Great getaway!

Guest: Vida (Illinois)
Date of Stay: 09/02/11 Review Submitted: 09/09/11

We stayed during extended Labor Day weekend and had a great experience. My three kids (10,8 and 4) were thrilled having a beach near by. The beach is very isolated and clean. We watched sunsets at night and would go kite flying in the mornings. I cooked breakfast and occational late dinner for the kids. I found everyhting I needed and it made us feel at home. The best part was getting up in the morning and having coffee in the beautiful terrace. The collection of wooden antique toys is amazing, kids were occupied for hours. Thank you Judy for your hospitality and bottle of wine which was a pleasant surprise. Great first Michigan vacation experience.

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

Don't stay here-Not what it seems

Guest: Jan (North suburbs, IL)
Date of Stay: 05/20/11 Review Submitted: 07/03/11

This place smelled old and musty and in need of repairs. The lawn was not mowed, and bed most uncomfortable bed I've slept on, and we were the first of the season, so owner rushed to get it ready to rent. Our stay was springtime, and the owner said we broke screens and owed her 300.00, about 1 1/2 months later. I am sure there were other renters in after us. I cleaned the place better than when I began my 3 day stay. We would NOT rent here again, as we always had good luck with VRBO until now. Be careful, as the owner will accuse you of things so she can collect the money to fix them.

Owner response:This response is almost unnecessary since all other responders have given very favorable reviews. I will not get into stone throwing and let future renters see for themselves that my cottage is a great place for a beach and counrty getaway.

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A little piece of "heaven"

Guest: Pam4Ever (Clinton Township, MI)
Date of Stay: 06/18/11 Review Submitted: 06/21/11

What a wonderful place you have. Cielo is truly a litle piece of heaven (Cielo is Spanish for heaven)and a true gem in the woods. I took my partner here for a couple days for her birthday and we had a wonderful time. The landscaping of the yard looks like it came out of one of those fancy magizines, and the birds and chipmunks are everywhere. The beach is private and was empty when we were there, although the walk to it will definately give you a little bit of a work-out - but it is certainly worth every step. We did not spend a lot of time at the cottage during the day, we were busy doing winery tours, fishing charters, and walking around St. Joseph; but the front porch is absolutely grand - we sat out there on both evenings enjoying the sounds of nature and local flavors - wine and chocolate truffles...YUM! We would have loved to spend more time, but took the few days we had and enjoyed every moment of them. Judy has done a wonderful job in making sure that your needs are met while you are staying there, and although we kept missing her when stopped by to visit we can tell that she truly cares about making people comfortable while they are staying in Cielo. We will definately look into renting this cottage again, and maybe bring our dogs next time. If you want to get away from all the hustle, bustle and craziness of the world; and want to experience a "true beach cottage" - then Cielo is definately the place for you! Thanks you Judy, and I know that we will stay here again.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, pet owners, sightseeing, families with young children.

great family getaway spot!

Guest: Monica (Ann Arbor area, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 08/27/10 Review Submitted: 08/31/10

We love your place. Its a real beach cottage unlike these other places that seem like fancy first homes! How does anyone connect with nature in these large homes? when I first got here I thought your place was so cute and quaintly charming that I took a bunch of pictures to show it off at home, and when my family arrived they were in agreement. Ciello has its own personality especially with your little touches, color and decorative flare. The kitchen sink is just priceless! I also loved your porch with the tiny birds in the trees all around, and that nice touch of the bird feeder in your pleasant and welcoming yard coming into the cottage. The huge trees and canopy provide a wonderful cooling shade. During the day there is the sound of the singing birds and at nite its breezy and you're soothed by the music of the crickets and frogs.... lovely. We've all enjoyed it. The porch as everyone says, is just wonderful. Nice table w/ umbrella and barbecue in the back feels woodsy and comfortable, then you have a table inside and one on the porch, it was hard to decide where to do the family supper with so many great choices! But the breezy porch became our favorite living room. Even our 2 teenagers were quite content here and jaunted back and forth between cottage and beach. Thanks Judy for a wonderful place & vacation ~

Recommended for:Girls getaway, families with teenagers, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, pet owners, sightseeing.

great get-away

Guest: holidaisle (Algonquin, IL)
Date of Stay: 08/09/10 Review Submitted: 08/18/10

I have stayed here two years in row and really enjoyed the time. The cottage is a great get away and the proximity to the beach is perfect! The front screened in porch is really where I spent the most time while in the cottage. It is an excellent place to unwind, read a book and/or sit to decide how to spend the day. The owner is awesome! She is very friendly and accommodating. I am already looking forward to next year!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, pet owners.

Cozy cabin on the "big lake"

Guest: Delynn (Michigan)
Date of Stay: 07/12/10 Review Submitted: 08/03/10

I spent a week at the cottage with a friend. We both agree it was an ideal location and the cabin was fitted with everything we could possibly need. The beach is private and beautiful, the cottage was very roomy with plenty of space for a whole family. We had a wonderful week!

Recommended for:Girls getaway, adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, pet owners, sightseeing, families with young children.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/02/09 Review Submitted: 09/02/09

Lovely front porch, short walk to small beach. Lots of room within cottage to gather. No tub in bathroom which is challenging if you have small children. Also, one bedroom is unheated and was a little chilly.

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Guest: Therese2 (Omaha,NE)
Date of Stay: 07/08/09 Review Submitted: 07/08/09

What a charming cottage, beautiful area, beach, and sunsets. Great country roads for biking and walking dotted w/fruit and produce stands. We would definitely rent again. It's a relaxing get away.

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Guest: Kindy (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 07/25/08 Review Submitted: 07/25/08

What a wonderful place for my friends and family to stay! The cottage was great with a spacious screened porch and the beach was terrific. It is a great value and I know we'll be back!

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