Reviews for Riverside Park Vacation Rental - VRBO 167841 - 3 BR Fort Lauderdale House in FL, Fun, Waterfront, Pool Home

Don't walk Run from this house

Guest Alberta Travellers
Date of stay 03/30/13
Review Submitted 05/08/13

Wow, not what we expected. We had been had. The pictures posted are not current. This house needs some major TLC. I guess depending on your standard of living this house unfortunately did not meet ours. The one bedroom and a window stuck half open couldn't open or close it. No curtains on the patio door in the bedroom. There are no photos of the bathroom but it needs a reno job. We found the place really needs a major scrub down. Upon arriving we checked out the hottub was only at 82F and had stuff floating in it. The view of the canal needs some trees trimming. BBQ was dirty. The laundry is around the garage in a separate room but the door did not have a complete seal. There are doors in the house which are sealed shut (one in the bathroom which I think would lead to the pool area but you can't open it.) We booked this house for 11 nights and only stayed the first night. This house would be okay if it was maintained and cleaned thoroughly.

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Awesome vacation house!!

Guest thankyou
Date of stay 05/26/11
Review Submitted 06/11/11

Recently my friends and I went to Miami for the Memorial Day weekend. We have 8 people, and I thought a vacation house would be a better choice than a hotel. And I was very lucky to find the Hula House. It is very close to I-95 but it also sits in a very quiet neighborhood. The living room is very spacious, the kitchen has everything you need, and like previous guests said, lots of linens and towels. The pool is just great! We would just go out during the day, and hang out at the pool during the night, we had sooooooo much fun at the water slide. The rooms have very unique decorations, and comfy beds. The view into the tunnel is certainly a big big plus! I would definitely recommend this house to my friends and really to anyone that want to have a great time in Fort Lauderdale/Miami area. We enjoyed ourselves at this house so much and the memories we made will last forever!

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

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Ideal vacation.. couldn't have asked for anything better!

Guest thankful
Date of stay 03/12/11
Review Submitted 04/12/11

I recently stayed in this home with 4 of my friends. We were more than comfortable and there is plenty of room for more! The house itself was very clean and included everything we could ever ask for- fully equiped kitchen, lots of linens and blankets, and the best backyard in all of Fort Lauderdale. If you are looking for a place that is both secluded and very accessible to down town and the beaches, this is the place for you. We were without a car but everything was just a 7-14 minute taxi cab away. It was a great oasis during the day, very quiet, and a wonderful place to lounge by the pool. At night it was really great because we were so close to the downtown area where we could go out for some fun. The house was very private and the neighbors were very friendly. The backyard was a dream- beautiful pool, great hot tub, lounge chairs, a water slide (!), a lovely hammock and palm trees. Not to mention the great view into the canal. I strongly reccomend this house to you if you are looking for relaxation, fun, or both. We had a really great stay and would definitely think of coming back some day!

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car.

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Great week at the Hula Hut

Guest southkingsman
Date of stay 02/26/11
Review Submitted 03/04/11

We're wrapping up a week at the Hula Hut, and I would recommend it to anyone. The house is fantastic. The pool is great, and was warm all week. Our kids loved sitting out on the dock by the canal. (I think we even saw a manatee). The house was clean when we got there, and the decor definitely makes you feel as if you're on vacation. We had a few questions, and Fred emailed back within no time at all. The house has everything you could need from a blender, to a fan. Fred was even kind enough to supply our young family with a high chair and crib - which were both in good shape. The appliances all seem new, and there's a DVR. My wife and I both travel with laptops, but if you need one, the house even has a computer station with a printer and all. And the internet phone is really helpful for when you need to check in at home. When we were booking, there were a few comments that we worried a little bit about. One was that the neighborhood was sketchy. I don't think that's true at all. In fact, the houses in the neighborhood all seem very expensive. And the gate around your property makes you feel as if there isn't another house around for miles, although it can be a bit of a pain for going in and out if your wife is paranoid like mine and insists it always stays closed = ) We were also a bit curious about a comment that the house is shared with a nanny. It's actually really cool how this is done. There's a door, that's put out of mind by being behind a large mirror and we didn't hear a peep from it all week. Fred told us when booking that the person who lived there was seldom home. We never saw or heard her once. In terms of location, we thought it was great. The highway is right there (although beware the traffic around 9 and 5ish, classic rush hour stuff - but it's wise to plan around it.) If you're travelling with kids, be sure to take them to the Museum of Discovery. Our kids loved it. It's only a five minute drive away. In fact, we took our kids in the morning, brought them back for a nap, then went back in the afternoon and stayed until close. It's a cool place.

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

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Were big Hula House fans!!!

