An Absolutely Wonderful Stay

Guest: Shanti P.
Date of Stay: 12/29/11 Review Submitted: 01/22/12

My family and I had a wonderful stay here. This was one of our favorite vacations (and we travel about every other month with Homeaway) The condo’s architectural detail is just stunning and the house felt like “home”. We lucked out with warm weather and enjoyed walking with the stroller down to the beach almost every day. The kitchen is well stocked which we so appreciated as we enjoy cooking. We could not have been happier. We thought the owner, Lisa, was incredibly helpful - she gave us advice on local attractions, markets, and favorite restaurants. I was a little concerned with the last review where the tenant commented on cleanliness but we found the place to be impeccable and well maintained. The wood floors shined, the kitchen and bathrooms were immaculate, the furnishings in great condition and the linens were clean and crisp. We received our full security deposit back in a timely manner. We look forward to returning here with our extended family during the summer.

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Stay away! Run down, filled with bugs and owner will keep your wrongfully keep your deposit

Guest: rebecca (new york, new york)
Date of Stay: 08/30/11 Review Submitted: 11/30/11

I've stayed at several rental properties before and always had terrific luck but this time was very different. I reached out to the owner, and she demanded full payment immediately. Typically, I've paid a deposit and then full payment just prior to my arrival so I thought her payment schedule was a bit demanding but figured it was just different in Newport. The owner would only liaise with me via email but was planning my wedding so didn't have time to think much about it and sent in payment. I told the owner that the rental was for my grandparents, who were attending my wedding over Labor Day weekend in Newport and that it was very important it be clean. When I arrived to check out the rental before my grandparents arrived, I was shocked at the condition of the house. I understand the house is older but this rental is not clean (ie: a used baby diaper under the bed, a spider nest above the bed, bugs in the headboard, a bloodstain on the sheets - I have pictures as evidence). I emailed the owner immediately and she called me from a blocked number. She said someone would come by but no one came and she didnt call me back. Given my grandparents had flown here from Asia, I wasn't going to have them stay at the rental given it's condition so I volunteered to give them my hotel suite and my bridesmaids and I moved into the rental (not ideal for a bride the day before her wedding). I didn't bother emailing the owner again as we were rushing to get things ready for my wedding but I was appalled at the condition of her house. The next day (my wedding day), a man came in to look at the house. He apologized for the condition (there were also several light bulbs that had blown out) and said he would be back in a few minutes to clean the house. He never came back. After my departure, I emailed for my deposit. I didn't ask for a refund of any sort but expressed concern and sent her photos. I sent images of the spider nest, the paper scattered across the floor, the dead bugs in the headboard and the bed stain. The owner responded by telling me I was not going to be refunded my security deposit as I had burned the rug with a cigarette. If someone in my party smoked, I could perhaps understand this accusation. But, no one smokes in my party! Given the condition the house was in when I arrived, it also seems that no one had even been in the house for weeks. I asked for proof but the owner never responded to my emails. But, the owner kept my deposit!!

Owner response:The short response: We hired a new cleaning service and the reason you did not receive your security deposit is because you violated our agreement by bringing your dog to the property (twice). The lenghty and detailed response: My payment schedule has always been consistent: the security deposit is due within 7 days of signing the lease agreement and the balance is due 60 days prior to arrival. You signed the agreement 45 days prior to arrival; hence full payment was due at the time of signing. The cleanliness of the condo has always been excellent. I stay at the property at throughout the year in order to ensure this. With Hurricane Irene hitting just days before your arrival, the island was without power for 2 days, and most businesses shut down and/or had many challenges. As a result my regular cleaning lady was unavailable. Unfortunately, the substitute cleaning person was not very good. I apologize. My property manager did stop by to help (after I received your email) and the owner of the cleaning service did a second very thorough cleaning again right away. The cleaning service told me that you admitted to having a "bug-phobia"...so it is unlikely that this was ever a real issue. The pictures you sent show one dead bug...nature happens. Overall, I felt terrible about the circumstances and I planned to refund your cleaning fee. However, because you violated our contract dated July 12, 2011 which states very clearly that "no pets are allowed", you forfeited your security deposit. I received 2 complaints from neighbors:one from my property manager and one from my neighbor telling me that you had your dog at the property. Not only is this blatant disregard of our agreement (which alone is a surprise as I have always had very respectful tenants),I was also fined by the building in excess of your security deposit.(The association rules do not allow tenants to have pets at the property) In addition, the manager found the living room rug burned (by a cigarette,candle...the source is unkown) during your stay and the cost to replace the custom made rug far exceeds your security deposit.

