Poppy Vacation Rentals

Has anyone used a company called Poppy Vacation Rentals for rentals? If so, any feedback?

Thank you!

Good question. Short answer: yes — there are quite a few mixed reviews about Poppy Vacation Rentals (also known as Stay Poppy) in Greater Palm Springs. Some guests praise their beautifully maintained homes and professional service, while others have raised concerns. Here’s a breakdown based on what people are saying, plus potential pros and risks.

What Is Poppy Vacation Rentals?

Poppy is a boutique, locally owned vacation rental management company in the Palm Springs area. They manage over 130 privately owned homes and are part of McLean Company, which has been in the Coachella Valley real estate and rental business for decades.

Positive Feedback:

  • Many guests say Poppy’s homes are “tastefully appointed” and well equipped, with everything you might need in the kitchen, bathrooms, and even linen closets.
  • Their customer service team is often praised. For example, in a review on Wanderlog, a guest said Poppy’s “customer service from beginning to end was superb,” and mentioned that the property was well maintained and felt very “curated.”
  • On one Vrbo listing (“Day Dreamer”), a guest noted that when there was an issue (the pool was very warm), the Poppy team “quickly addressed it.”

Critical Feedback / Warnings:

  • On TripAdvisor, at least one guest strongly cautioned, calling Poppy “horrible” in a review. They reported that the air conditioning couldn’t be set lower than 74°F during very hot weather (over 105°F), which made the stay uncomfortable.
  • On a VRBO-managed property, another guest raised concerns about how Poppy documented “damages” after their stay. They said Poppy claimed damage to a nightstand and additional issues but that they were not adequately informed or given the chance to document the property condition themselves.
  • On Reddit, a renter warned others: > “The owners just seem to be loose cannons … they’re hostile … We are quiet, boring, middle-aged professionals … It’s been a pretty stressful vacation so far!!”

Additional Context / Considerations:

  • Poppy is not a fly-by-night startup — it’s backed by McLean Company, which has been in the Palm Springs / Coachella Valley market for decades.
  • According to guest-management data (via Airbtics), their average daily rate is relatively high (reflecting their more “boutique / curated” homes) and their average guest satisfaction appears solid.

My Take / Recommendation:

If you choose to book with Poppy, it’s a good idea to:
1. Carefully read recent guest reviews (especially for the exact property you’re considering).
2. Take photos or a video during check-in / walk-through so you can document the condition of the home (just in case there are any damage claims later).
3. Ask about the air conditioning settings and confirm what “comfortable temperature” means, particularly during hot desert months.
4. Clarify their damage deposit / security policies so you understand how they handle post-stay inspections and any possible fees.

* If you’re risk-averse, especially given some of the critical feedback, you might also compare Poppy listings with other reputable vacation rental companies in Palm Springs — and weigh whether the “boutique” feel is worth the potential tradeoffs.

In summary: Poppy Vacation Rentals has many strong points (professionalism, design-forward homes, local expertise), but there are non-trivial guest complaints. If you’re careful with which property you pick and document things thoroughly, they can be a very good option — but don’t assume all stays will be flawless.


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