The property itself is or was previously beautifully done.
Key issues:
- no check-in information was provided by the host voluntarily, until we asked approx 2 hours before check-in time.
- we were there for 4 nights, but provided just 2 pool towels and 2 bath towels for a couple. No extra towels and no more than 1 single towel rack in the room. So 1 of each type towel, per person, for 4 days with no method to literally let it fully dry between uses.
- the jacuzzi was only *warm* in the late afternoon and night, and aside from one night, the jacuzzi certainly wasn’t hot. Pool and jacuzzi water both cold.
- the house dog walks freely around the main pool area and it’s poop is typically on the paths for much of the day.
- the host’s main house is directly in front of the pool, and it’s a very open area. So instead of feeling like we were in a boutique villa hotel, it very much felt like staying in a stranger’s backyard while they were home. Especially when they blasted Christian country music for hours on the loud speakers outside.
- the rose garden was dilapidated and looked mostly dead and dirty in areas.
- A lot of the furniture was stained and there were cobwebs in the shared kitchen and throughout the patio.
- this may sound silly, but there’s no apparent way to get out of the property without a car, and this was not included in the room manual.
- and lastly, the communication was awful, and caused stress on the trip’s bookends. The listing says dog friendly, even though it apparently isn’t. When I wrote in, host said to add a dog to the res but the toggle wouldn’t allow. So I booked the trip with a note saying I had a dog and would pay the pet fee upon arrival. No response. I check in and shortly after receive a message from the host saying she didn’t know I had a dog and that this wasn’t a pet friendly room. Then she said, no worries, please pay the standard pet fee. I immediately paid the $75 pet fee but felt awkward pretty much right after getting in. And then soon after we checked out, she billed me for another $75 standard pet fee. I had to go back and forth with her several times, insisting I had already paid her that fee. Even sent her the receipt of payment from Airbnb.
Overall, it’s a very relaxing outdoor space, plus the room has lovely high ceilings. The communication with the host, concerns with privacy, misrepresentation of jacuzzi and amenities, and forced music selection were all too much to make for an overly relaxing experience beyond 1 night.