Vacation Rentals by Owner

Avoid being swindled

Guest: Mariela (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Date of Stay: 10/15/11 Review Submitted: 10/18/11

The owner wrongfully withhold our security deposit accusing us of not leaving back the keys. He does not handle check-in nor check-out so we never met him, therefore I recommend a rental agreement in which the owner should mention a key charge of U$100 for each key. Both keys were handheld at the front desk during check-out, even so he didn't’ care in finding out, he just withhold our deposit. Is it worth hassling guests for this issue? U$200, onerous fee for a key replacement (reprogram a code, as they are magnetic keys) something to take into account if you are planning to stay at this apartment. For those who need to sleep in a dark room, forget it. No blackouts at all, only blinds, so as from 6am you have a very luminous room.

Owner response:RESPOND TO REVIEW #4753173 THE TEANT WAS INFORMED BY ME OF THE CORRECT CHECK IN-CHECK OUT PROCEDURE BEFORE SHE ARRIVEID AT THE SETAI. UPON ARRIVAL SHE SHOULD GO TO THE RECEPTION DESK OF THE SETAI TOWER BUILDING AND SECURITY WOULD ESCOURT HER TO THE APARTMENT. THERE SHE WOULD FIND TWO KEYS ON THE KITCHEN COUNTER. UPON HER DEPARTURE SHE SHOULD LEAVE THE TWO KEYS IN THE APARTMENT IN THE SAME PLACE SHE FOUND THEM. WHEN MY NEW GUEST ARRIVED ON THE SAME DAY OF HER DEPARTURE AND REPEATED THE CHECK IN PROCEDURE THERE WERE NO KEYS FOUND IN THE APARTMENT. I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE SETAI STATING THERE WERE NO KEYS AT THE FRONT DECK NOR IN THE APARTMENT. AS A RESULT, I HAD TO PURCHASE TWO KEYS FOR MY NEW GUEST. I'M SORRY THE CHARGE FOR EACH KEY IS $100.00- BUT THAT IS THE SETAI CHARGE-NOT MINE. I TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN THE COMFRORT AND SATISFACTION OF ALL MY GUESTS.

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Loved It!

Guest: Ashur (Toronto)
Date of Stay: 07/26/11 Review Submitted: 08/09/11

My fiancé and I stayed in this beautifully furnished condo and were blown away by the ocean view. This is the best price on the beach for the Setai Experience. It is absolutely stunning, warm and welcoming, Bob goes that extra mile to ensure his guest have everything they need to enjoy a memorable trip to South beach. Anybody who is hesitant to book here, DON'T BE! You will love it from the moment you arrive. Thank you for a beautiful stay, we can't wait to be back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great time on South Beach!

Guest: Roger (San Antonio)
Date of Stay: 06/24/11 Review Submitted: 06/29/11

Wife and I just completed a 5 day stay at this great location. Condo was spotless, well equipped and perfectly located. Setai is all that others have said. Bob's condo is well maintained, clean and nicely furnished. We took Bob's advice and didn't bother with rental car except for one day (Enterprise picked up and delivered right to the door) for extended sightseeing. Ate our last meal in the Setai restaurant and had perhaps the best meal of our lives for under $200...it's a must while you're there. Beach chairs are included in rental, as are towels, water and even suntan lotion! Truly a first class vacation. Thanks for everything Bob! We will be back!

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Exceptional!

Guest: michelle (cincinnati, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 06/21/11 Review Submitted: 07/13/11

My husband and I stayed here for our 10 year anniversary. The condo was very nice and comfortable. The staff at the hotel was always welcoming and willing to help you. Bob was great to work with too. Thanks for the wonderful experience. We will definately come back to South Beach and stay here.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Thank you for a wonderful stay!

Guest: Stan (New York)
Date of Stay: 06/10/11 Review Submitted: 07/09/11

My wife and I took some time away and spent eight days in Bob's wonderful place. The place was well appointed and wonderfully maintained. And of course, the Setai facilities were absolutely spectacular. Bob's responsiveness and the staff service were exemplary, and we can't wait to visit again!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

South Beach Perfection

Guest: Tim Hanlon (Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 05/16/11 Review Submitted: 05/27/11

After 9 luxurious days at the Setai, it was awfully hard to leave. The unit, for us, was absolutely perfect. Incredibly comfortable, beautifully furnished, with a spectacular view, it was exactly what we'd hoped it would be. The Setai is an amazing property, very luxurious with an eye toward exceptional service. Whether in the dining room, at the concierge desk, at the pool, on the beach, or at the beachside bar/grill, service is amazing. Every time we stepped out of the condo, we were very well taken care of by building staff. A remarkably good deal on a truly beautiful and very comfortable unit. We'll check Bob's calendar first before going anywhere else in Miami from now on. A wonderful 9 days in a beautiful spot.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Best place to stay on Miami Beach

Guest: Debbie150 (MN)
Date of Stay: 04/23/11 Review Submitted: 05/06/11

My husband and I have stayed at Bob's condo repeatedly. Each time we are pleased with the attention to detail he provides. The condo is prisine in all aspects. Clean, well equipped and a view of the beautiful ocean. This coupled with the service at the Setai is unmatched and keeps us coming back. I highly recommend Bob's codo at the Setai!

