Vacation Rentals by Owner

I Expected More

Guest: none (san clemente)
Date of Stay: 08/20/11 Review Submitted: 10/02/11

There is a level of expectation when paying this price, and these accommodations do not meet it. Carpets not vacuumed, linens not cleaned, cobwebs throughout, trash not emptied, refrigerator dirty, screen doors ripped, etc... Security deposit returned 2 months later. Prior to paying, I wish I would have known that renters are expected to do all the laundry/linen cleaning before checking out, a system that does not guarantee incoming party of cleanliness. Prior to paying, I wish I would have know that renters are also required to pack out and dump all their own trash. I have never experienced quite a system. Lake Almanor and Mt. Lassen happen to be spectacular!

Owner response:Beware of Nina and David from San Clemente California and according to VRBO, they cannot help you if anyone lies in their review of your vacation rental. Nina and David didn't list their names in the review as others always do. You just cannot satisfy everyone. David called us and said the carpets were not cleaned when they arrived and there were other problems. I offered to send over the cleaners to fix problems and David told me not worry about it, his wife was fixing everything. I called later and he said his wife spent 90 minites cleaning. When I returned their deposit, I included an extra $ 50 to say "thank you". The deposit was sent to them before the month was out and cashed 34 days after they departed, not the 2 months as they claim. In fact, the refund check was cashed 9-28-11 and the review submitted 4 days later on 10-02-11. I do not think anyone would summit a review like that until they did receive their deposit back. I think that would confirm that she lied in her review. I also asked for a detailed list of the cleaning problems. He replied; bathroom and laundry trash not emptied, one bedroom had dirty sheets, dirty laundry in laundry room, and cobwebs in house. Because of this complaint, the cleaning service was fired. Also they were very well aware of their responsibilities as far as laundry and garbage. When they paid for their rental they signed paperwork that was highlighted stating what was required of them. They also received additional information sheets detailing everything. Nina or David never said they had a problem with any of it. Since this incident, we have hired new cleaners and they do everything. Strip and make the beds, do the laundry, take care of the garbage and all of the cleaning. We did this to insure that no one is inconvenienced during their stay or at checkout and welcome any constructive suggestions and remarks. Thank you all for staying with us.

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Great Place for a Family Vacation

Guest: Madiken (Lafayette, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/18/11 Review Submitted: 08/10/11

This property is on the eastern shore of Lake Almanor, which gives you a wonderful view of Mount Lassen that you won't get if you stay on the peninsula. It has its own private dock and plenty of outdoor seating. This lakefront property is more expensive, but being right on the lake is great because you don't have to schlep all your stuff down to a beach, and you can just pop back in the house every time you need something. It has four bedrooms (five if you rent the guesthouse also), but there is an extra charge if you have more than 8 people. I do NOT recommend renting the guest cottage. It's a charming little house, but the bed has a huge dip in the middle and was not comfortable for two people. In addition, the bedroom window is right next to the highway, which has big logging trucks going up and down all night. The owner wasn't kidding when he said it's stocked with plenty of towels, kitchen things, plates, silverware, paper products -- everything you can think of -- so you don't need to pack all that stuff. Another nice touch is that there's a ping pong table and other outdoor toys for the kids. The only downside to our whole experience was checking out. You need to be out by 11 am, and you have to wash all the sheets and towels for both the main house and the guest cottage and make the beds. (There's an extra set of sheets for each room, so you can make the beds while you're waiting for the sheets to dry.) We should have made everyone take their showers the night before, but we didn't realize how long it would take. You also have to take all your trash for the whole week with you. There was a fairly significant cleaning charge, so we were left wondering what kind of cleaning service doesn't do laundry, doesn't take out the trash, and doesn't make the beds. It certainly didn't end the vacation on a high note, but we will nonetheless treasure the memories of our week at Lake Almanor.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children.

Guest: Marcella Colarich
Date of Stay: 11/02/09 Review Submitted: 11/01/09

As one Realtor to another, I'd say perfect Location, Location, Location! We enjoyed the beautiful lake and your home with all it's amenities. Really is unforgetable. Thank you for all hospitable touches and amenities. We all hope to be back soon. My daughter and son in law from Texas really loved it too! " It is really impressive " Marcella

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Guest: John & Kathleen Dennison (Santa Rosa CA)
Date of Stay: 08/06/09 Review Submitted: 08/06/09

What do we say about our week at "The Lake House", as we called it? The word wonderful comes to mind, along with fabulous, restful, enjoyable, etc. We had a mini family reunion with people coming from as far away as CT and Las Vegas. Everyone had a wonderful time. The young people rented a pontoon boat and thorougly enjoyed using it. Some people went fishing. Some lounged and others made numerous trips to the grocery store in Chester. Mountain air sure makes one hungry! The house was well-stocked with everything one could need and was very comfortable. We loved the sun room and played many games at that table. It was nice to wake up in the morning and see Mt. Lassen from the bedroom window! Thank you, Don and Cheryl, for making our reunion so enjoyable and we have many pictures to bring back wonderful memories.

