I rarely write negative reviews, but just booked a rather expensive place in which we couldn't stay (left after 20 minutes...). There were a number of issues with the property:
1. Cleanliness. The place was not well-cleaned before our arrival.
2. Smell. There is VERY STRONG ODOR to the place, which the strange air freshener used by the owner only made worse.
3. Upkeep. The place is in some disrepair--peeling paint, shoddy carpeting, loose floorboards...
4. Staircase. The abnormally narrow treads of the staircase to the second floor (in severe violation of the building codes), made even narrower by a thick carpet, are dangerous and very uncomfortable. We are younger and fit--not sure how others manage it.
5. Location. The house is closely hemmed in on both sides and surrounded by junk-strewn houses in disrepair.
6. The river. The Essex river was not even a small creek--no possibility for kayaking or fishing.
7. The ad claimed four bedrooms, but only three were available (not a major point).
In short, by far the worse VRBO experience, ever...