Guest Sammi
Date of stay 01/22/11
Review Submitted 03/07/11

We enjoyed a fabulous month at Hula House, I really enjoyed the hot tub after a day of golf. My wife has arthritis and she loved the nice warm pool. We have rented other houses in the area, but none had all the amenities of Hula House. Fred Roth is a great landlord. He was very pleasant and accomadating. We look forward to another month stay next year. We rate Hula House "perfect 10"

Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, sightseeing.

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Perfect Family Vacation Home!

Guest Momof5Michelle
Date of stay 01/11/11
Review Submitted 03/07/11

This home was perfect for our family! My husband and I were traveling with our five children, and we had more than enough room. The kids really got a kick out of the themed rooms. Property was very clean. Pool and hot tub area were great - nice tall fence, completely private. We appreciated that the house was centrally located. We were a short drive to the beach, shopping, and many other activities for our family. It is in a residential neighborhood, which was very quiet. Owner is wonderfully pleasant to deal with. Also, it was a really good price for a week! It was less than we would have paid for a hotel in the area - and it had so much more to offer. We have already informed the owner that we will stay again the next time we are in Florida! Highly recommend.

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

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We LOVED the Hula Hut!!!

Guest Jeannie
Date of stay 07/01/10
Review Submitted 07/07/10

My family and I recently visited Fort Lauderdale, staying at the Hula Hut. The home itself was amazingly decorated and well furnished, having all of the accommodations of home. The back yard would sldo prove to lend much needed comfort during our weeks stay, the yard is very plush and tropical and the pool was clean. We would definitely recommend laying your head at the Hula Hut both for the amazing ammenities this home has to offer nd due to its close proximity to the downtown area, baches and airport.

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

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Spring Break Stay

Guest ChicagoChef
Date of stay 04/09/10
Review Submitted 04/21/10

While our kids were away for the break, my wife and I decided to take a trip to the Florida Coast. We were able to get a dirt cheap flight on Spirit direct into Ft. Lauderdale. We found Fred and the Hula House online and it was a great deal! The canal front home was just a 10 minute cab ride from the airport. Also the Hard Rock Casino was just 20 minutes away, downtown with all the bars and restaurants was just 10 minutes away and the beaches were also just over 10 minutes away. We didn't rent a car as cabs were readily available and quick to arrive at the home if called. Plus there was a cool trolley service that went from downtown to the beach and other shopping and dining centers. As far as the house goes, it definitely lives up to being a vacation home. However, if you are looking for turn-down service, new towels, and resort style living, then go to a resort! This is a fun, themed out, and lived-in home. It's clean with very neat amenities beyond your standard vacation rental: pool, hot tub, dock, boat, aquarium, DirecTV, wireless Internet and house PC with printer, board games, video games, movies, grill, hammock, and all sorts of things on a private, gated property. Fred is a genuine, nice guy and accommodated all of our needs. We had an issue with the dryer start button not working and he showed up the next day to switch out the controller board for us. It wasn't a big deal as we were only staying for a few days, but it was a big enough deal to Fred to do the right thing. Comparing the amenities and price to what you would get at a local area hotel, this place is a steal... hands down! I don't know about you, but I would rather spend more of my vacation dollars on going out and experiencing the town (and maybe a little bit at the blackjack tables). My wife and I agree that we would use the Hula House again on our next trip and try to bring another couple or our kids as there is more than enough room to host at this home. And since it's pet friendly, Skipper can come next time too! A++ to Fred and the Hula House!

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

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I will be back again!

Guest Haley2001
Date of stay 04/05/10
Review Submitted 04/20/10

I have rented many vacation homes and have to say this rental exceeds them all! The house has plenty of room and amenities and is convenient to activities in town. The pool, themed rooms and bathroom are very clean. The beds are extremely top of the line comfortable - I slept like a baby. I really enjoyed having everything I needed in the kitchen to cook with my family. The ability to be on the water was also very nice and convenient for our boating activities. The advertisement is accurate but only gives a brief description of what all this place offers. Customer service was also exceptional to all my questions. I have recommended this home to family and freinds and will be back again!

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

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Fun House on the Water

Guest jodie811
Date of stay 03/01/10
Review Submitted 04/21/10

My family came to town so they rented the house and I stayed here for a week with them and the house was dog friendly so I broguht my dog along too. This was such a great house with so many amenities. All the rooms had a fun theme to them and the swimming pool was great. We had a BBQ one night. And the location was great, it was just a car ride away from downtown Fort Lauderdale, Sawgrass Mall, and the Hard Rock Casino.I would definitely recommend this house!

