4-Bedroom Historic Garden Oasis Home in Germantown

I was traveling with several women and my young daughter. Upon arriving at the property in Germantown and parking our vehicle, we immediately became concerned when an unfamiliar man repeatedly walked circles around our car. The situation made us feel unsafe, and based on what we observed, we decided not to stay at the property. We left immediately and had to find alternative accommodations, which resulted in additional unexpected expenses. What made the experience even more disappointing was the host’s response. We requested a refund twice and received no meaningful assistance. During one attempt, a VRBO supervisor contacted the host on our behalf. The host reportedly ended the first call and, during a subsequent conversation, stated that it was “too early to deal with anything” and refused to discuss the matter further. Since then, we have received no resolution and no indication that a refund will be considered. Afterward, I discovered that the property appeared to be listed as available for the same dates on another rental platform, despite our reservation remaining active. The surrounding area and neighborhood is a high-crime area. After discussing the situation with my husband and reviewing everything we had observed upon arrival, we felt confident that leaving was the right decision for our family’s safety and we were not able to check into a hotel until nearly 11:00 p.m. while traveling with a young child. Based on our experience, I cannot recommend this host/property.

This property is a well-appointed house on a residential street in Germantown. The location is excellent and check-in went smoothly, with the host being responsive and helpful on check-in day. Unfortunately, the one shower in the house does not drain properly. We were four occupying the house during our 2-night stay. One of us took a shower on day one, and no one was able to shower for the rest of the stay, because of pooling of water in the shower well. The host was alerted to the problem and recommended pouring Drano into the shower well. We decided not to do this, as if the Drano treatment was ineffective, the bathroom shower would be filled with a strong-smelling chemical agent for the duration of our stay. The host was unable to visit the property in person nor offered to dispatch a plumber. We paid over 1400 for a two-night stay and to be faced with this level inconvenience at such an expensive property was very disappointing.

I booked this unit because of the good ratings and pictures. What is on the pictures is not what you will find unless the host confirms that they have fixed the issues listed here. The property is good but it seems like something happened and it was abandoned. When we got to the property it looked unkept on the outside, the bushes were overgrown & mailbox was stuffed with mail. Our access code malfunctioned and we couldn’t get a hold of the host for a good hour and a half. The cleaner came by to put the mail away and told us that her understanding was that we were arriving on the following day. Vrbo staff could not get a hold of the host either. The cleaning lady let us into the property. Lot’s of dust, dead plants. The hot tub cover was bursted, green moldy water in the hot tub. The cover to the Gazebo was ripped and halfway off. We had to wait for the cleaner to clean the place before we could unpack and settle down. We were so tired from traveling we all passed out only to find out later that there was no hot water. Our host was not able to find anyone to fix it. We were a family of 8 and all places were booked up being graduation weekend. The host offered us to go shower at a different unit which we would be sharing with other guests. I give the unit a 2 just because the beds were clean and comfortable. The property is good but needs attention. Host refunded part of the money.

TVs not connected Shower leaked Loose floorboards Loose carpet on stairsDad had to trim rose bushes for outside seating Outside area completely unkempt (hot tub and pergola ripped down, furniture dirty)Plants all dead inside Showers dirty "Clean" plates greasy Shelves crooked Food and toiletries left spoiled from precious tenants Mouse in the attic Either the cleaners didn’t clean from the last tennant, or something-- the amenities were not what was promised. The host told me there was "off street parking". It was the bare basics of what we needed for 11 people.

House didn’t live up to previous high ratings. Dishwasher didn’t work. We had 9 people staying at the home and there were only 7 forks. Two of the beds didn’t have flat sheets. No hand towels or wash cloths. Ran out of hand soap and paper towels (which are used in bathroom instead of hand towels). No ice cube trays and ice maker didn’t work. No microwaveable plates. Dirty sock found in a bedroom on arrival. Owner responded to some requests, but dishwasher was ignored until it was too late. Otherwise, house is as described in words and pictures. Parking is on street; often a block away.

Host was super responsive and kind!

Nice for large families Very nicely decorated historic duplex comfortably sized for the ten of us! Had everything we needed, kitchen was on the small side and only two bathrooms, but we loved the spacious third floor room, the wooden staircase, relaxing living room and front porch. Even though it only has first come, first serve street parking, our kids were excited to experience a typical Philly neighborhood atmosphere, and especially enjoyed the large screen TVs and record players in each room with a huge collection of LPs to choose from!

A comfortable stay I recommend staying at this property. Everything was organized and clean. The house is very comfortable and enjoyable. Communication with property manager was amazing.

The house was spacious and the garden oasis delightful.