We have used VRBO several times also. There was only one experience that was marginal. There was no hot water in one of the master baths. When we called the owner, he said he talked to a plumber who said that couldn't be true! Obviously, we did not hear back from him about fixing it...but at least there was another bathroom. Also we had to clean the deck before we could even sit out there. I rely heavily on the reviews now. All of our other experiences have been above our expectations. We are renting another place in June from their site and would highly recommend it.

We've used vrbo many times on our US holidays, from Washington State, Oregon, California, Colorado and Nevada. Each one has been excellent but, as others have noted, it does pay to read previous guests comments (bearing in mind the odd grudge posts).
The only misgiving we've had is some Diamond Head, Hawaii, apartments are actually managed by agents and they have been tardy in responding, especially if they think they can get a longer tenancy. But there is plenty of choice so it tends to backfire on them.

It would be fantastic if those who had stellar experiences could share the specific properties. I love vrbo, both as a renter and as an owner who rents there. Another great site is homeaway.com because it has a search engine for the dates you want and only gives you what is available....less work. (same parent company)

Hi BaltoTraveler,

Just saw your question to me - sorry, I can't find where I wrote down the vrbo number, but it was called the Campanilla Compound, and in addition to being on vrbo they have their own website (not a whole lot on it, but you can see some pictures and the rates), so if you google you'll get there quickly.

We stayed in a 1-bedroom, it had a kiva fireplace in both the living room downstairs and the bedroom upstairs, a large patio off of the upstairs bedroom, full kitchen, bathrooms both downstairs and up, and the upstairs one was large.

It was about a 10 minute walk to the Plaza, but it was uphill coming back from the Plaza, that was fine for us but I mention it in case it's not for you. We were very happy with it.

We used VRBO very successfully for a week in Key West the week after Christmas in 2007. For our son and his family plus my wife and I. I'm sure a bit of luck was involved, but the owner was very professional, the property was as described and based on that experience we'd certainly do it again. One consideration though - when we wrote up a review, we were told it would be posted only after the owner reviewed it. So take them with a large grain of salt.
Brock