We were looking for a place to fit 8 (2 adults, 5 kids, 1 infant).
1. Although this place advertises that they accommodate up to 8, they WILL CHARGE YOU $45 for each person after 6. I let the owner know that one guest was an infant...so she charged us the one extra person. I decided not to make a big deal of the $45 charge despite the listing advertising that 8 guests are allowed and nothing in the description stating that they will charge you $45 after the 6th person.
2. We waited until 2 hours before check-in and still did not receive any check in information. We had to message the owner for the door code.
3. This is NOT a good area to be a visitor. Once you turn into the street, you’re greeted with piles of trash outside. There was a long extension cord that appeared to be hi-jacking electricity from one unit to another unit across the street. The houses are run down, and it looks like you’re in an episode of neighborhood Hoarders. There were holes in the roofs of some units. Our first night, we heard intoxicated neighbors fighting outside. We locked all doors and stayed away from windows. Dogs barked at night our entire stay.
NOTE: Although you’re renting the unit and not the neighborhood, neighborhood safety should be a priority to any visitor.
4. The house looked 100% DIY remodel from amateurs. Kitchen base cabinets were not even measured properly so there is a large gap between the cabinet & the wall. The back door had a piece of wood holding in the window. The “closets” were some cheap Walmart garage cube contraption that were flimsy.
5. The sofa smelled like a dog had expressed its glands all over the cushions. It’s a deep fishy, pungent smell. There were flies inside the unit. Mismatched utensils were cheap…think dollar tree. We purchased paper plates, utensils, etc because they were better than what was provided.
6. OWNERS REQUIRE YOU TO WASH & FOLD used towels and put them back. I was fine with that requirement, but that was the first time I’ve ever seen that requirement from any VRBO.
7. There’s a nice backyard sitting area, however, you will need to deal with bees. A lot of them. Because the neighbor right next door to them has bee-hives and sells honey.
NOTE: I was also convicted that “you get what you pay for” HOWEVER, we had several other families with us that VRBO in Crystal River, paid around the same price, and had a 100% better experience.