We've stayed in Silverthorne Colorado several times over the years and been very happy with the accommodations and the cost. We have never before done business with either VRBO or VACASA.
If you ever rent through VRBO, ensure you have contact and direct communication with the property host before you ever leave home.
If your property host is VACASA, don't waste your time asking for early check in/ late check out (even when the cleaning and maintenance crews don't stage the property before your arrival). Insist that a representative from the host meet you at the property and perform a walk thru before you take possession. Demand instructions for all devices (heat, hot water, hot tub, coffee maker, etc.) Be sure all amenities are in place (towels, washcloths, dish soap, laundry detergent, working toilet plunger, etc.). Be sure all blinds, doors, locks, TV, internet, DVD player are working and they've explained how to use them. Be sure you are comfortable with 'on demand' whole house hot water. (I've seen it used successfully in a bathroom but never for a whole house. You'll either be scalded or freeze). Don't be afraid to walk away if they balk, because there is no chance they will refund any of their portion of the money when things aren't right. COVID is no excuse for VRBO's and VACASA's zero star rating on this property.
At first they refused to reimburse the Hot Tub fee, insisting that it was working before out stay was complete (they finally got it running the last night of our stay.) We requested we be reimbursed for one of our three nights stay. They refused, insisting that reimbursement of the cleaning fee and the hot tub fee was close to the cost of one night.
My wife and I are retired seniors on a fixed income and feel we've been victimized by money hungry vendors intent on using COVID as an excuse not to perform adequate services.