RENTER BEWARE
Submitted: August 28, 2011
Stayed: May 2011
RENTER BEWARE. Reserved this place from the owner and were gravely disappointed upon our morning arrival. After a full inspection of the home, we were so disappointed that we left immediately and asked for a refund. The pictures look nice but the place unfortunately doesn't live up to them. After seeing the place in person it seemed clear to us that the photos were taken intentionally to leave out the areas they didn't want shown.
This beach area is filled with fabulous houses and is known for its amazing chacras. However, this house looks and feels very old and if memory serves is made up of parts of other houses or something to that effect. We found it quite drafty as well. This was a problem because we have a baby...so in addition to this, when we noticed dead flies on the seating areas, that pretty much sealed the deal that we wouldn't be staying there. The owner had assured me prior that the place was not drafty and would be ideal for a baby but unfortunately that was definitely not the case. The land is amazing so I would say that the place might work for college kids or for those who enjoy camping, but families or those looking for a nice vacation during any time of the year will be surprised and disappointed to say the least.
As a side-note, when I asked for the rent and deposit back the owner returned the rent but kept quite a hefty deposit and told me that, and I quote "You must have had a plan B which is understandable when you arrive at a place you have never been to before and rent it online based on pictures." Shame on me I suppose for being trusting. Just wanted to pass this experience on to anyone looking for a place in an amazing part of Uruguay. Which there are many...so pick another place, any place.
Owner's Response: I have never had a problem with a guest at my property, on the contrary I have previous renters wanting to come back every year.
My house is an cozy, ecological house in a sublime property in one of the most exclusive areas of Uruguay. The renter asked me to send more pictures in addition to those that are on the website and I sent every single picture I have of my house and property to give him a better idea. He loved it and asked to rent my house during the winter months on a long term basis. He told me had lived in Uruguay before and knew the area.
He then asked that we sign a contract for one month just in case the house didn't work out for them and then do something for longer time and I agreed. He changed the arrival date at the property at least 3 times and I was very flexible and understanding emailing contracts back and forth to Guatemala to accommodate him.
He finally arrived at the property at the crack of dawn. My employees told me he arrived and did not even take the suitcases out of the car. He parked and went in to see the house. Then he left and called me from a hotel saying the house was not what he imagined. I said that was fine and that I would return the rental money, but it was very clear in the contract that the deposit would not be returned. Otherwise everyone would do this: arrive somewhere and then take off, if it is not what they expect because they would get all of their money back, meanwhile the owner has lost out on a month or more of rental.
He claims the house is not fit for a small baby but both of my children lived in that house since they were born and we lived very comfortably because it is not a summer home but one equipped for winter as well, with central heating and fire places in the living room and bedrooms.
This renter had probably seen something else he preferred after he signed the contract with me and was trying to find an excuse to get out of the deal. I wish I would have asked for his references as he had suggested when I agreed to rent to him, after seeing the way he behaved with me, I am sure they are not good.
Helpful votes: 5/6
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