Vacation Rentals by Owner

Cozy Hideaway

Guest: Joann O.
Date of Stay: 03/23/12 Review Submitted: 03/27/12

We have stayed at Pine Arbor Retreat in the past with family and loved it. This time we rented the one bedroom apartment below the house and were very impressed with it too. It was the perfect size for the three of us. My husband and I slept comfortably in the bedroom and our son used the sofa bed in the living room. I was surprised at some of the decorative touches. Who would have thought you would find a vessel sink in a mountain cabin setting. We had another great stay in Yosemite West at this home.

Owner response:Thank you for you kind words. We are glad you enjoyed your visit and that you appreciated our remodeling efforts.

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Perfect location in Yosemite

Guest: Roger H.
Date of Stay: 02/27/12 Review Submitted: 04/21/12

Perfect location in Yosemite (February 2012) We were a group of eight and found this vacation rental at the last minute. There had been a cancellation, so we took it. The house is large and open with a main room with a huge couch on the top floor. The kitchen looked new and ample for our needs. The entire lower floor is bedrooms and bathrooms. There was even a Jacuzzi in the master bedroom. All in all, a great place. The only negative was the checkin, which was overcrowded with other guests checking in.

Owner response:We are glad you had the chance to enjoy our home. We have reported your displeasure to the management office regarding check-in and are working with them to correct the problem. They had been understaffed and are bringing in additional staff. We hope this makes for a better experience for our guests.

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Cozy

Guest: Justin
Date of Stay: 10/24/11 Review Submitted: 11/21/11

Cozy for a 2 night stay and to explore Yosemite for the first time. Very relaxing and a nice place to stay. Thanks.

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Stars are amazing at night!

Guest: Lynne and Ylli
Date of Stay: 10/21/11 Review Submitted: 11/21/11

Stars are amazing at night!. Enjoyed spending part of our honeymoon in Yosemite. apartment was perfect. Get out there and Hike!!! Cheers! PS Upper Yosemite Falls hike was great.

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Lovely place to stay

Guest: Peter and Judith
Date of Stay: 10/13/11 Review Submitted: 11/21/11

Lovely, relaxing place to stay. Much better that right in Yosemite. All meals cooked on BBQ. Nicely furnished with all you need. Thank you.

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Thank you

Guest: Cathe
Date of Stay: 08/29/11 Review Submitted: 09/20/11

Thank you for sharing your beautiful home! It was nearly perfectly stocked and so much nicer than even the pictures showed. I hope to come back with my family!

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Thanks so much

Guest: Helen
Date of Stay: 08/29/11 Review Submitted: 09/20/11

Thanks so much Betsy and Peter for the use of your beautiful home! What a find for us. WE hope to visit again to continue our exploration and experience in Yosemite.

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Enjoyed your home

Guest: Claudia
Date of Stay: 08/29/11 Review Submitted: 09/20/11

We enjoyed your home very much. We have 2 kids and it was the perfect place for them.

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Really enjoyed our stay

Guest: Gwen,Brad, Grace, Ken and families
Date of Stay: 08/21/11 Review Submitted: 09/20/11

We really enjoyed our stay, it was wonderful to com back to a house with the comforts of home after a long day of exploring the park. It is a challenge to find a place that can accommodate our large family, but we all ate, slept and relaxed in comfort. The whimsical decor was a source of entertainment and the spacious living room provided ample room for all of our activities. We had a great stay and would love to come back to the park in the future. Thanks!

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First Time at Yosemite

Guest: Becky, Ron and Nancy
Date of Stay: 08/15/11 Review Submitted: 11/21/11

Three long time friends spent three wonderful days here. For Becky and Nancy-first time at Yosemite. It is awesome. We loved hiking to waterfalls and Sequoias. We loved having breakfast and dinner on the deck. Enjoyed the peace and quiet here.

