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Terrible Vacation Story (super long)
Hi Ladies -
So Im back from my trip to Puerto Rico, and have I got a story to tell you all!
So we decided to rent an apt for the week in Puerto Rico that I found on vrbo.com (vacation rentals by owner). The owner sent me photos of the apt, and it was modest looking, but liveable, and it had a nice updated kitchen. The apt was $700 for the week, split 4 ways.
We arrive at the apt at 3pm two thursdays ago, and it was NOT the same apt that we were shown pictures of. This "new" apt was filthy, had exposed wiring, mildew in the bathroom (as well as a dirty tub with a bath ring/shower scum in it), and there was leftover food in the refrigerator (PapaJohns pizza and some chinese food). Side note: there was also a painting in the living room that looked strangely like penis' on a wall.
I called the property owner, who told me he "upgraded" us to his personal apt, and that he couldnt get to the apt to discuss this further with me until 8pm that night. He then told me to "relax" and to go to the beach. I told him we werent staying there.
We booked a last minute hotel for two nights (we were already planning on travelling across the island for a night after that), which cost us an extra $300.
I email the owner asking for a refund and outlined all of the things wrong with the apt, and took photos, which i offered to send to him for proof. He declined my refund request, and called me thankless and rude.
Paypal also declined my request for a refund. They claimed two things: 1. renting a property is an "intangible object" and 2. There was no proof that the photos I said were the before and afters werent doctored.
We booked a hotel for the remainder of our trip, and that cost us an extra $900.
So after doing some super in-depth google research, I find out that this guy s also a M4M "masseuse", and conducts his "business" inside his personal apt!! ewwwwwww......
But, there is also a strong possibility that he might have an address (rent an apt) in DC (and possibly NY). If he is renting in DC or NY, I can prob sue in small claims court, right?
but the downside is - i think the name he gave me is a fake, googling his name doesnt bring up any responses, and he uses an alias for his massage business.
So, anyone know how to track down a persons name by his phone number????
Oh, other side note, other than this debacle, we had a really fun time... I just feel bad that if we cant get out $700 back, my friends will be stuck paying an extra $325 each for this vacation! (splitting our extra costs 4 ways - they already all agreed to it)
Re: Terrible Vacation Story (super long)
That is crazy- I'm so sorry you had to deal with that, but glad you were able to have a fun time regardless.
I've used vrbo tons of times with no problems- I'm sure you already have, but make sure you alert them to all of these issues. They seem really into followup- anytime I even email an owner, vrbo is emailing me to see if my message was answered promptly,etc.
Labbie -
Interesting - I am planning on filing a negative review with vrbo, and I know plenty of people have used them - thats why i trusted the site....
but when you book on vrbo, is most of your correspondence done via vrbo, or is it all one-on-one via personal emails (because thats what it was for me)... I never evenwent back to vrbo after I initially contacted the owner and we started conversing w each other.... thats why i didnt know about the travel insurance until it was too late!
I was thinking about this...(and it sucks) but doesnt he have to register his business? couldnt you find out who registered the business lic? and then find out his name that way?