looks like the pictures

Guest: family5 (seattle, wa)
Date of Stay: 06/15/11 Review Submitted: 08/13/11

keep looking at the view, its the best part of the unit. 1 key for unit/elevator-locked ourselves out and found stairwell fire exit locked, kind "unofficial" property manager contacted owner, exposed electrical panel box, no working smoke detector (not just batteries), bath rug glued to floor smelled/stained, pool too cold to swim in, terrible sewer smell outside, unit carpet stained, oven shocked my husband, refrigerator leaked water-had to keep a towel on the floor, unit phones didnt work right-but that is how they kept returning our calls even when we left cell no, no property manager to call when the neighbors kept smoking on deck outside (made us nervous with no working smoke detector) 1 of the hideabeds didnt work so they put a sign in it-should have left but family of 5- we had paid the full balance and where do you just find another location?-emailed owner upon our return, he offered 30% off next stay?-would not willingly stay at one of their properties again!

Owner response:We were very surprised to receive this review. Guest never appeared to be disgruntled over the phone during their stay. 1. The guest comment about "stairwell fire exit locked" makes it seem like this is a hazardous building. This is a secured building. All entrances require a key FOB. The stairs the guest speaks of are the fire escape stairs which are unlocked if you are coming down the stairs andlocked if you are trying to gain access without a key. The guest locked themselves out of the building. The "unofficial" property manager they refer to is simply a family friend who lives there as well. We asked our friend assist them since we live an hour away and it would be faster. They could not help, so we were happy to make the drive over to unlock the door. Guests were grateful and apologetic. 2. The electrical panel box is being replaced by the Association. 3. The smoke detector was not working and we thanked the guest for letting us know. It has been replaced. 4. We ask our guests to let us know right away if something is wrong with the unit. In our conversations during their stay, the guest never mentioned the bath rug being sub par. We could have had the housekeeper replace it ASAP. There was a spare in the closet. 5. I am not sure the pool being cold is a valid complaint to lodge against an owner. Most pools in Hawaii are NOT heated and will be affected by the environment. We do not advertise a heated pool. 6. There is no carpet in the apt - 2 small area rugs only and the condition is just fine 7. Electrician could find no reason for the shock the guests claim. Just to be safe a ground wire was replaced. 8. Fridge did leak due to a waterline crack. It has been repaired. 9. Unit phones work fine. We contacted guest on both their cell phones and the unit phone to try to communicate properly. The statement that we only tried the unit phone is false. 10. Some guests of other units broke the house rules. It is unfortunate but it does happen. 11.The hideabed was damaged by another guest last year, however we really liked the couch itself. We opted to KEEP the couch as a couch and added another futon couch. There is now the futon couch, the couch itself and we have a floor futon as well for the kids. So we actually added sleeping/seating by doing this. The fridge and the smoke detector - legitimate concerns which have been fixed. They asked for a refund - we did not feel it was justified. Perhaps that is the reason for a 2 star review?

Recommended for:

Amazing

Guest: LLNateS (Laie/Oregon)
Date of Stay: 04/08/11 Review Submitted: 04/27/11

I stayed here in early April with a few buddies of mine. It was fantastic, fully stocked with dishes, towels, cooler, whatever really we needed. I went for my friend's graduation and the location was fantastic for that as well as all the best food joints and sights for me to take my buddies to. Very comfortable place. Private, close to the beach. Acai bowls right down the way. Was a true gem. Only thing I had to watch out for was the fan in the bedroom because I'm 6'5". Other than that though, great place. I plan to come back in December, I'm hoping nobody books before me.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, families with young children.

great time here

Guest: coolmod (McCall, Idaho)
Date of Stay: 04/07/10 Review Submitted: 04/15/10

My family and I just stayed here for 3 days and the owner's other place for 3 days in Makaha. Pictures do not do this place justice. Secure entry. Lush and tropical surroundings. The decor and kitchen was awesome. Very comfortable and relaxing. Master bed extremely comfortable. Long, skinny beach and nice grassy area. My kids caught crabs early each morning and played in the surf. Loved having the washer and dryer too! Great location to explore the North Shore and all it has to offer. We greatly enjoyed our stay here and would recommend to others and stay here again. Nice having a t.v. in the bedroom and one for our kids in the living room.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, adventure seekers, age 55+, tourists without a car, sightseeing, families with young children.