Vacation Rentals by Owner

Christmas at Holly Cottage

Guest: Beth (Michigan)
Date of Stay: 12/17/11 Review Submitted: 01/17/12

Our Christmas stay at Holly Cottage couldn't have been better. The house was decorated and festive when we arrived and outfitted with everything we could possibly need. Everything was clean and well maintained. We had one problem with a sink running slowly and it was fixed right away. This was a perfect for our purposes. There were three good sized bedrooms and lots of additional space. A patio with a barbecue gave us a place to enjoy the sunny days. I chose the location due to its proximity to my son’s house but was delighted with the neighborhood. There is a wonderful park right across the street complete with a child’s amusement park Jill was a pleasure to deal with and answered all emails promptly. It was a wonderful experience.

Owner response:We really enjoyed having this family at Holly Cottage. They all appreciated a well-kept, well-appointed home in our historic neighborhood. They reveled in each others company, soaked up the sun, and took advantage of the surrounds. Having a vacation rental is particularly enjoyable when guests communicate their needs so that we can address them promptly as we did in this case. We are looking forward to their return and to meeting more families like theirs.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers.

Great Alternative to Downtown Hotels

Guest: Dave & Dawn (Denver)
Date of Stay: 10/29/11 Review Submitted: 11/10/11

Three of us stayed at Holly Cottage while we attended a week long conference at the Phoenix Convention Center. It was exactly what we were looking for and a great alternative to a hotel room for a week. The place was well maintained, clean and comfortable. We all had our separate bedrooms and baths, a kitchen so that we could fix a quick breakfast in the morning and usually a snack in the evenings. It was so nice to be able to return form the conference and enjoy a cold drink on the back patio or a ball game on the flat screen. The commute was an easy 10-15 minutes and parking in one of the downtown ramps was trouble-free. The owners Jill and John, were wonderful to work with, always responsive when we had a question and very helpful.

Owner response:If you are attending a conference at the Phoenix Convention Center, you will like staying in Holly Cottage for the reasons our guests stated. They were pleased to come home to a well-appointed, conveniently located home after long days at the conference. It was a pleasure having them and we look forward to their return as well as to welcoming new conference attendees.

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

An August visitor

Guest: Darin (Springfield, Mo)
Date of Stay: 07/28/11 Review Submitted: 08/13/11

Holly Cottage was a welcome end to the day for our family. Despite the August heat, the cottage was nice to come "home" to. My family enjoyed our stay. The cottage was extremely well prepared and has great features. It was a good location to stay for our conference, which was downtown at the convention center. The owners were gracious hosts and wonderful to work with.

Owner response:Do you ever wonder why folks offer their homes to strangers? It's because it is so rewarding for us to do so. This family treated Holly Cottage as though it were their own home. They chose Holly Cottage because of its proximity to the convention center and it gave them the break they needed each night after long days. They appreciated the attention to detail and hard work that we put into preparing our home for them. We hope they will come back soon. Folks like these make it all worthwhile.

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

Charming home in a great location

Guest: Vince T. (Ellicott City, MD)
Date of Stay: 10/29/10 Review Submitted: 11/07/10

Our family spent several days at the Holly Cottage last month. We'll probably never stay in a hotel again when visiting the Valley. The Holly Cottage is tastefully decorated with a large sunny kitchen and family room. When you're not taking advantage of nearby activities in downtown phoenix or the great park across the street you can kick back and enjoy the excellent surround sound system or read a good book in the well-stocked library. The owners went to great lengths to make sure our stay was comfortable and memorable. The home is meticulously maintained. There are three outdoor sitting areas that make it ideal for multiple couples who need their space. Thank you Jill and John for your hospitality. We plan to rent your home again someday.

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

Great Property

Guest: Tex Visit (Texas)
Date of Stay: 03/29/10 Review Submitted: 04/13/10

My son and his family and my wife and I just completed a week's stay at this property. We had a very nice, comfortable stay. The property is charming, in a very quiet, historic neighborhood and across the street from a very nice city park. It is very centrally located, close to I-10 and I-17, so we were able to get around very easily. Photos give a very good indication of the house interior and exterior. We had family and friends over for a Sunday barbecue and all loved the house and neighborhood. We definitely recommend this house to anyone. Having the 3 bathrooms/showers came in very handy. The owner was very helpful, helping us out in a unique situation and was very prompt with the damage deposit refund. I had it back in a week. All in all, an excellent experience.

