I would be grateful if those of you more articulate than me could please advise me with writing a review for my recent sit.
While I’m sure there are worse places, this did not meet my standards of cleanliness nor comfort. The trouble is, as has been said here before, I really liked the owner and I don’t think she is aware of the state of her home and land. There are two dogs who were no trouble and I bonded instantly.
The fridge was pretty full and wet, which I mentioned on arrival. The freezer needed defrosting. Covers on both sofas where the dogs, and sitter, sit. The dining room was full of junk, and the microwave had lost its front cover. There was rubbish outside. There was not much pressure in the shower so I didn’t wash my hair.
I was grateful to leave the house for a few hours as it was quite depressing inside. However, it is in a lovely setting but very remote.
If you could assist with diplomatic criticism, I’d be grateful.
There have been two previous sitter reviews, one gave 5 stars for everything and the other docked one star for cleanliness.
Thanks in advance.
(Edited to respect member privacy as per the Community Rules)
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In addition to writing a review, you might also mention some of these things directly to the owner, in a separate email (obviously after the reviews are published). For example, the shower pressure (if that is fixable) and the rubbish outside, and the freezer needing to be defrosted.
I would say something like “the home was not as clean as I would have liked” and dock star(s). “There was no room in the fridge for my food.” These are facts, and the owner might learn from your comments. It also helps future sitters to steer clear or ask more questions. It does not sound mean.
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Hmm it’s the overall experience that needs to captured for future sitters as some might not mind and others would be horrified.
‘This sit might suit an easy going person not too concerned with indoor comforts. The basics were provided and the HO is very nice and considerate of sitters within the limitations of the home eg poor water pressure in the shower. Whilst the standards of home keeping didn’t suit me it might be ok for others not concerned with these things.’
If I read this I’d give it a wide berth, others might not be bothered or would know to ask questions.
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Hi @Smiley I’m so sorry to hear of this disappointing sit. You deserve better. 
I ran much of your wording through ChatGPT, asking for “kind but factual” content. I then edited it myself, where I thought it was needed. I’ve just done this quickly, as I’m on my way out today but wanted to support you. This is what I came up with. Hopefully this will be a start, and you’ll also get responses from other ‘seasoned’ sitters. I hope your next sits are an improvement for you.
This was a sit for two lovely dogs. They were no trouble at all and a real joy to be around. I bonded with the dogs instantly.
I found the living conditions more difficult than expected. While I’m sure there are more challenging sits, this one didn’t meet my personal standards for cleanliness or comfort. The fridge was quite full and damp (which I mentioned on arrival), and the freezer needed defrosting. The microwave was missing its front panel, and the dining area was cluttered with stored items. Sofa covers were in place for both dogs and sitter, but the general condition of the home felt neglected. The water pressure in the shower was low. There was rubbish outside.
The house is in a beautiful rural location, surrounded by nature, though it’s quite remote — definitely a plus for those looking for peace and seclusion, but something to be aware of if you prefer easy access to shops or amenities. I was glad to be able to get out for a few hours each day, as I found the interior of the house rather dispiriting.
(Edited to maintain member privacy)
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I think the reviews over could be drafts. Personally, I would shorten it, Could mention the host being kind.
For instance;
The pets were easygoing and a pleasure to be around, and I bonded quickly with the dogs.
The host was friendly and kind. The conditions were for me lacking regarding cleanliness/ comfort. The fridge was full and damp, the freezer needed defrosting, and the microwave was missing a panel. The dining area was cluttered, and the home felt neglected - it was however a beautiful, secluded rural location—perfect for those seeking peace - and lovely to get a daily hike outside. Hope knowing this can be useful to get good matches to look after the lovely pets.
(Edited to maintain member privacy)
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I would send her a private email. Start with the good points but then mention that for longer sits, sitters will want a defrosted freezer, cleaned out refrigerator, a microwave they can use and a tidier living space. Just putting it in the review may shock her as a lot of people who live this way don’t see anything wrong with it. They just don’t see it. Your private email may start a concerned and caring PP conversation as you said she is kind.
I would be gentle when writing your review. State more positives than negatives but do mention these conditions. For me personally they don’t sound sanitary but I am also someone who hates marking hosts down as there are usually so many positives with negatives.
(Edited to maintain member privacy)
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Thanks Bonnie I think that’s well said
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Yes, I could do that. Thanks
Thanks so much, that’s really kind of you especially as you were on your way out.
Really hope we can meet up one day 
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Thanks for this, very useful
Thanks, something to think about
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Thank you everyone for your words of wisdom and diplomatic reviews. This has been really helpful, as I knew it would be.
No more replies needed.
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Please be honest with what you write. The homeowner has the opportunity to reply to your comments. She can either address your concerns or not. But the next sitter really needs to understand the whole picture. I like both Snowbird’s review and Garfield’s shorter one. They are both clear and paint a goid picture of the situation.
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I would discourage sending the host an e-mail before reviews. Unfortunately some would take that the wrong way and might give the sitter a bad review as they assume they will get a bad one. Save an e-mail for after reviews @Smiley
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Yes, of course, and that is exactly why I’ve come here to seek advice. If I’d scrutinised the pics more carefully I could probably have seen this wouldn’t be the sit for me.
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Yes, I think you’re right or probably no email at all. I won’t be going back
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I’ve also just thought that I asked for the owner’s inbound flight details and vet info. She refused both these, which has never happened before. She did send a Welcome Guide when I requested it but in place of the Vet she said just to get in touch with her if any issues.
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It sounds as though (for the most part) this sit could be tolerable if the HO invested more time in preparing her home for the sitter.
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Good point, hadn’t thought of that.
Alway tricky @smiley - @snowbird’s response is great. Here’s my take on a variation - “A warm & friendly host with well behaved and sweet animals in a pretty & remote rural location. My 4 day sit was okay overall although the home is very full of personal effects throughout. Kitchen needs space made for sitters & some general upkeep & more plus the bathroom has very low water pressure.” Glad it was only short! #silverlining
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