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

OUTSTANDING TRIP & GORGEOUUS UNIT!!!

Guest: Cliff (Boston)
Date of Stay: 04/17/11 Review Submitted: 05/08/11

My Girlfriend and I stayed at this BEAUTIFUL condo for 7 days in April and had a PHENOMENAL TIME!! If you are looking for a relaxing, luxurious, beautiful, pool, beach, and terrifc service as well as the food!!! The Setai is THE PLACE!!! We THOROUGHLY enjoyed the condo and the large amount of space we had to use as well as the outside deck/patio. The owner was a joy to work with! I strongly urge anyone thinking of the Setai to stay at this property and get in touch with this owner!!!

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

The most wonderful SoBe stay!!!

Guest: VirginiaKat (Virginia USA)
Date of Stay: 01/19/11 Review Submitted: 02/03/11

We've been coming to SoBe for the past 10 years to get away from the cold winters. Bob's condo is by far the best place that we've ever stayed in SoBe and, from now on, we won't stay anywhere else!!! The pictures do not do this condo justice. It is absolutely stunning!!! Very warm and welcoming. Immaculate and supplied with everything you may need. And, the staff at the Setai is very welcoming and accommodating. We were a little concerned that we would not be able to use all of the hotel's facilities, since we were renting from an owner and not directly from the hotel. We should not have been! We could use any and all accommodations (beach chairs, pool, gym, everything). We also chose to set up a charge account with the front desk (which was a breeze), so that we could charge our food and drinks directly to the room. Thanks so much, Bob, for making our vacation a GREAT one!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway.

A wonderful home away from home vacation

Guest: Tania & Gianfranco (Switzerland)
Date of Stay: 12/23/10 Review Submitted: 01/09/11

Bob, thank you. We had a wonderful time. Great hospitality, great location, great weather. All in all we couldn't have asked for more. Everything was arranged perfectly. We hope to repeat the experience next year.

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

We had a great stay, can't wait to return!

Guest: Craig N (Toronto, Canada)
Date of Stay: 11/09/10 Review Submitted: 11/18/10

We stayed in Bob's wonderful condo unit this past week and have a great experience! This condo was well equipped, clean and comfortable. The owner Bob was an absolute pleasure to deal with and we can't wait to return!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A perfect holiday location

Guest: Heidi (Munich/Germany)
Date of Stay: 10/30/10 Review Submitted: 12/28/10

Thanks Bob for the days in your beautiful, clean and perfect apartment - we enjoyed the ocean view every moment. The pool area and the staff is great, just a few steps to the beach...the restaurant and breakfast was excellent and we felt really secure in the building. I hope we can come back soon. Thanks for everything

Recommended for:Families with young children, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Pure Bliss

Guest: Brian, Jeanne, Carson, & Emma (North Dakota)
Date of Stay: 10/22/10 Review Submitted: 11/01/10

We just returned from a week at the Setai in Bob's unit. The view and condo are just as beautiful as the photos! The Setai is a unique haven in South Beach. The beach, pools, and service are outstanding. We found most shopping and restaurants to be in easy walking distance. Hope to visit again!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Weekend of Luxury

Guest: Jill (Marco Island, Fl)
Date of Stay: 09/03/10 Review Submitted: 09/13/10

My husband and I spend Labor Day weekend at this beautiful condo on the beach. The owner, Bob, personally met us when we arrived and showed us the condo and even left us a bottle of wine (very classy Bob). The service was outstanding both at the beach and the pools. Everyone was friendly and willing to do what we needed. Excellent food and very convienent (walkable) to Lincoln Road mall for restaurant options. We can't wait to get back. This is the best bargain at the Setai.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Jeff

Guest: Jeff (U K)
Date of Stay: 07/30/10 Review Submitted: 08/12/10

Bob Just wanted to thank you for the most amazing holiday at your magnificent apartment. We have had a wonderful vacation, the resort is just superb, we could not have wished for anything better. The girls send their thanks and love to you, we will defiantly be back for more with your approval. With my kindest regards and very best wishes Jeff M. Bob Very happy for you to post my comments, we will highly recommend your apt to our family and friends Kindest regards Jeff

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 05/24/10 Review Submitted: 05/23/10

Bob, Mike and I had a wonderful weekend at the Setai. It was beyond our expectations. We appreciate the extras that you provided in the kitchen and bath. You are such a thoughtful host.

