Simply Lovely

Guest: Heidi (Cocoa Beach, FL-USA)
Date of Stay: 12/18/10 Review Submitted: 04/22/11

My husband and I had the privilege of staying at Emili's Lighthouse Keepers Cottage in December of last year. From the moment we pulled under the carport, looked up through the trees and saw the lighthouse, (in our backyard) we knew this place was special. Once we walked in the cottage, we couldn't believe how beautiful it was. It looks really nice on the website...but the pictures really do not capture the special ambiance that this place possesses. It's impeccably clean, well stocked, has every kitchen gadget you can think of and it's very tastefully decorated. In the past when we've stayed at other hotels etc. in St. Augustine we couldn't wait to get out and go to the old town. When we stayed at Emili's we didn't leave the cottage for 2 days!! We were content to walk the quaint neighborhood, light a fire (in the really beautiful wood burning fireplace) and cook our meals on the gourmet stove in the (really cool) kitchen. We stayed for four nights, so we did have the luxury of being able to relax, hang-out and enjoy the cottage. (and still have plenty of time to explore S.A) We brought our dogs and they loved it too...seriously! There's a fenced in area at the cottage that they could sniff around and explore till their heart's content! S.A. is a very dog friendly town in general; as we took them to the old town and they were allowed to dine outside with us at several neat little restaurants. As much as I'd like to keep Emili's a secret...I wanted to let anyone that plans on going to S.A to know...this place is just so lovely and I highly recommend staying there. You won't be disappointed. We've already booked again for December 2011 and hope to make it Christmas tradition. It's truly a special way to get into the holiday spirit. Emili and Jill...keep up the great work and....thanks for sharing this special place with us!! See you in December! :-)

Owner response:Dear Heidi, Thank you so much for your lovely review. I am thrilled to hear that we have made you and your family comfortable. We will have everything prepared for your return this December. Have a lovely spring and summer. Most Cordially, Emili

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

St Augustine is a great place to visit

Guest: Cheeseheads (Upper midwest)
Date of Stay: 03/01/11 Review Submitted: 04/16/11

We had great weather, location was good and bad. Hardly any traffic, nice neighbors, but only 1 1/2 blocks from the ocean, but no beaches. Had to drive to find beaches for the us. The nearby state park did not allow dogs on the beach, but it was beautiful beach for humans even though we had to drive to the park. The lighthouse was great. The cottage was vintage and alot of personality, but not especially clean. The one bathroom was newly remodeled and nice. The second bathroom had a claw foot tub, but no shower. The entrance of the cottage does need some work on the pavers and the screens to need to be repaired if you are there in the mosquito season.Great produce markets on Sat & Wed, also Stewart's Market was nice. Many great "birding" sites in the area along with many many great places to eat or just to buy fresh seafood, which we did. St. Augustine is a great place to visit and we will return to the area.

Owner response:Dear Donna, Thank you for taking the time to submit your review addressing your stay at our historic Lighthouse cottage. So glad you enjoyed your visit, and I regret I was unable to grant your request for a return visit next March, due to a previous reservation. Perhaps we can try again for 2013. I will admit I am surprised to receive a three star review from a guest that requested a return visit for a month next winter. As cleanliness is of utmost importance to me, I employ a reputable team so as to present an immaculate environment for my guests. I also employ a system of double checks with my management person after the cleaning has been completed. In view of your comments, my staff and I have taken the time to review the check list we use after the cleaning is complete to ensure that all is pristine and in good working order. We do this when we deliver the complimentary refreshments and snacks for guest arrivals and place the welcome letter and gift passes for the Lighthouse and Museum. Upon completing the review, our findings showed that all of our standards had been met. We are however considering an option to have periodic cleanings available for our long term guests like you, so the cottage will maintain its luster throughout the visit. Our pet friendly policy does require a more constant maintenance of our screens, but we do it. We love animals, and our guests, and therefore do not begrudge this. We did see the damage to the screens when you and your Labradors checked out. They were replaced immediately. I do regret you could not find the beach, it is but a brief scenic able along the Lagoon, and welcomes leashed dogs. I thank you for having taken the time to appreciate the ‘personality’ of our ‘vintage’ abode; it has been fashioned by cruelty free, loving hands. Best Regards, Emili

Recommended for:Sightseeing, pet owners, age 55+.

Beautiful Lighthouse Cottage

Guest: Liz (McComb, MS )
Date of Stay: 08/26/10 Review Submitted: 09/29/10

We stayed here for a very overdue vacation. It was the most relaxing vacation I have ever had. The cottage was so cute and very clean and comfortable. The location was perfect for all our sightseeing and "Pub-Crawling". I recommend this cottage as a place to stay, for 2 or 3 people on vacation. The cottage looked exactly like the photo's on the site. We found it with no problem at night, in a pouring rain. It was always easy to find, we just looked for the lighthouse. We will go back, for sure!

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

Guest: David & Amy (Jesup, Ga.)
Date of Stay: 10/28/09 Review Submitted: 10/28/09

We had a great stay over the 4th of July. We loved the Cottage, and are planning to come back next year. The Light House was wonderful to look at threw the trees at night. The cottage was very clean and peaceful.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/11/09 Review Submitted: 10/11/09

We had a fantastic time here...it is completely fenced in with a very charming yard...we felt very much at home here and so convenient to everything. The cottage is so quaint and clean. We will definitely return.

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Guest: Kelly and Blair (Gainesville, FL)
Date of Stay: 07/22/09 Review Submitted: 07/22/09

We stayed in the this cottage in July for a few nights and it was wonderful!The house was adorable and clean. Very peaceful. It was great to walk our little dogs down the block out on the pier- it was beautiful even though it rained most of the time. We didnt get a chance to visit the lighthouse because it was closed for a majority of the trip due to lightning:( We hope to go back soon when we can stay longer.

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Guest: Pete16 (Redondo Beach California)
Date of Stay: 07/18/09 Review Submitted: 07/18/09

My wife and I spent a week at this lovely cottage. We were so happy with the setting and location. The garden is just so relaxing and you can see the Lighthouse lit up at night from there. We went to the beach everyday and had family over in the evenings to barbeque and enjoy the gardens. Everything was great great great!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/22/09 Review Submitted: 06/22/09

Thank you for providing such a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere for our weekend getaway. Our dogs loved chasing lizards and butterflies in the fenced garden!

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