Vacation Rentals by Owner

Ideal location, baby friendly

Guest: Greg (Boston)
Date of Stay: 04/27/12 Review Submitted: 05/01/12

I just finished a stay at the Garden Guest House with my family, and I highly recommend it. I was looking for a place that would be safe and convenient for my 10-month old daughter, and this was everything I hoped. It's located on a great street for a stroll, with a market directly across the street. The unit is well carpeted with lots of space to crawl, and pretty well baby-proofed with every unused electrical outlet covered. There are only a few sharp corners to contend with. It also came equipped with a crib, and one of the bedrooms had an open closet type of space which accommodated the crib nicely. I suggested to the owner that he get a high chair, and he might do so in the future. The deck space available on the weekends enabled me to host a cookout for 10 or so of my local friends from college. The proximity to New Seasons was again an asset. The owner was friendly and helpful, showing up quickly to help us with a stopped toilet. The references to bruised shins in other reviews due to the bed frame amused me as we recognized the bed frame as the same IKEA bed we have in our apartment. Needless to say, we did not bruise our shins, as we've had practice with the ledge at the side of the bed. Lastly, the amusement factor of the holistic health center in which the unit is housed must be mentioned. The signs listing the various quirky treatments seemed ripped from a future "Portlandia" sketch. Unfortunately we didn't have time in this visit for an infrared sauna session. Maybe next time.

Owner response:With reference to the Portlandia comment, "we can pickle that!"

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

Great Girls Getaway!

Guest: Tanya (Coeur d'Alene, Idaho)
Date of Stay: 03/28/12 Review Submitted: 04/02/12

I had the priviledge of staying here with three ladies for a short shopping get away. The place is very clean and had everything we could possibly need (washer/dryer, microwave, stove, dish washer, refrigerator, coffee maker, dvd player, etc). The beds were comfortable and we never ran out of hot water! The living quarters are in the basement (private entrance) and we felt very secure. We didn't have to fight for a parking spot because we were allowed to park behind the house (trust me, this is an important thing). It was right in the heart of the Hawthorne district which had some great local shops and food. There is a local market right across the street or a Fred Meyer only two blocks up if you forgot something. We also visited IKEA, the Pearl District and Nob Hill District for shopping (we wanted local flavor instead of national department stores). I found it very easy to navigate the city with the help of a gps device. Nob Hill was my favorite for local shopping. This was my first experience with a VRBO and will definitely look here before going to another hotel. It was nice to be able to sit and talk in the living room each morning and evening instead of being stuck in a hotel room.

Recommended for:Girls getaway

Garden Guest House

Guest: Cricket (Las Vegas)
Date of Stay: 05/13/11 Review Submitted: 05/24/11

This porperty is very quiet and relaxing. It is close to a lot of shops and restaurants, which was really nice. The property is very clean and well maintained. I would stay here again if we go to Portland in the future. There is a Taco place on the north side of the street which I would highly recommend. They have great food and drinks at a really reasonable price.

Owner response:The Hawthorne area is full of great places to eat and shop, being one of the original little districts in Portland. A newly opened New Seasons is right opposite the Garden Guest House, the best grocery/healthfood store in town!

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

Great accomodation

Guest: Sewbusy (Carlsbad NM)
Date of Stay: 09/10/10 Review Submitted: 09/16/10

We stayed from Sept 10 to 15, 2010 and are hard pressed to find ANYTHING to complain about. Yes, it is a basement flat, but very open plan and light and not at all dark. The beds were fine and the kitchen well fitted. We enjoyed that they had live plants and nice decorations, it was like being a guest in someones home. They even had carry bags for groceries. The apartment is very central, close to bus stop, and all the stores you could need. The host was very friendly and our one telephone call with two questions was answered promptly. The books/maps/magazines were all enjoyed as well. We LOVED the garden deckand just wish we could have used it more than on week end and after 6:00. (the small long area in front of door worked fine for other times). We ate at Pok Pok twice and would recommend this if you like authenic Thai food.

Owner response:After much building over the Summer 'New Seasons' The Friendliest Store in Town! A highly respected and frequented Health Grocery is opening a new built store right opposite the Guest House, this is going to be a real advantage for guests from October the 13th 2010

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, tourists without a car.

