About 2 months ago made booking through VRBO for 14 day stay in mid March for 3 adults in Madrid. 5 minutes after arriving I contacted owner/prop manager through VRBO platform that I was terrified to stay there as it seemed like underground fire-trap. After multiple messages, owner finally responded, Too bad. Finally, 24 hours later, I managed to find phone contact for VRBO (not listed on their app) and they said, reading the listing actually that it did mention it was underground. When I said I couldn’t believe this was a permitted rental, and wanted to have confirmation of any documentation that this was legal unit, VRBO agent said it wasn’t their problem to know or ensure whether it was legal - I have a hard time believing that- “Talk to prop manager about it.” VRBO neither helped me find another place or get any kind of refund. After 2 days frantically on phone, and not being able to find any place to accommodate our party at last minute for entire stay, I eventually had to leave the city. $3500 to VRBO (plus another $1000 for alternative accommodations for 2 days…plus air tickets!) I feel duped, scammed, and broke. Last time I use that platform!
