2/10 Terrible
Tim S.
16 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication
Lack of Support During Hurricane Milton
While the house matched the listing and photos, this review is about the lack of support from the host during an emergency. We stayed from 10/5/2024 to 10/12/2024, during which Hurricane Milton developed and headed toward us as a major storm. Multiple Hurricane Warnings and alerts were issued, advising us to have a plan and supplies.
We were staying with two small grandchildren and needed flashlights and other essentials in case of a power outage. We searched the house for supplies and any emergency protocols (e.g., were the windows safe? was this a flood zone?), but found nothing. We left messages for the host asking for flashlights and received no response. The only communication was a mass email asking guests to secure outdoor furniture. We had no way to secure large patio furniture, and the host later suggested we bring it inside—an impossible task.
We tried to buy flashlights, but stores were sold out. The security gate was left open, and guards were gone until after the storm. Concerned for our safety and our grandchildren’s, and with no assistance from the host, we left for safer accommodations late Tuesday night.
VRBO refunded their service fee. The host refused to refund the remaining days, stating they aren’t responsible for hurricanes. While true, they are responsible for basic safety and emergency preparedness. We won’t rent from Orange Vacation Homes again.
Tim S.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2024
