Our group stayed a long weekend to run in an event in neighboring Attica, IN. I contacted the owner our first morning via phone and have included a portion of the subsequent text transcript below (VRBO limits the size of a review):
Hello Gabe, we ran vinegar through both coffee pots as you suggested and the old white one that you had in the front closet seems to work alright now. You mentioned that the hard water affects the performance, but we noticed (when we were running the coffee pot and microwave at the same time and tripped the circuit breaker) that the water softener didn’t have any salt in it. That may be why the pots struggle to keep up with the hard water. We ate our dinner in shifts tonight, washing dishes in between, because we were short of tableware. Would it be possible for you to bring more by so we can all eat together as a family? Thanks so much!
Hi Jessica- Gabes currently traveling home from New York. This is Liza, his wife. There is no way for anyone to bring you bowls. Hope that doesn’t ruin your weekend! In almost 6 years of running this place, I’m not sure we’ve had such specific requests during a stay. I’m sure you’ll manage. Enjoy the trees!
Beauty/location aside, we’re having quite a different functional experience than what is listed on VRBO, which advertises accommodations for 10. When our group of 9 arrived we were one full bed short of what the photos on VRBO show (one person is on a couch, which isn’t a huge deal—we expect an adventure on vacation), but the kitchen is inadequately stocked. The coffee pot wasn’t working and there are several basic cooking items lacking. These are not a big deal on their own, but if you advertise sleeping for a group of 10, it’s important for that group to be able to sit down and have a meal together without eating in shifts. (NOTE: Owners have since changed the listing to show accommodation for up to 8.) All of these basic things could be remedied with a $20 trip to the Goodwill. And of course our weekend won’t be ruined. We were just hoping for a simple drop off.
Also, we had mice get into our grocery bag last night and one of the adults saw a mouse in the downstairs bathroom.
Then RADIO SILENCE. No reply or response whatsoever from either owner. It’s clear (from being ignored) that guest experience is not a priority for the owners, so book and assume you’re on your own to deal with any issues that might arise. We will look to rent elsewhere for our next trip.