Summer Visit August 2010

Guest: Aviva (NY)
Date of Stay: 08/13/10 Review Submitted: 08/20/10

The guest house worked out great for me and my family. We happened to be visiting Portland during some of the hottest days in the summer and the guest house stayed nice and cool all day even though there was no air conditioning. It was easy to catch the bus for a short ride into downtown and there is also a Zipcar only one block away for when we needed a car. The only thing that would have improved this stay was if there was a tourist map available in the guest house. We ended up going to one of the hotels downtown to snag a map, but the best map we found was actually provided at Powell's books (so you might be able to get one on Hawthorne at the local Powell's branch).

Owner response:Enter Text, note to self MUST GET TOURIST MAPS FROM POWELL'S DUH, Why did I not think of that!!!! Michael

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

Perfect!

Guest: Angela (Atlanta, Colorado & AZ)
Date of Stay: 06/25/10 Review Submitted: 07/07/10

We loved staying at your place, it was so cozy and such a great loaction! Very pleasant experience. Can't wait to come back again!! Thank you~

Owner response:Hope you all love staying at our place, that you too find it cozy in the great location (Hawthorne district) and that you have a very pleasant experience. Blessings!

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

home away from home

Guest: suburbanites (suburb of Chicago)
Date of Stay: 05/13/10 Review Submitted: 05/20/10

We stayed here for five nights while we did sight-seeing in the area and attended our son's college graduation. It was much nicer than staying in a hotel. Having a kitchen, and a grocery store just a block away, made it easy to entertain other family members who were in town for the event. We were always able to find a parking space on the side street. (It would also be a great place to stay without a car, as there are plenty of places in walking distance and an excellent transit system.) We would recommend a few improvements: - better lighting - more toilet paper - a telephone, even if it requires a calling card We were happy to comply with the owner's request that we wash the dishes, launder the towels, and remove the recycling and garbage, so we hope the $75 cleaning fee will not apply.

Owner response:The cleaning fee is something we instigated because we want to keep the standards up high. Some people clean beautifully but others not so. Susan who does the cleaning is a real 100% person and the place will always be spotless for you to stay. If she misses something just let me know. Michael

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

Hawthorne Hideaway

Guest: Ms.G (Friday Harbor)
Date of Stay: 02/25/10 Review Submitted: 03/09/10

We were surprised to find the apartment was a basement yet after the initial surprise, and meeting up with our friends, it turned out to be an exceptionally functional unit, nicely appointed, and best of all, quiet. There were some issues with the hot-water not being hot enough (which the owner would have fixed had we had the gumption to mention it), and the bed frames while handsome were a dangerous element in the bedrooms - catching all of us on the shins - getting back in bed after a trip to the biffy in the night. Even so, the location in the midst of a restaurant rich section of Hawthorne S.E., half a block from two Powell's Book Stores, a block from a huge Fred Meyers, and dozens of small offerings was delightful. Parking was available within easy walking in the residential neighborhood half a block away. The owner was readily available and we plan to do a week next time. One of the best restaurants we ate at was EVOE in the pasta/high-end deli-grocery between the two Powell's. The smoked duck-breast prosciutto was out of this world, esp. with the $19 bottle of white wine. We also ate at Ping and Andino both of which were mouthwatering in their comestibles and in the Pearl district. For those who love Mexican - a few blocks up is Por que No which has a huge variety of lovely tacos with fish, chorizo, octopus, and tinga. It's worth noting that there is a Grand Central Bakery a few blocks down the street. Overall, for foodies on the make the Hawthorne Hideaway is a perfect retreat in which to estivate after eating too much.

Owner response:Yes the Apartment is in the basement, it does say this on the web site. However it is a daylight basement which means the windows are above ground. This arrangement keeps it cool during the summer without A/C and warm in the winter. By the way, we now supply full body armor so guests can get to the loo at night safely! When you come, please ask if the water is not hot enough, sometimes the thermostat gets changed, it is up stairs in one of the offices and I suspect the cleaners little daughter!!! In fact if anything is not as it should be CALL ME that's what I have a cell phone for.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great downstairs apartment in hip neighborhood

Guest: meko (Carbondale, CO)
Date of Stay: 07/23/09 Review Submitted: 07/27/09

We had a great stay in this well designed and aportioned downstairs apartment. Comfortable for 4, and worked for 6 (with two on sleeper sofa). We made good use of ammenities (Wi-Fi, TV, DVD, kitchen, etc). Needed to buy TP and sponge to cleen-up in kitchen. Beds comfortable, although three of us left with bruised shins from smacking them on the bed frame (the bed frame and layout and small size of the first bedroom on the right makes it easy to whack your shins!) We enjoyed our stay and appreciated the location and easy access to nearby food and shops. We borrowed bikes from friends and were able to get downtown easily (10 minute ride) and explore the local neighborhood and Mt. Tabor park. Would stay here again for sure!