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Fantastic location

Guest: Katrina and family from UK
Date of Stay: 08/11/11 Review Submitted: 09/20/11

Fantastic location, wonderful house. I hope we return some time. Thanks.

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Wonderful house

Guest: Group from TX, CA, MN and PA
Date of Stay: 08/06/11 Review Submitted: 09/20/11

Wonderful house. We had a great time.

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We had a fabulous time here!

Guest: Robert and family
Date of Stay: 08/01/11 Review Submitted: 09/20/11

We had a fabulous time here! Thank you for this beautiful house. You have a great taste in movies! It was so lovely coming back here at the end of every day, exhausted after our days adventures, and being able to relax and unwind. We'll definitely be spreading the word about this place back in Australia! Loving the inventions by the way!

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Wonderful time in Yosemite

Guest: Mark, Cherri, Zane and Elise
Date of Stay: 07/22/11 Review Submitted: 11/21/11

We had a wonderful time in Yosemite. We enjoyed hiking and rafting. The falls were wonderful. We saw deer, butterflies, a coyote and lots of squirrels. We had an amazing time climbing the rocks at Lower Yosemite Falls. The apartment was very cozy.

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The Park was awesome

Guest: David and Anne
Date of Stay: 07/19/11 Review Submitted: 09/20/11

We loved your home in the gorgeous wooded setting. We had wonderful meals together and enjoyed your movies.

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Fantastic Place!

Guest: Diane and family
Date of Stay: 06/29/11 Review Submitted: 09/20/11

Fantastic Place! 3 generations stayed here. All had a wonderful time. Thoroughly enjoyed the park and wonderful place to come home to. We even saw a coyote just down the road.

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Guests from Australia

Guest: Peter and family
Date of Stay: 06/09/11 Review Submitted: 09/20/11

We have thoroughly enjoyed our time at the house and in Yosemite Village. This region is so spectacular that our cameras failed to capture the scope of Yosemite's beauty. We were treated to the sight of a mother black bear and her cub in the valley and are thrilled we saw something we don't have at home.

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Spectacular!

Guest: Vicki and family
Date of Stay: 05/20/11 Review Submitted: 09/20/11

Spectacular! The falls were booming, the dogwood was in the bloom and the park was at her glory. Had a great time with daughters and son-in-laws and celebrated my birthday!

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Wonderful place to stay!

Guest: Elizabeth (Sonoma County)
Date of Stay: 03/13/11 Review Submitted: 03/24/11

Thank you for renting your home out! We had a mixed group, ages 3 - 73. Everyone had a wonderful time and thoroughly enjoyed staying in your home! There was more than enough room for everyone and the kitchen was well supplied! I was very happy that the entire home was so clean too! Being in Yosemite was great, but it was really great that each night, after our adventures, we could return to this home and relax! It was truly a dream vacation for all of us! Thank you again! Also, want others to know that the Owners were great, always returned my emails promply and gave me lots of great information about Yosemite and different web links. I would (and have already!) recommend this property to others and would certainly rent it again myself!

Owner response:Thanks so much for a great review!

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

Jack's review

Guest: Jack and family
Date of Stay: 02/13/11 Review Submitted: 09/20/11

My family + friend came for an awesome night and a fabulous day. I really like the house. I like Peters inventions. The view form the porch is beatiful. Thanks.

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Guest: Richard
Date of Stay: 11/14/10 Review Submitted: 11/26/10

Thank you for the opportunity to stay at your wonderful house. Everything we could have asked for was here. This was our first time renting a house and now we are spoiled. My parents, husband and sister and brother-in-law relaxed and rejuvenated in this idyllic setting. Thank you for a most wonderful stay in wonderful country! Thank you!

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Guest: Havoc Pledge Class
Date of Stay: 10/20/10 Review Submitted: 11/26/10

We had our nine year fraternity pledge class reunion here. 12 of 23 pledge bros made the trip from all over CA and as far as NY and NJ. The house was cozy... Thanks fr the hospitality. The reunion was a huge success.

