Writing this as a solo black femme traveler for others at these intersections (yay!) -
I stayed here for six weeks and I can’t recommend it:
- It is priced as if it’s right on the beach and/or luxury and it’s neither. it’s a very cute DIY type place but the prices are outrageous and the hosts aren’t flexible on the prices enough for it to seem fair. I think if you’re trying to spend this amount…be near the beach or a lake or on the moon not a block from the highway AND off of a noisy street with trucks and buses and cars at all hours (it’s off one of the major streets in Norfolk).
- Note to hosts: check-in more regularly on femmes on their own unless they explicitly ask otherwise. I’ve stayed in countless homes and this is the first where I had such little contact with the hosts. Regular check-ins make a big difference. They are obviously trying to ‘automate it’ and have as little contact or engagement as possible with the humans staying in their…business venture? It definitely felt more like a business venture than a home.
That said!
- Norfolk is a cute and friendly city with lots to do and awesome food. I took long walks and felt very very safe and it was fun to explore. It’s also easy to walk to rivers/bays/waters which is a plus!
- The house has great amenities: deep bathtub, super hot water, gas stove, washer and dryer with detergents (appreciated this), soft comfy sheets (i slept well!), lots of wood, and a nice backyard.
- The interior design of the home is clearly thought out and was very cozy and beautiful. There were times I just sat and experienced the home and it felt lovely. This alone softened the edges off of the price and location.
If you’re like ‘yes DIY/super cute interiors!’ ‘yes let’s ball out to be near the highway!’ go for it. Otherwise there must be other cute spaces on VRBO that are a better value and location?
Bless.