We have used VRBO for over 20 years and have never had a worse experience: one of the dining room chairs was broken, with the wood sticking out; the showers were warm, at best, and if two showers were used at the same time, one was warm, the other cold; no way could you think of taking a bath, if you wanted anything like hot water; four of us had one (very rag-like) towel per person for a week (we were told two pp, but that included a little hand “towel”); provisions were utterly non-existent: two tiny round soaps and two shower/body samples that looked like they came from local hotels. When we asked about the washing machine, we received no response; then upon the second request we were told it was “where the boiler is,” which none of us cared to go into – that was the area that had part of the wall bashed in and lights that stayed on for a matter of seconds, so you were in the dark constantly.
Very importantly, although the “instructions” included pages of large print on each of the “DO NOT…” list, there was not a single explanation on how to use anything: the stove, the tv, the “fireplace,” the toaster (which never worked), the door to the deck, the keys which took 5-6-7 tries to work, both at the apartment and front door – in the dark.
For us, the worst part was the attitude of Romana and anyone else connected to the apartment. We were treated as though we were imposing by asking questions about anything. In over forty years of traveling, I have never rented an apartment that had nothing in the kitchen: no salt, no pepper, no sugar, no napkins, no paper towels, no foil, no ice, no ice trays. Nothing. When asked, Romana told us to go buy what we needed (salt and pepper??) When asking for suggestions, she said to go check Google. The subway station by the house was closed, and we don’t speak Czech, so we were at a real loss. The apartment was supposed to be cleaned, but apparently she forgot. When we got home and reminded her, she then had to check her files, then apologized three times… probably because this is the one thing she thought would make a difference in our rating.
We would not recommend this property. I know that not everyone knows how to be a great host, but if you are in the hospitality business, graciousness and thoughtfulness go a very long way.