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Perfect Place to Stay for Newport Vacation

Guest: Roger (DeQuincy, LA)
Date of Stay: 06/25/11 Review Submitted: 07/15/11

Our family (my wife, myself, my two daughters and their husbands, and the boss, our grandson) recently spent a week in this property. It is spacious, clean, and in a great location to see the Newport area. Lisa was very helpful in providing information to help us familarize ourselves with the area (grocery, restaurants, etc). Peter, who lives on the property, was also very helpful. The beautiful lawn was ideal for our 3 year old grandson. He loved chasing the rabbits! We will definately want to stay here again when we return to this area.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, sightseeing.

Charming and modern

Guest: Sara B. (Hanson, Massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 06/23/11 Review Submitted: 06/28/11

I have stayed in this rental twice, both times with 6 other people going to a wedding in Newport. The place is very spacious, especially the kitchen, living room, and porch. It is perfect if you want to spend time hanging out in the common areas with family or friends. We have spent hours talking and playing games around the bar in the kitchen, on the living room couches, or on the porch. This rental is very convenient to Newport and within walking distance of a few restaurants and the beach. The fireplace is a great touch (easy to use) and the grill works very well.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children.

Serenity by the Sea

Guest: Jen (Boston)
Date of Stay: 06/03/11 Review Submitted: 06/19/11

I have stayed several times at this incredible property and I will continue to go back. It's a short walk to the beach (2 beaches in fact) and such a serene setting. I always feel like any stress I have melts away the minute I walk through the door. The large and open kitchen/living space makes it easy to have casual dinner parties (appliances/serving pieces allow for this). The bedrooms are spacious and with 2 bathrooms, there's plenty of space for everyone. I especially love the wrap around deck that walks out onto the giant lawn. The location is far enough away from the hub-bub of downtown Newport that you don't hear any of the noise from Thames or Bellevue traffic & tourists, but it's all still close enough that you can enjoy if you like. I can't say enough about this place. I just love it!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children.

Yet another fantastic visit!

Guest: Sharon (Newburyport MA)
Date of Stay: 05/13/11 Review Submitted: 05/17/11

This is our second year visiting this beautiful property. We are 7 women and there was plenty of space for all of us! This property is immaculate and has everything you need. It is in a great location, you can walk to the beach and for breakfast and dinner and only a 5 minute drive to downtown Newport. We would all reomment this property, it is beautiful, clean, spacious and in a great location. Lisa, the owner is a pleasure to deal with which makes the whole process simple and easy. Thanks again for a great trip!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children.

Autumn weekend

Guest: MBK (Saratoga, NY)
Date of Stay: 10/08/10 Review Submitted: 10/19/10

We had a wonderful autumn weekend at this property. The condo is beautiful, the beds are comfortable and the location is perfect. The only negative is the absence of a dining table! It is advertised as having a dining table that seats 8, but there was no table at all. We made delicious dinners in the gourmet kitchen, and then had to stand around the counters to eat. The simple addition of dining seating would make this the perfect property for a family or couples vacation.

Owner response:Thanks for the great review. During the warmer months, most guests enjoy dining outside on the teak table and chair set (up to 8 chairs).There are 6 counter stools for dining indoors.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children.

Perfect New England Getaway!

Guest: eaf (nyc)
Date of Stay: 09/12/09 Review Submitted: 07/26/10

I have stayed at the property many times over the last few years, most recently in Sept. 2009. It is a beautiful space, open yet traditional design. Upscale, not an Animal House for undergrads. It's just a quick walk to 2nd beach, which is in my opinion much nicer than the busier 1st beach (also right near by). Sleep late, walk to the beach, nap and then head into town for some great shopping and seafood! It's the perfect location to enjoy everything Newport has to offer, nothing is more than 10 mins away...NOTHING!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Nancy H.3 (East Hampstead, NH)
Date of Stay: 10/19/09 Review Submitted: 10/19/09

We can't say enough about our stay in Newport! It was everything we invisioned and more! Your condo was very deceiving in the pictures online....it is so "grand" when you enter! It worked out perfectly for our family and we all said we would love to return. Thank you for sharing your beautiful condo. It was very private, with great deck and side yard. My extended family staying in the area thoroughly enjoyed their visit to Wolcott Ave as well. Great layout for entertaining, or just relaxing....

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Guest: Ilene Cappello (Boston, MA USA)
Date of Stay: 05/26/09 Review Submitted: 05/26/09

Your condo and the surrounding grounds are beautiful. My family had a wonderful vacation and we tried several of your suggested restaurants as well as stopping at Sweetberry Farm. There is no question that I would recommend your condo and I hope that my family and I will have an opportunity to spend another vacation there.

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