An unfortunate experience. It gives me no joy or reprieve to write negatively about something that can effect a person's income, but this has left such a bad taste in my mouth, I feel I must.
Joana pushed back our check-in time by half an hour to clean: I ask for flexibility from hosts often enough that I'm happy to offer some grace when it's asked of me. We had lunch in town & arrived two hours later. As mentioned in other reviews, this place is very difficult to find. No information, a pin drop or directions were offered after booking nor before our arrival even when she knew we were just in town.
We finally arrived but hadn't been told that the gate was unlocked & to go in (it's a heavy gate, we couldn't tell it was open haha). It was frustrating to have no immediate response to texts & calls even in the midst of asking for help locating the house & getting in. Upon walking into the house, we were overwhelmed by the smell of mildew & the floors were wet (small puddles).
Joana came by shortly to collect some standard paperwork & she was sweet. We voiced our concerns & said with deep regret that we think we would have to find other accommodations, but we would need a refund of the nights not stayed (if only I could so easily afford to double my travel budget!). It was polite & calm despite some language barriers & we told her that we would let her know as soon as possible our decision & to please consider a refund.
Unfortunately, things took a turn for the rude & defensive the next morning when she refused any refund or responsibility. The floors were wet "from cleaning", two hours between when she had finished & our arrival. Wet floors, no matter the reason, mean the space is not ready. When we took her suggestion to open the glass windows but keep the shutters closed to air out the place, it invited in the mosquitos & flies. She refused to acknowledge any smell of mildew (I have a famously lousy sense of smell- it reeked).
Despite reading a previous review from 2018 mentioning black mold I proceeded to make the reservation, plenty of time to rectify the situation, but I believe I did detect some in the bathroom & I forwarded photos to Vrbo.
This says nothing of the lack of salt, pepper or oil available and the shabby decor. Great location, though, and hot water!
Vrbo is another story- lovely reps but near useless in support. It was entirely upon me to navigate this with Joana. I was insulted by their indifference.