I booked this house for a vacation for myself, my fiancé, and a couple friends, looking for a low key, relaxing trip, and we were incredibly disappointed. We did our research, noted that this was a professionally run rental, and we're looking forward to our stay.
The problems started as soon as we had sent in our full payment. We paid in full upfront, and didn't expect any issues. Before booking, the hosts had made two specific promises, and confirmed multiple times, in written messages; one, that we would not have to put down any additional type of security deposit, and two, that the pool heating would be included at no extra charge.
As the trip approached they went back on their word. First, we were messaged numerous times asking if we wanted to pay additionally to have the pool heated. Each time we had to continue to remind them that pool heating was supposed to be included as previously discussed. Also, again despite the prior promises, they insisted on a substantial hold on our credit card as a security deposit. After many messages back and forth, they acknowledged the error was made on their end, but refused any sort of accommodation or compromise. They simply said that if we don't provide the additional security deposit hold, they will not give us the lock codes. At this point they had our full payment already, so there was nothing we could do.
Upon arrival, more issues arose. Prior to check in, we confirmed multiple times that the pool would be heated upon arrival. We arrived and were sent messages saying that someone would need to come turn the pool heater on the following day. Furthermore, entering the house, we found that the air conditioner was broken, with a constant loud fan noise right in the center of the house, as well as a temperature we couldn't control, making the whole house absolutely freezing. We had to sleep in the freezing house the first night, and waste time the next day making arrangements and waiting for repairs to be done.
There were various other nuisances beyond that as well - debris, leaves/branches around the pool area that we had to clean, unusable tiki hut area due to water issues, wet towels/sheets left in the washer, which, honestly, we would normally completely overlook if it weren't for the larger issues.
It's a nice house, and is in a good location.
But with all the issues, broken promises, uncontrollable AC, and time spent going back and forth, the vacation felt ruined.