Private Backyard Retreat · 3BR Near Universal

The property held our family great. Enough room for 7

A couple of days before my stay I was contacted by the host that the casita was not available for anyone to occupy so that decreased the bedrooms by 1 causing someone to sleep on the sofa in the living room. I asked if they could accommodate me by helping me to find another place they said no. When I arrived there was glass all over the front entrance in the yard and the home was dusty and one bedroom window was unlocked and cracked open. There were bugs and the floors needed to be swept. I had to clean the house before we could even settle down for the night. I was not happy with the property. I have never left a bad review for a property before but I think everyone should at least have a choice to make before booking this property

Pictures show jacuzzi for no reason. Host said its not included.

This property is very nice and seems to be in a nice neighborhood. The only challenge was checkin. The host required multiple proofs of ID before sending a checkin code after we were already at the property and after already going through additional steps of completing a host-requested additional form to validate the VRBO ID process, which we had done days in advance. We waited for over an hour outside the property for a reply to our code requests and then, once we received a reply, we still had to text a picture ID and other info before we were allowed entry. So beware of a difficult host.

I didn’t stay because the amenities that were listed- hot tub (didn’t work) and fireplace (there wasn’t one)- despite me contacting and confirming with the owner prior to booking. I had booked the house for my boyfriend’s birthday and he had specifically requested a hot tub and fireplace. I was able to get a refund after a week but it was definitely disappointing to have to scramble to find a new place on such short notice.

Our stay was disappointing for the price. When we arrived, a maintenance worker was there and mentioned the previous guests had a huge party that left the property in bad shape, requiring repairs and extra cleaning. Both bathrooms were a mess, and the separate one-bedroom house was unusable—the toilet was dirty, floors filthy, and pillows stained. Our daughter had to sleep in our bed (none of us slept well), and our son on the couch—which isn’t a double sofa bed as listed, just a storage bench.We received no compensation for losing the extra room. A cleaner was sent the next day, but the host initially acted like we were exaggerating and asked for photos. Even after sending them, I had to repeatedly confirm both bathrooms would be cleaned.Communication was frustrating. I called both listed numbers, including the emergency contact, but no one answered. I had to rely on email, and after I sent photos, the host stopped responding until the next day.The hot tub wasn’t working and was filthy due to having no cover. The kitchen had only three spoons, making breakfast for eight difficult. Also, Universal Studios is at least a 20-minute drive away.Overall, we wouldn’t recommend staying here.

There were some cleaning issues and the dishwasher was broken and no kitchen towels or drying rack was left for doing dishes. There were only 4 spoons for seven people. Otherwise, the place was great. Nice place in a safe feeling neighborhood. Good space with a responsive host.

We were very happy with our stay in this property. The house was very clean and bright and the neighborhood was very quiet and nice. It is very close to our family in Sherman Oaks so it worked out very well. We were traveling with our 2 dogs and they were welcomed. The yard area is wonderful, fully fenced and very nicely maintained. Our kids enjoyed the ping-pong table. The host was very responsive and communicated well with us regarding all of our questions. I would definitely recommend this property and would like to stay again.