You should be aware that we take a lot of time when deciding where to stay. We read all the reviews as want a safe, healthy, good experience, especially in a city that we don’t know well.
Location –
The property is conveniently located to YBOR..it is just minutes away from the bars and restaurants.
Communication -
The owner struggled (pre-stay) to respond to my three queries over a two-week period. Only on the third attempt did I received a response.
Cleanliness -
The description indicates the property is professionally cleaned but the property was not prepared to host anyone. Walking barefoot made the soles of our feet black from lack of cleaning. Dust and cobwebs, kitchen counter tops covered in a layer of grime. Stained wall in the dining area, sticky dining room table that still had the remnants of the previous quest meals.The same can be stated for the night tables in one of the rooms. We lifted the cushions of the couch and found remnants from previous guests. Including old tissues, q-tips and food crumbs. It was obvious that no effort was made to ensure cleanliness.
Additionally, we found that the items that are normally provided with a VRBO property were not acceptable. Empty soap dispensers in the kitchen and bathrooms. Missing dishwasher detergent. The bath towels provided were not adequate for three adults (very thin and small and one towel per individual). We did not find any kitchen towels. Because of this we purchased our own (towels, hand soap, dishwasher detergent). The cumulation of all of these experiences made us wonder if the linens were clean which prompted us to wash the bath rugs, and all bedding. Because of the filth, we did not feel comfortable cooking at the property. We did contact the owner regarding the condition of the property and he did respond within 24 hours and offered to pay for the items we had to purchase. Jimmy also offered to take $40 off the cleaning charge. I refused the discount on the cleaning charge based on the principle that $40 does not fix the horrible experience.
Accuracy of listing -
As stated earlier this property is not fully what the description details it to be. Definitely not professionally cleaned and if it were professionally managed the interior conditions would never have been what they are. We purchased the stay based on the description with expectation to cook "at home" but the kitchen was misrepresented and unclean.