Owner response:Guests like these are the type of folks who make having a vrbo fun and rewarding. Their appreciation for Holly Cottage's character and the neighborhood meant everything to us. We are thankful for the high level of care and attention they gave the cottage. They treated it as though it were their own home. We are looking forward to their return!

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Kris
Date of Stay: 11/27/09 Review Submitted: 11/26/09

We had a lovely time at Holly House. the house is beautiful, comfortable, and has every convenience imaginable. We especially enjoyed sitting out on the patio having appetizers, wine and a fire in the outdoor fireplace. The neighborhood is truly wonderful. It's quiet, clean, and a wonderful walking neighborhood. It's also close to everything. I can't say enough good things about the comfort of the house, but I do know I have already recommended that my mother, brother, and sister stay here when visiting my brother who lives here. Kris

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Guest: Energy & Environmental Solutions
Date of Stay: 11/14/09 Review Submitted: 11/13/09

Jill and John - The house is so comfortable and convenient. We have enjoyed our time in your beautiful city. Thank you - the e2 Gang

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Guest: Della & Ben
Date of Stay: 10/13/09 Review Submitted: 10/12/09

The Magee Family would like to thank you for allowing us to stay in your cottage this week. It has been a great home away from home during this busy week of our daughter's wedding. You have thought of every detail to make your guests comfortable and we thoroughly enjoyed the way you have decorated the cottage. We hope we will be able to return - someday soon. Thank you again for everything! Della & Ben

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

John & Jill, Thank you so much for opening your lovely cottage to us! We so enjoyed our stay in this historic neighborhood & appreciated your hospitality. Thanks again! Adina

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Guest: Gina
Date of Stay: 04/17/09 Review Submitted: 04/16/09

Hi Jill and John, Thank you for a wonderful stay! We had a fabulous week stay in Holly Cottage. Thank you so much for your gracious hospitality - we look forward to our next visit! Gina

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Guest: Mike Hill of Clay
Date of Stay: 04/10/09 Review Submitted: 04/09/09

Hi Jill, I wanted to thank you again for a wonderful experience. The house was beautiful, everything was clean and nice. We all had a great time in Phoenix. LOVED the trolley, made it so easy, I would really highlight this in your future advertisement. It was an easy walk, a few times we drove and just left the van nearby. The conference was exceptionally good, it is usually like a big reunion of past instructors, students and newest and best in the field. We went to Sedona Sunday, beautiful scenery but a little commercial in the town spoiled it a bit. Monday went to see the ruins at Casa Grande...amazing, then to the Mesa Art Center, one of the best I have ever seen. Tuesday was Scottsdale and the Biltmore Hotel. Weds. we went to ASU to the ceramics research center and 5 shows on campus, including the ASU art museum...that was stunning architecture, like a tomb. Also, the new art complex is a must see, modeled after Chaco Canyon...at 67 million dollars it should be good,and is. Thurs. conference all day and eve....Fri. More conference, followed by special show and events at both the Phoenix Art Museum and the Heard...finally Sat. had a nice breakfast at the Heard Museum. Mike

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Guest: The Werners
Date of Stay: 04/02/09 Review Submitted: 04/01/09

March 2009 What a wonderful-and cozy!-home. We love the neighborhood. So much charm. And, coming from wisconsins, the weather wasn't too shabby either. Thanks for opening up your doors to us. We look forward to returning.

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Guest: Barnes Family
Date of Stay: 04/02/09 Review Submitted: 04/01/09

Feb-March 2009 Jill & John A wonderful place to be in every way. I can't imagine coming to the Valley and staying anywhere else! Thanks so much for the hospitality. The whole family had a terrific experience.