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Guest: Stephanie
Date of Stay: 01/19/10 Review Submitted: 01/18/10

Bob, My friend Clare & I had a wonderful time in South Beach. Your condo is beautiful with everything anyone could ever ask for. A day by the pool or on the beach at the Setai, with the attentive staff, is like a Thanks so much for sharing such a wonderful place. We plan on coming back & would love to stay at your place again. I will refer your listing to couples that I know that go to South Beach. Thanks again, Stephanie

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Guest: Lisa318 (New Richmond, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 11/01/09 Review Submitted: 11/01/09

If you are looking for an oasis in South Beach, look no further. This condo is like being at home but with the convenience and pampering of a luxury hotel. The owner, Bob, is gracious and has literally thought of everything you might need. It is equipped with nice electronics, gourmet kitchen, a rainfall shower, luxury sheets and towels, and a beautiful view of the quiet end of South Beach. You have a choice of several great hotel restaurants, but many more are a short walk away as well as shopping and clubs. No car is needed. The pools and intimate atmosphere are nice, as well as the beach. This is truly the best stay in South Beach, perfect for vacation for family or just the two of you! We plan to contact Bob for availability first every time we are in town! Simply the best place to stay!

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Guest: Vlada and Eugene (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 06/09/09 Review Submitted: 06/09/09

This was one of the nicest place we have ever stayed at. We really enjoyed all the Setai has to offer. Bob went out of his way to make it a great place to enjoy. Thank you, Bob, we will definetly stay here again.

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Guest: Ramin Shojai
Date of Stay: 05/07/09 Review Submitted: 05/06/09

We really, really, really, enjoyed the condo. Bob is a gracious host and was extremely helpful and understanding to our needs. The condo is extremely well equipped and super-passed our expectations. We enjoyed sitting on the balcony and watching the ocean during the sunset. I stayed at Setai before, but this time I had an ocean view, much more room to relax, access to kitchen, and ended up paying less. I strongly recommend the experience. RS from Oregon” Regards, Ramin

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Guest: Nabila Knghorn (Houston, Texas)
Date of Stay: 05/05/09 Review Submitted: 05/05/09

My husband and I spent a week over Easter at Bob's lovely condo on South Beach, we had a wonderful vacation! It was all the comforts of home with the amenities of a luxury hotel. The condo is spacious and beautifully furnished with a balcony overlooking the beach as well as the city. We had peace and privacy. At the same time, we could partake of the wonderful features of the hotel, with its 3 pools, spa, restaurants and cafes and of course their top notch staff and concierge service, who set us up at great restaurants nightly. The location is ideal. Bob is attentive and wants his guests to enjoy themselves. We sure did and we'll be back! Thank you for a great vacation!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/04/09 Review Submitted: 05/04/09

Hi Bob, Just wanted to thank you again for a fabulous stay at your magnificent condo. You went out of your way to help make this one of our best vacations ever. Absolutely everything was top notch, and we look forward to coming back. Best regards, Naomi and Arthur

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Guest: Sue Cory (-)
Date of Stay: 04/09/09 Review Submitted: 04/09/09

Hi Bob: I just wanted to drop you a line to thank you again for letting Pete & I rent your condo last week in South Beach. We had a great time - the weather was perfect and we managed to take advantage of the sun, boardwalk, beach, and the pools. Not to mention several great restaurants! Your place was perfect. You're a wonderful host! We would love to come back again next year, if you'll have us. :) All the best .. Enjoy your summer! Sue Cory

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/30/09 Review Submitted: 03/30/09

My husband and I just spent 3 nights in this gorgeous condo and we just cannot say enough about it! The condo is amazing and the grounds are simply beautiful. Top notch service, accomodations and decor, not to mention the views! There is no better place to stay on Miami Beach. Bob is a great guy and even provided some thoughtful extras that were a wonderful touch. We will definitely be booking this condo again!

