We stayed at this property for 3 months between November 2021 and January 2022. We are local to San Diego, but moved into this property because our house had water damage and was going through a restoration/remodel. The location of the property is amazing and it is a great entertaining backyard with beautiful views and an amazing pool and spa. We really enjoyed our stay at this property. Since this was through the relocation company, we were paying an exorbitant amount (23K/month) for our stay, while the going rate was about 5K/month (based on what the neighbors said they pay for long term rental). From purely the perspective of value for money, I would not consider this property worth such a high premium. Since our relocation company picked the property and we had to move out/in on short notice, we were more than happy to settle down here for the short term.
Overall, the communication with host, Melinda, was very cordial and easy during our stay. Check-in process was smooth, host was responsive when we had questions etc. Not sure if our expectations are unreasonable, but we hoped that the host would arrange for cleaning at least bi-weekly or at least every time we extended the stay since we were paying such a high premium. When this did not happen, we did request for cleaning during our 2nd extension and she arranged for one time cleaning as a courtesy. And I thank her for that. Melinda visited either the inside of the house or exterior at least 9 times during our stay. She would always text and check first if the time works for us and then come over. This was not a big deal, but I would say some of those visits could have been avoided (when she came multiple times to get her solar installation lined up etc.). In fact, she wanted to do the installation during the holidays when we had family over and I told her I would prefer she wait until after the new year (and she agreed).
Here is my biggest beef and disappointment...My family and I take great pride in respecting the rules of the house, taking care of any property we stay in and in fact get a kick out of the hosts appreciating how clean we leave the property when we check out. You can see what other hosts have said about how good a guests we were in terms of taking care of the property, cleanliness etc. We spent almost an entire day cleaning Melinda's property when we checked out. Three days after we check out, she files a claim that we damaged the couch/sofa (she sent pictures with stains on one of the couch seats) and was asking $3500 to replace the couch. This was such an outrageous and dishonest claim...We never damaged the couch. If we did, we would be the first person to put up our hand and admit it. Even suppose we did, it makes me wonder why she did not bring this up during her multiple visits to the inside of the house (she has been inside the family room where the couch is located)? Why did she wait 3 days to file the claim? We actually moved out to the property opposite hers and I saw her visit her property multiple times in those 3 days...and she knew we were in the opposite house and had ample opportunity to bring this up and show me the damage in-person. There are many more arguments as to why her claim does not make sense, but since this is now in Airbnb claim resolution, I will keep that info private. I have given Airbnb all this information and I hope they will see through this and side with the truth.
My advise to anyone who wants to stay in this property (again, great property, worth the stay for the right price. Host was reasonable until this final unexpected behavior)...Take pictures of everything as soon as you check-in and right when you checkout. I have always trusted Airbnb and their hosts...this was a big lesson for me. Maybe this is standard practice, but I guess I learnt this lesson the hard way. I will continue to be a responsible guest, I pray this experience doesn't dilute my trust in other people.