The day after Christmas, as her Christmas gift to us, my mother takes my (grown-up) children and I on a decadent Monterey trip to relax and regroup after the Christmas frenzy and to bring in the New Year as a family. We have loved going back yearly to what we fondly refer to as "the Monterey house," and have never wanted to try going anywhere else, though it seems that less and less care has gone into it's upkeep, or into the comfort or special interest of the VRBO clients. This year each of us individually and together were commenting over and over on how expensive the cost of the house was for the low quality of care we received. This was our 5th year going to this location and the views are always endlessly picturesque, the house is beautiful, and our family looks forward to spending this time together every year. The first year was only 3-days long, and it was so special, we had so much fun, we were enchanted. It was then that it became a tradition...something we did again the next year, and ever since, but for much longer. It was so wonderful we wanted more of it! The second year and ever since we've stayed between 8- 10 days, and loved every moment of our time together. We enjoy our time together no matter where we stay. Some disappointments this year: The fireplace didn't work in the master bedroom. We told the hostess, she offered to bring a space heater. That was a nice offer, but we aren't running the gas fireplace for heat as much as "winter ambience." The first year there were an array of condiments in the house, this year almost none in the house. The scissors in the house literally didn't cut. Towels weren't fluffy, they were theadbare, cheap, and thin, and we weren't given enough for our vacation, not even a hair and body towel. The coffee filters didn't fit the coffee pot which is also really cheap-- Folgers coffee. Also, the upstairs sinks are stopped up with and will overflow even while trying to run water to make the water warm to wash hands. For what is costs per night it should have a working fireplace, good towels, enough towels, good coffee, and salt & pepper shakers. Also my mom who is 72, unsteady on her feet and has trouble standing for a long time, said that when she turned on the downstairs shower, it would spray directly in her face and she had no way to move or adjust it away. That was upsetting to me. My
mom should not have to deal with that. We have always loved this house and this year we’re disappointed.