Owner response:Always just phone me on my cell if you need more TP or any other supply,we keep a stock the closet and I can direct you to them. Actually call me if you have any requests. If you want to hire bikes we have the address of the shop But bring your own shin pads!

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

Guest: MamaKate
Date of Stay: 06/08/09 Review Submitted: 06/07/09

Review Submitted: November 25, 2008 Date of Stay: November 2008 A cozy nook, very quiet and peaceful, on a street busy with a perfect array of shops to meet our daily needs as well as gifts. We were well attended to by the owners. WiFi was disappointing on my old laptop, but I was able to connect at an internet cafe only a couple of blocks away. I hope to visit again. K Owner's Response: K was right about the WI-FI, it is a very up to date and secure link, needs Firefox 3 or Navigator 3. We have only just discovered this and will alter the web site to alert guests in the future. However older laptops can get great reception and a great coffee, two blocks away at the Common Grounds Coffee House, just another totally cool Hawthorne hang out! Join the community!

Recommended for:

Guest: Will & Ann
Date of Stay: 06/08/09 Review Submitted: 06/07/09

Review Submitted: April 23, 2009 Date of Stay: November 2008 What a joy this place was for us! We filled the fridge and cooked for six on most nights of our week-long stay in your fabulous well-stocked kitchen. Beds so comfy. Explanatory signs very helpful. And we knew when we saw "Little Quack's Bath Book" that you didn't forget a thing! We'd love to come back ... can you work on Portland's rain?!? Thanks Michael, Beata. Great Job. P.S. The acoustics for our singing and instruments were also a plus. Recommended for: Tourists without a Car, Sightseeing, Girls Getaway, Owner's Response: We were glad they liked the beds, they are a special, cotton and natural laytex, no chemicals! "Little Quack's Bath Book", well we all need a bit of like reading in the bath! As far as the rain goes, we are working on it!

Recommended for:

Guest: Lawra
Date of Stay: 06/08/09 Review Submitted: 06/07/09

Review Submitted: June 3, 2009 Date of Stay: May 2009 I visited the guest house in early summer 2009 and stayed 5 nights. My daughter is a college student at nearby Reed College and the cottage was the perfect place to be headquartered to help her move out of her college accommodations. The location was perfect for us, but it would also be perfect for anyone visiting Portland wanting to be centrally located to all of the city's different attractions. Head straight down the straight and you're across the bridge into downtown, or head the other direction for easy access to Mount Hood or the Columbia River for Portland's outdoor attractions. The cottage shows the loving care of the owners - it's quite fresh and comfortable and is actually the beautifully remodeled and outfitted basement apartment of a classic Portland home that is on the main street of a very lively and fun neighborhood with all kinds of shops, restaurants, cafes, grocery stores and pubs in walking distance. The cottage is quiet, though, and guests have a little outdoor patio they can use at all times and a pretty deck that is available after 6pm and on weekends. I've stayed at a number of places using VRBO and Homeaway and this one strikes me as one of the most thoughtful - it really has everything you might need, including a cupboard in the kitchen with a label that reads, "Food for Free left by others for you." I've never come across that before, and it made it easier to cook since we didn't have to buy basics such as oil or vinegar and spices or even tea! Owners/managers were always available to answer any questions. I had no problem with the wireless internet - it worked fine. I'd say book early for this place - it's a gem. Recommended for: Romantic Getaway, Tourists without a Car, Sightseeing, Girls Getaway, Families with Young Children, Adventure Seekers, Age 55+, Families with Teenagers Owner's Response: Booking early is a must now, although Jan Feb and March, as with all vacation places around here is slow, the rest of the year is HOT! Some one has just booked for next June! A year ahead. Some people have been put off by the fact that we do not have A/C, there are two answers to this one. One, the apartment is a daylight basement and mostly SO cool during the summer. Two, this is Portland! Our motto is green sensibilities with style! Come try, you'll be welcome!