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Guest: Danielle
Date of Stay: 09/30/10 Review Submitted: 11/26/10

The slot machine was AWESOME!! We got every bonus game. It was really awesome. Also loved looking at the patents downstairs.

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Guest: Yoko
Date of Stay: 09/19/10 Review Submitted: 11/26/10

Wonderful House and location. We had a fantastic time here and in the Valley. Thanks!

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Guest: Debbie & Dave
Date of Stay: 08/29/10 Review Submitted: 11/26/10

Another 3 night stay in Paradise. The house is as comfortable as ever. "Transitional" weather this time - 85 when we arrived Thursday afternoon but only up to 55 as we got ready to leave on Sunday! Almost turtleneck weather. Great friends & wine always round out the Yosemite experience. Thanks a ton!

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Guest: Linda
Date of Stay: 08/23/10 Review Submitted: 11/26/10

We really enjoyed how big the house was... there was more than enough space fro everyone! Thanx so much! P.S. We really loved the jacuzzi & the slot machine!

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Guest: Gary
Date of Stay: 07/31/10 Review Submitted: 11/26/10

Hi-We are from Chicago. We loved the house, very spacious. Great view too. Thank you.

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Perfect Lodging Opportunity In Gods Country!

Guest: Brian & Trisha (Placentia, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/17/10 Review Submitted: 06/03/10

We have thoroughly enjoyed two stays in the Pine Arbor Retreat. Our first stay took place during the winter a couple of years ago, and most recently enjoyed our stay during April 2010. The location of this retreat cannot be beat... it is a half hour from many fun excursions including the Yosemite Valley, snow skiing, hiking, golf, tours, sight seeing and much more. Pine Arbor Retreat is very spacious and comfortable, you will not feel crouded or confined during any part of your stay. The home offers high ceilings, large windows, and a great layout with the main living space located on the top floor (entry floor) and three bedrooms (including Jaccuzi Tub in Master) on the lower level. The two decks off the main floor, and off the Master are great to enjoy your morning coffee, get fresh air, have a BBQ, or just plain relax with your favorite drink! You and your gang will also enjoy the fireplace, slot machine, board games, DVD collection, and many interesting books related to Yosemite and available activities. During our two stays we have enjoyed waking to a pristine snow fall, deer dashing along, beautiful mature trees, and crisp clean air. I would definately recommend this property for a memorable experience with friends and family to gather and enjoy Yosemite in style!! Thanks to Pine Arbor Retreat! Brian M. Placentia, CA

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Barbara Rhoades (Pleasant Hill, CA)
Date of Stay: 01/04/10 Review Submitted: 01/04/10

My sister and brother and their families gathered for a surprise stay in Yosemite to celebrate my mother's 84th BD. It was definitely the best way to see the valley again after 25 years! Great large house. Could use air conditioning on the hottest days/nights but otherwise, it had a great view, spacious, quiet. Would go again, in a cooler time of year. Would be great in the winter or spring/fall.

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Our Yosemite Home Away from Home

Guest: Lovin'Yosemite (La Habra, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/09/09 Review Submitted: 02/03/10

We've been fortunate to stay at Pine Arbor several times over the past few years. I think Winter and Spring are our favorites. You'll feel like you're coming home when you walk into Pine Arbor - the huge living room has space for all 8 of us to sit and visit or watch movies and there's nothing better than lighting the fire and watching the snow come down. This isn't your normal vacation rental - it has lovely bedrooms, a well-stocked kitchen with great appliances, dishes, utinsels, pots&pans, etc. It's only 30 min from the Valley and all it's spendor and about 30 minutes from Wawona where you'll find a spectacular golf course that winds it's way through the trees. We've enjoyed the hike to the bottom of Yosemite Falls, the Ranger walks/talks, but mostly we've enjoyed being with our friends in this homey atmosphere. So, bring your comfort food and enjoy this lovely house.

