I made a quick reservation around 8:30 pm for check in late the same night, checking in on Tuesday night and out on Friday morning. Karan was a little surprised when I called per the email instructions, but she was very accommodating. She said she would be there to open the gate when I arrived, even though it wouldn't be until around 10:30 pm. Unfortunately, plans changed and my colleagues wanted me to meet them in Valencia instead. I called her back around 11:00 pm to let her know I wasn't going to be able to check in after all. I asked if we could cancel the reservation for the other nights since I reserved it so late and only a couple of hours prior, but she said she wouldn't be able to rent it out because it was so late in the evening.
I understood paying for that night, but was a little surprised she wouldn't cancel the other nights. She contacted me the next day, and asked when I'd check in. I told her I'd be staying in Valencia, and she only said I had the place until Friday and could come by any time. I understand "no refund" policies, but given the circumstances, and the time of night I reserved then cancelled, I would have thought she'd be a little more flexible and understanding. Instead, I lost $500.
I thought about staying there on Thursday night, but checked out the google map images of the area and had second thoughts. It's an industrial area near train tracks, and there doesn't appear to be any dining or entertainment nearby. The listing says the house is near the MetroLink, which is nice if you're not driving a car. I was near a MetroLink and a 25 minute drive to Los Angeles where I stayed in Valencia anyway.
If I hadn't been so rushed to make a reservation somewhere that night, I would have looked at the area more closely before confirming anything. Based on my experience dealing with this reservation, Karen is very pleasant, and seems to be very accommodating. I'm just disappointed she wasn't flexible.
I am not suggesting that this property should be avoided, but that people should be aware of cancellation policies and understand that they will lose their entire prepayment if it doesn't work out. If your plans change or you don't like the area or the property once you're there, you're out of luck.