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Guest: Dorian Caron
Date of Stay: 03/30/09 Review Submitted: 03/29/09

Hello Bob, Just wanted to send you a quick note to let you know what a fabulous time we had in Miami this weekend. Your condo is amazing, truly one of the nicest places we've ever stayed and we enjoyed it so much. Top notch service, accomodations and decor, not to mention the views! Thanks so much for taking the time to show us around and thanks for making our stay so affordable. We will definitely be booking your condo again next spring for our annual Miami beach trip.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/24/09 Review Submitted: 02/24/09

We spent 3 weeks in this great apartment and enjoyed our stay very much - Bob is a wonderful host and the staff at the Setai were perfectly attentive and friendly. This was our quietest apartment rental in South Beach (perfect for sleeping)- even the pools were quiet. We'll certainly be back.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/19/09 Review Submitted: 01/19/09

The decor was fantastic, and so was the view. The best part was the thoughfulness of the owner, Bob, providing the daily essentials throughout the apartment. Looking forward to coming back!

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Guest: Debbie150 (MN)
Date of Stay: 12/29/08 Review Submitted: 12/29/08

My husband and I went down to South Beach for our vacation by the sea. The condo was funished beautifully and the views were breathtaking. We appreciated Bob meeting us upon arrival and showing us around the Setai. We enjoyed a relaxing time there and recommend both this condo and it's owner. We will be returning often.

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Guest: Eric76 (Rumson, NJ)
Date of Stay: 08/18/08 Review Submitted: 08/18/08

My wife and I just returned from our anniversary vacation in South Beach. The accomodations couldn't have been better. The apartment is immaculately maintained, and the service at the Setai is terrific. The concierge set us up with dinner reservations at the best restaurants in South beach, and the rest of the staff bent over backwards to make sure we enjoyed our stay. The owner is very hands on and met us when we arrived to give a tour of the apartment and hotel grounds. We will be back again.

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Guest: Carolanne and John hogg (norwich, unitedkingdom)
Date of Stay: 05/19/08 Review Submitted: 05/19/08

This was a great place we really loved it and the condo was superb, bob met us and after a 9 hr flight this luxurious conh do was just what we needed the bed was also super comfy and the balcony is huge with the best views over south beach. the pools here are super deluxe the beach is fantastic with beach club service and I would recommend do not miss out on this fantastic accomodation at the setai. bob the owner is very helpful and answers all questions you have. we are already planning on coming back here very soon. THANKS BOB!!!

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Guest: Rachel95 (-)
Date of Stay: 04/14/08 Review Submitted: 04/14/08

We really enjoyed our stay. Bob gave us a great tour of this beautiful condo, the pools, and the beach. This is the place to stay in South Beach!

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Guest: Ross + Yalei (Vancouver, BC)
Date of Stay: 03/19/08 Review Submitted: 03/19/08

Wow! The Setai is truly the hottest place to stay in Miami. Suite 1903 surpassed all of our expectations(including my wife's). The owner personally escorted us around the resort on our arrival and ensured we had everything we needed to relax and enjoy ourselves. We would not think of staying anywhere else when visiting Miami. The free valet parking is a real bonus! Thank you Bob for your attention to detail.

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Guest: April37 (New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 03/03/08 Review Submitted: 03/03/08

My stay at the Setai was beyond my highest expectations. South Beach is one of my favorite destinations and to stay in 1903 only enhances the experience. The condo has gorgeous views of the beach and Atlantic ocean from all rooms, as well as the large balcony. The furnishings are chic and the linens soft. The kitchen was stocked with every possible item we needed! Beyond the actual condo, the grounds of the Setai are gorgeous, the staff extremely helpful and accomodating and the food spectacular. The owner of this particular unit was communicative, accomdating, helpful and extremely pleasant to work with. I'll only stay here from now on.

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Guest: Chris Felder (Nashville, Tennessee)
Date of Stay: 01/30/08 Review Submitted: 01/30/08

If you visit Miami, don't make the mistake of passing up these accommodations. I am an avid traveler, and this is probably the nicest condo/hotel in which I've stayed...ever. The owner's attention to detail is impeccable, and the service and amenities the property offers aren't matched. The condo is immaculately clean, beautifully furnished, and thoroughly supplied. It was an absolutely beautiful property that anyone would be impressed with. The icing on the cake was that the owner was a pleasure to deal with. His ultimate goal was to ensure we had a great vacation. I had never been to Miami when I visited in January '08, but am already planning my next trip. I won't bother with any other hotels, condos, etc. I will book this one without hesitation. Might sound like an advertisement, but I'm not...just a satisfied customer.

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Guest: phillip sylvester (chicago)
Date of Stay: 01/15/08 Review Submitted: 01/15/08

I was fortunate enough to live in #1903 for most of 2 years. The unit is furnished in peaceful tones that match the Setai itself. Bob, the owner, takes great pride in the condo and making sure the experience of his guests is great.

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