Owner response:We are glad you enjoyed your stay at our home in Yosemite. We are pleased when our guests love it as much as we do.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great place to stay In Yosemite

Guest: Simsom (Fullerton, ca)
Date of Stay: 10/09/09 Review Submitted: 11/02/09

In October 2009, we rented a house in Yosemite West called Pine Arbor Retreat. We wanted a place that would hold our family and two other couples for our stay in Yosemite. In the past, we rented separate rooms at the lodge in Yosemite Valley. There was never a quite place to just talk after the day's adventures. We never knew that there were homes you could rent inside the park. The house was huge with a big great room and a big couch that seat all 10 of us. It is right in the middle of everything too, so we didn't have to go outside the park to eat. We just went to the "frig" and made our own meals. Saved us a bundle on restaurant costs. Plus, when we split the rental bill, it was cheaper then the lodge. We will be back next year!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Tamar Zalsman
Date of Stay: 08/27/08 Review Submitted: 08/26/08

I just want to say that this house is absolutly amazing! I wish I could live all the time in here and it's very clean.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Ryan_HAC100210 (Torrance, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/07/07

My family had a wonderful time staying at the Pine Arbor retreat. The house is beautiful inside and out, we had a large selection of DVD's to choose from, and it is only about 25-30 minutes from Yosemite Valley. We would love to stay there again!

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Guest: Butzke
Date of Stay: 05/07/07 Review Submitted: 05/06/07

"We have enjoyed every minute in Yosemite. It was wonderful to have a comfortable place to stay each night. Thank you very much for sharing your home."

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Peggy Tarasi (Whittier, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/01/07 Review Submitted: 05/06/07

We really enjoyed a lovely four day holiday in this house this spring. Everything we could need was provided for us and Yosemite National Park is just beautiful.

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Guest: The Faucher Family
Date of Stay: 04/14/07 Review Submitted: 04/13/07

"What a great cozy place you have! Thanks for all the extra touches."

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Guest: Ricky Domiguez
Date of Stay: 04/06/07 Review Submitted: 04/05/07

"Hi, my name is Ricky. I came to Yosemite with my family on spring break. I hoped to see a bear, but I got to see a bat... I hope to came back and see a bear and pan for gold." Well, we hope you come back too Ricky. I have seen a bear and it is exciting. Try hiking in McGurk Meadow next time. That is where I saw my first bear!

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Guest: Ingram
Date of Stay: 02/19/07 Review Submitted: 02/18/07

The Ingrams said: " We loved staying at this wonderful home over Presidents' Day weekend... After an amazing 3 days of hiking to the top of Yosemite Valley, cross-country skiing almost all the way to Glacier Point and cooking gourmet meals in the fantastic and well stocked kitchen (loved the knives), we must sadly return to Southern Ca. Thank you very much, and we hope to return again."

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Guest: Shelby Christianson
Date of Stay: 01/06/07 Review Submitted: 01/05/07

The Christianson's stayed with us in January and Shelby, age 13 made these comments: "It snowed while we were here again. We enjoyed watching the movies and were impressed by your various achievements. Nice painting, Betsy. We thououghly enjoyed the trash compactor. Thanks for letting us stay even though we called a few nights before!" We are so glad you enjoyed your stay, Shelby. Please come again.

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Home Away From Home!!!

Guest: Mo Bettah (Tustin, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/10/02 Review Submitted: 02/18/10

Pine Arbor is just like a home away from home. It's an immaculate, comfortable home with a beautiful view of the surrounding forest. The house is close to the center of Park activity, yet far enough from the hubbub. We enjoyed the pine trees and the sounds of birds and nature before embarking on the day's adventures. Our cozy evenings, playing games and watching current movies on DVDs near the wood burning fireplace after hiking all day made for a perfect time. My family had a 5 star experience there.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.