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Guest: Stephen and Jane
Date of Stay: 06/13/09 Review Submitted: 06/12/09

What a wonderful vacation. Your home is so wonderful! The views are breathtaking. We had a wonderful stay and it was nice to have our boat right at your backdoor! It was very cozy and we look forward to another visit.

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Guest: James and Peggy
Date of Stay: 06/06/09 Review Submitted: 06/05/09

We had a wonderful time. The house and area are beautiful. Thank You Again

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Guest: Reyes
Date of Stay: 05/27/09 Review Submitted: 05/26/09

Had a great time with family in this unique home. Went bowling in Chester. Did some fishing. Would like to return in the future. Thanks

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Guest: Tina21 (san jose, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/08/08 Review Submitted: 09/08/08

Thank you for sharing your beautiful house with us. We have been staying in many vacation houses, but have never seen one like this one. The house is so clean, organized, and beautiful. You are so thoughtful in everyway that I could name. Each time we need something, we can find it right away easily. We had such a good time there. The only thing that we regret is that the time we staying there was too short. Thank you for making our first time in Lake Almanor an unforgetable trip. We will be back. Tina and Randy Nguyen P.S. You are right about the sunset. It is so magnificent.

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Guest: Stuart and Wendy McPherson
Date of Stay: 09/03/08 Review Submitted: 09/02/08

Thank you so much for allowing us to stay at your wonderful, homey cabin. We loved it! We had a great time on the lake and felt so at home in your cabin. It was very comfortable. It was great to wake up every morning and see the lake and we spent a lot of time on the dock. I can't believe how organized your house is!!! I wish my home was half as oganized as yours. Your house is so well equipped and so easy to find things. We had some great family times and will have very fond memories of this special place. Thanks Again for everything. The McPherson's.

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Guest: Wendy Newman
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/31/08

Your cabin was absolutely perfect for our family gathering. Fully stocked with all the amenities and a beautiful spot on the lake. Thank You for sharing.

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Guest: Sandy and Dan Valdez
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/31/08

Don and Cheryl, Thank you so much for a wonderful stay at your very comfy, cozy lake house. This is our fourth year coming to Lake Almanor and your home was perfect for our families! Thanks for all of the linens, towels, paper goods, etc. We thoroughly enjoyed lots of water skiing, knee boarding, wake boarding, etc. We enjoyed you kayak too! The sunsets were breathtaking. We look forward to coming back next year! Great neighbors too. Thanks for sharing. Sandy and Dan

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Guest: Doris & John Patteson
Date of Stay: 04/14/08 Review Submitted: 04/13/08

This is one of the most tranquil places and homes we have ever been. God did some of his best work here and you added the finishing touches in your beautiful home and precious decorations. It has been a peaceful week and we don't want to leave. Thanks so much, Doris & John

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Guest: Jack Jeanehards
Date of Stay: 04/14/08 Review Submitted: 04/13/08

Had a great time in your beautiful home. Went to Lassen National Park one day and enjoyed the snow during the summer. Did some fishing and sightseeing on your beautiful lake. Thank you for a wonderful time. Jack

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Guest: Gill & David Pike
Date of Stay: 04/14/08 Review Submitted: 04/13/08

Thank you Don and Cheryl for a wonderful two weeks in your beautiful lakehouse. We spent wonderful days relaxing and splashing in the lake. We really appreciated all of your thoughtful touches and the way the home is equipped with everything we needed and wanted. Your home was everything we expected and more. It is wonderful! The setting and views are stupendous! We managed to relax and catch the wonderful sunsets most nights. We appreciated the extra effort you put into it to make it feel like home. We are taking back lasting memories of your wonderful place. With Best Regards, Gill and David.

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Guest: Alinda Parcell
Date of Stay: 04/14/08 Review Submitted: 04/13/08

What a beautiful cabin in a wonderful location on the lake. We really enjoyed our stay. It has such a cozy and warm atmosphere. The decorations were so cute and added a homey touch. It should be featured in a home decorating magazine.

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