Let me begin by saying I & family have stayed in numerous VRBO / HomeAway / other vacation properties, have experienced an array of owners & their particulars. We've had all positive experiences in our stays, never lost deposits & always left on good terms.
David owns a nice property and we were excited to spend some quality, family time in the property. My first impression of the 'high' (in excess of four figures) deposit & no-shoe rule should have deterred me from booking with this owner. My wife & I also have a no shoe rule in our home; as did our other guests. We all believe this is best way to easily maintain one's home & avoid damage & tracking-in unwanted debris into our homes. Essentially, we all easily complied with the no shoe rule...for 99% of our stay. Our 20 month-old had pushed a plastic LEGO box (provided by the owner) on the floor & scuffed the finish in a few places. These are scuff marks to the finish & not scratches to the finish or wood. The owner's reaction is to withhold our entire 'four-figure' deposit. This is an EXTREME reaction to some scuff marks which can easily be buffed-out of a small area of a 2850 sq foot property. The owner is stating the ENTIRE floors need refinished due to these scuff marks and 4 sets shoe prints...REALLY!? Further, while the floors are nice they are far from perfect! Lastly, are these floors even appropriate for a vacation rental?
The owner also doesn't appropriately / sufficiently supply the property. For example, there was no shampoo / conditioners in bathrooms, few linens & we ran out of dishwashing detergent on our 2nd day. Sticky notes on drawers directed us not to use certain drawers. We had no access to the garage, which would have been 'nice' for a winter rental given snow & unpacking one's vehicles. Especially given the no shoe rule.
This property is advertised as a 'premier' lodge and the price is reflective. However, mattresses, linens, bedding, glassware, flatware etc., were reflective of much inferior lodging.
The owner isn't forthcoming about the property either; he doesn't clearly state you have no access to the garage. Further, he didn't advise, until arrival, that he'd be staying on-site in adjoining area.
In summary, we won't be staying at this property in the future & won't refer to friends / family. I don't believe this owner should have this property in the vacation rental pool nor the owner because of unrealistic expectations, strange habits & tired facilities.