Very disappointed...
Review Submitted: November 4, 2009
Date of Stay: October 2009
Since the owner has requested six times that I write a “5 star” review (how professional is that?), I thought I better get to it, although my rating will not be 5 stars. Let me explain... The cottage is cute and located at the end of a tiny lane, so as far as location.. it was nice. Yes, you can walk to the sound and the views are lovely. Bathrooms were good and funky as advertised. The living area was comfortable. However........This home was advertised as having a “Chef's” kitchen. I can hardly agree to that. It did offer a Viking stove and I can say nothing further. I am an avid cook and was looking forward to preparing gourmet meals. The cooking pots and pans were in terrible condition, plus I felt I needed to wash them before using them. Glad I looked in the oven before turning it on, since an array of pans were stored there. I also brought my own spices and thankfully so, since I am not sure how long the spices had been there. They looked disgusting. The refrigerator was fine with the exception of requiring a firm tug to open the door. Although the cleaning lady had just been there that morning I found the home dirty. The linens and towels were initially not included (whoever heard of that?) so I was offered to “rent” them for four nights. In retrospect I should have visited Bed and Bath and bought my own. I felt like I was using someone's hand me downs. And then, the utility fee !!! When I really thought about it, the utility fees for four nights seemed extremely high. Parking was off street, but beware if you have more than one car... you may need to back out all the way down the street. And here is the kicker. We were there for only four nights and the owner requested to show the property to prospective tenants. Reluctantly I said yes, but clearly not happy for being asked. The owner told me it was “convenient” for them. Well what about your paying customers? I was told it would be a quick in and out. Not entirely true. They stayed for what seemed a half hour or so. The one thing that really angered us was when the prospective tenants came in and the husband went immediately to our bathroom for around 15 minutes !!! The owner never asked us if he could use our private facilities!!! Yes............ I will NOT return.
Owner's Response: Very disappointed, indeed! All of my dealings with this traveler led me to believe that she was totally satisfied with the property, the amenities and my professionalism. She dd not voice a concern or complaint via email or to me in person.. Everything was great!! She asked if I would do a barter trade and mentioned a referral with someone locally. As this review and her sentiments are the complete opposite, I was unable to rectify any of her concerns during the lease term. I was standing in the kitchen with her and her husband, having a visit..nothing was said about "spices" the Calphalon cookware or the tight seal of the Sub-Zero refrigerator (standard). I did not even know that she was a gourmet cook and her decision to rent this house was based on the Chef's kitchen. I urge communication.
Yes, it is a Chef's kitchen, with a Viking stove, Sub-Zero refrig, Asco D/W and LG W/D. There are 3 sets of dishes, one dozen each of wine glasses and coffee mugs. There is baking equipment, plenty of sharp knives, utensils,linen napkins/tablecloths , mixing bowels, storage containers and 14 pieces of Calphalon cookware. There is a toaster, tea pot, coffee machine, blender and a slow cooker. The other gourmet cooks have been completely pleased.
I want to shed clarity as to the maintenance of the house, what is done after each traveler leaves and what is done quarterly in this regard. Since this traveler left and the time of this review, all carpets and curtains have been professionally cleaned.. along with blankets, throws and down comforters. The LR furniture cushions and DR chair covers have been laundered . The shower curtain liner has been replaced. All the Calphalon cookware has been rubbed clean with their special cleaner. Some pieces have been replaced. My housekeeper is in between tenancies, and yes, she was there when this traveler arrived earlier than her scheduled arrival ( which I happily accommodated).
As to the issue of the showing. I make every effort to not disturb tenants and if so, give plenty of lead time.. but sometimes it is unavoidable.This tenant is real estate agent. I felt that I had an understanding with her about the nature of this business. Her description of the events is totally distorted.The people were there for 5 minutes, I spoke with them outside the house and off the property.. Of-course I asked if he could wash his hands!!.
Professional decorum, customer service and a pristine house are my priorities.
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