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

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Not as expected

Guest Long Island Boaters
Date of stay 02/20/10
Review Submitted 03/29/10

It is not a private house. Someone lives behind a door in the living. The hot tub cover is ripped to shreds and it was filthy and no water in it. We could not bring a boat either because there was large boat tied to the dock already. You could not sit in the hammock. It was old and filthy. In addition, they made you strip the beds and do the towel laundry before you left, as if you did not pay a cleaning fee. The laundry room is shared with the tenant living there. In the pictures there is an outdoor refrigerator and sink. It is not there. We contacted owner to get a credit and he accused us of smoking in the house and did not respond anymore.

Owner response: The house is PRIVATE. The door refereed to is blocked by a 8 foot tall mirror and is not accessible from either side. None of the other guests seem to have a problem with care taker/tenant that has a separate yard etc. She takes in the Trash cans etc. She doesn't use the pool or have access to the private fenced in yard. She in fact offers baby sitting services to guests staying there with children and is a part time nanny to other residents on the street and doesn't even cook on the property since she is mostly at their homes. There was a boat at the dock and it was offered to move it. Unfortunately the hot tub was out of service for their stay I did have technicians working on it but it was not repaired for their stay. As far as the cover being ripped, it is a cosmetic thing not a functionality thing. There is no picture of a sink outside anywhere or even a description of one. The house is exactly as pictured there is nothing hidden. I didn't give a refund because I lost my next set of tenants because the house smelt of smoke, the cleaning lady confirmed there was evidence of smoking. It was very difficult to air out the house and remove the smell. Luckily I have leather sofas and tile floors so they don't absorb the odor. Stripping the beds, doing the dishes and leaving the house reasonably neat and clean is a standard practice for staying at a vacation rental, and is in my lease agreement. My suggestion for these guests would have been to stay at a resort if they wanted turn down service and full support staff. NONE of my other guests have ever had any of these complaints and several have been repeat guests.

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Guest The Cavanaghs
Date of stay 12/31/09
Review Submitted 12/31/09

I think the first word in the VRBO listing sums it all up: FUN! We stayed for a full week and even on the last day were discovering new hula-themed items and things we hadn't noticed before. A very fun, wonderful stay and the owner, Fred, could not have been more responsive or helpful if he had made mai tais for us poolside. Well, maybe only that! Aloha nui loa and Mele Kalimkimaka!

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Guest Edith D.
Date of stay 10/24/09
Review Submitted 10/24/09

We had a wonderful stay at the Hula House.The house had all the amenities you could ask for. Mr. Roth was nice and went that extra mile to make our stay wonderful.

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Guest Dawn Freeman
Date of stay 09/02/09
Review Submitted 09/02/09

This was a WONDERFUL place to stay...it was SOOOO roomey and had all the amenities you could ask for. My family and I just had a WONDERFUL TIME staying there and sitting by the pool or the canal. It was fantastic! Mr. Roth was so wonderful to deal with and was so nice/I would highly suggest his home over any 5 star hotel any day!!! I do hope to keep going back to his home year after year after year....he would have to kick me out to make me not come back...it was SUPERB to any place I have stayed. I thank him for such a wonderful vacation!!!!!

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Guest Gill Stevens
Date of stay 09/01/09
Review Submitted 09/01/09

My husband and I, along with our 23 month old son, stayed in the Hula House during August 2009. We had a fabulously relaxing time and intend to return! As the previous guest commented, you couldn't come across a nicer owner. The house is conveniently located, it's close to downtown but also near to I-95. We really enjoyed our stay, thank you Fred!

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Guest David Stone
Date of stay 03/27/09
Review Submitted 03/27/09

Comfy house in good location. Not the greatest neighborhood but secure and gated. Never had concerns about safety. Really fun and kitschy decor with Hula House theme. Nice pool/hot tub and outdoor entertaining area. Clean and all required amenities. Could use another bathroom. Owner easy and honorable to work with. Good value and excellent experience. We were here for golf and the location was very accessible to major highways and beaches. Great time!

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Vacation Rentals by Owner

Fun, Waterfront, Pool Home [#167841] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (16)

Don't walk Run from this house

Don't walk Run from this house

Awesome vacation house!!

Awesome vacation house!!

Ideal vacation.. couldn't have asked for anything better!

Ideal vacation.. couldn't have asked for anything better!

Great week at the Hula Hut

Great week at the Hula Hut

Were big Hula House fans!!!

Were big Hula House fans!!!

Perfect Family Vacation Home!

Perfect Family Vacation Home!

We LOVED the Hula Hut!!!

We LOVED the Hula Hut!!!

Spring Break Stay

Spring Break Stay

I will be back again!

I will be back again!

Fun House on the Water

Fun House on the Water

Not as expected

Not as expected