or employee identification number. Every vendor found the request for this sensitive information without any assurance or information on how it would be stored securely to be very invasive. With this in mind, I gave Susan the necessary information and paid all additional fees as requested.
Opinions:
I've stayed at ~20 airbnbs and have lately started to ask myself one question when wrapping up my stay: "Would I stay here again?" The short answer for this listing is simply no.
Longer answer: The pictures on the airbnb listing are more than six months old and should be updated (I took pictures for my own record). There were several areas throughout the house that are not accurately represented in the listed pictures e.g. one curtain was ripped, previous wall damage from curtain rods, hole in the floor in the dining room, towel racks on the verge of breaking, flimsy doorknobs etc. Also, there were a ton of mosquitos so make sure to bring insect repellent if you plan to sit in the backyard.
The instructions for check-in were a bit wordy and could be simplified by providing a map to find the lock box. I managed to bump into the housekeeper (Sergio) before checking in and he was able to assist with locating everything which definitely saved me 15-20 mins. I would recommend labeling the keys or something so it's easier to differentiate front door, back door, and garage key.
As earlier guests have stated in some reviews, my initial impression from the reservation confirmation email stating "Entire home..." gave me the sense that we had the WHOLE home to ourselves. I would have preferred an explicit disclosure up front that this property was essentially a duplex, that the backyard is a shared space, and you may hear other guests walking above you on the second floor.
It was very clear from the house rules that Susan's previous experience with guests significantly affected how my experience was going to be. I recommend thinking twice before deciding to use this listing as a space to get ready for a wedding (2 night stay). I found the litany of house rules to be excessive and it definitely made an enjoyable weekend somewhat awkward and uncomfortable at times when other guests bring up the signage in the kitchen that says "If these (check out rules) are not completed $100 will be deducted from your deposit, sorry". The best thing that this property offered was the lighting for pictures (detail shot, getting ready, first look etc.). I like to think of myself as a flexible and tolerant but this experience certainly pushed a few buttons for me. I hope anyone that read this far will find my honest review helpful!