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Guest: Merrie festival (columbia city, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 02/17/09 Review Submitted: 02/17/09

We absolutely loved the Holly Cottage. The location worked quite well for us. Coming from the airport, we got on the free shuttle that took us to the light rail ($1.25)& that took us to the convention center & then we caught bus #15 for $1.25 (or $.60 if you are over 65) that dropped us off 3/4 of a block from the house. My friend paid $30 to get from the airport to the convention center by taxi. The house itself is well appointed & had all kinds of extras that we did not expect. Our hosts went above & beyond to make us feel welcome. Having 3 bedrooms & 3 bathrooms as well as a separate library was wonderful. There are two patio areas to sit & unwind. Sometimes the guys were on the back patio & the gals were on the side patio (just like normal). We had plenty of room to eat together & yet each couple had their own space to retreat to. We are planning to return in 3 years for another convention & will stay at Holly cottage again. We highly recommend staying here, just let us have our time again.

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Guest: Joe and Diane
Date of Stay: 11/01/08 Review Submitted: 10/31/08

Jill and John- We have really enjoyed our week in your charming "Holly Cottage". It's been fun to explore another area of Phoenix - what a great neighborhood. The house and all the amenities were perfect. You are thoughtful and gracious hosts. When we decide to sell our condo and become real winter snowbirds, we'll be in touch. Meanwhile, thank you! Joe & Diane Philadelphia & Phoenix

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Guest: Claire and Mark
Date of Stay: 10/01/08 Review Submitted: 09/30/08

Thank you for a lovely stay here at Holly Cottage. We have been very comfortable here - everything we could have wished for - and then some! We especially enjoyed the well equipped kitchen and the BBQ! The location worked very well for us: close to family, shopping, and downtown. Au Revoir! Clarie and Mark Seattle, WA

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Guest: Sue27 (SW Iowa)
Date of Stay: 05/15/08 Review Submitted: 05/15/08

As if the charm, great location, and super condition/newly remodel of the cottage weren't enough....John and Jill supplied us with a wonderful welcome basket of goodies, recommendations, and loads of information on Phoenix! This is a home, comfortable, supplied with everything but our toothbrushes and clothes. Everything is modern and full of character. Having the city park across the street was great. We were so close to downtown and the freeways - made this an ideal location for our stay. Thanks to John and Jill and we'll be back for sure!

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Guest: Peter and Colleen
Date of Stay: 04/28/08 Review Submitted: 04/27/08

Dear John and Jill, Thank you for allowing us to stay in lovely Holly Cottage. We have had a peaceful and relaxing retreat. Your thoughtfulness and attention to detail has made us very comfortable. We plan on coming back the next time we are in Phoenix. All is well, Peter and Colleen Great River, New York

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Guest: Jim and Terri-Ann
Date of Stay: 04/19/08 Review Submitted: 04/18/08

This has been a great week. We truly enjoyed staying at Holly Cottage. It is a very comfortable house with a "home" feel to it. Thanks to John and Jill for their hospitality. We had an active week hiking and seeing the sites, so it was comforting to return here each day for some quiet relaxation. Time has passed by too quickly - a sure sign that we have enjoyed staying here. We will be back! Jim and Terri-Ann Alberta, Canada

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Guest: Cindy
Date of Stay: 04/08/08 Review Submitted: 04/07/08

John & Jill, I have enjoyed a most delightful vacation in Phoenix and most of the credit goes to both of you. I felt totally comfortable staying in your cozy and charming cottage. You have maintained all the charm of the era gonebye and still having the updated kitchen, etc. As I mentioned, I would like to come back in November. I look forward to staying here again. Sincerely, Cindy

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/04/08 Review Submitted: 03/04/08

John and Jill have remodeled this house which was built in 1938 and have managed to keep the ambience and charm of the original house while updating with modern ammenities and appliances. We really enjoyed the house and the neighborhood as the house is located in a historical district, so each house has its own charm, and the neighborghood does as well. John and Jill are great hosts. They live next door to the rental, so they are available if you need them, but they are not intrusive in any way. They showed great attention to detail and made my husband, myself, and our dog Gabriel feel very welcome. They are first class renters and have a first class rental property - they should be very proud!!! If you want to see a part of Phoenix that you would never normally see - definitely stay at this rental. We highly recommend.

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