This is only the second time we’ve rented a VRBO, both times to take the whole family (14 of us) to an eclipse. I now realize we were spoiled because the first home we rented was a home that the owner and his family used, so it was a great, well kept house with bookshelves loaded with books and a great jacuzzi and a giant fire pit with lots of wood, plus a great game room.
This place had a fabulous game room (the barn) that the kids loved, but we were a bit disappointed that the property, while clean, was a bit disorganized. As an example, one kitchen had a cutlery organizer but no forks - two sections of knives. The other kitchen had forks but no organizer, so everything was thrown in a drawer. Very limited pots and pans. Plenty of dishes and glasses, but not much matched, which is what made us realize that this place is a rental, and not a “pride of ownership” family retreat. The hot tub didn’t heat, and the owner said they were unaware and would call a service company. They had a fire pit, but the wood pile had a wheelbarrow with a sign saying $50 per barrow and that “inventory is tracked - please inform host.” Just seemed tacky but maybe they’ve been “burned” by others before us,
My suggestion would be that in addition to doing a good job of cleaning the place prior to guest arrival (which they do), someone should verify that each kitchen is complete, that the hot tub is working, pillows in each room (our room had only 2, but there were lots in other rooms),etc.