Recommended for:

Guest: DanitaK
Date of Stay: 06/08/09 Review Submitted: 06/07/09

Review Submitted: May 27, 2009 Date of Stay: October 2008 We are so happy to have found this apartment! It met our family's needs perfectly. We enjoyed exploring Hawthorne's shops and eating in many wonderful establishments. The things we love most about the apartment: colors, laundry, kitchen (Equipped). Thank you so much for your beautiful preparations for us. Recommended for: Families with Young Children Owner's Response: The kitchen is pretty well equipped now if you want to cook IN, several suggestions from guests made it complete! ALSO! The WI FI has had it's security down graded so that older laptops can use it now.

Recommended for:

Guest: sue v.
Date of Stay: 06/08/09 Review Submitted: 06/07/09

Review Submitted: April 23, 2009 Date of Stay: July 2008 We had a great time staying here and enjoying the eclectic Hawthorne district. Love your color scheme and decorating style, and appreciate the filtered water. Very spacious yet cozy, and reasonably priced. We hope to be back when the garden/deck are finished. Sue and Andrew Recommended for: Romantic Getaway, Tourists without a Car, Sightseeing Owner's Response: The deck is now finished and can be used by guests each evening and at the weekends. The contemplative garden in the back is underway. I planted the bamboo in the Autumn and am now working on the pond and the Tea house, it will be ready this summer. We agree with Sue & Andrew, the Hawthorne district is a great place to hang out

Recommended for:

perfect stay to help move college daughter

Guest: Lawra (Santa Cruz, California)
Date of Stay: 05/30/09 Review Submitted: 06/03/09

I visited the guest house in early summer 2009 and stayed 5 nights. My daughter is a college student at nearby Reed College and the cottage was the perfect place to be headquartered to help her move out of her college accommodations. The location was perfect for us, but it would also be perfect for anyone visiting Portland wanting to be centrally located to all of the city's different attractions. Head straight down the straight and you're across the bridge into downtown, or head the other direction for easy access to Mount Hood or the Columbia River for Portland's outdoor attractions. The cottage shows the loving care of the owners - it's quite fresh and comfortable and is actually the beautifully remodeled and outfitted basement apartment of a classic Portland home that is on the main street of a very lively and fun neighborhood with all kinds of shops, restaurants, cafes, grocery stores and pubs in walking distance. The cottage is quiet, though, and guests have a little outdoor patio they can use at all times and a pretty deck that is available after 6pm and on weekends. I've stayed at a number of places using VRBO and Homeaway and this one strikes me as one of the most thoughtful - it really has everything you might need, including a cupboard in the kitchen with a label that reads, "Food for Free left by others for you." I've never come across that before, and it made it easier to cook since we didn't have to buy basics such as oil or vinegar and spices or even tea! Owners/managers were always available to answer any questions. I had no problem with the wireless internet - it worked fine. I'd say book early for this place - it's a gem.

Owner response:Booking early is a must now, although Jan Feb and March, as with all vacation places around here is slow, the rest of the year is HOT! Some one has just booked for next June! A year ahead. Some people have been put off by the fact that we do not have A/C, there are two answers to this one. One, the apartment is a daylight basement and mostly SO cool during the summer. Two, this is Portland! Our motto is green sensibilities with style! Come try, you'll be welcome!

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

Loved it!

Guest: Will & Ann (Milwaukee, Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 11/24/08 Review Submitted: 04/23/09

What a joy this place was for us! We filled the fridge and cooked for six on most nights of our week-long stay in your fabulous well-stocked kitchen. Beds so comfy. Explanatory signs very helpful. And we knew when we saw "Little Quack's Bath Book" that you didn't forget a thing! We'd love to come back ... can you work on Portland's rain?!? Thanks Michael, Beata. Great Job. P.S. The acoustics for our singing and instruments were also a plus.

Owner response:We were glad they liked the beds, they are a special, cotton and natural laytex, no chemicals! "Little Quack's Bath Book", well we all need a bit of like reading in the bath! As far as the rain goes, we are working on it!

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

Truly a HOME AWAY!

Guest: MamaKate (northeast usa)
Date of Stay: 11/10/08 Review Submitted: 11/25/08

A cozy nook, very quiet and peaceful, on a street busy with a perfect array of shops to meet our daily needs as well as gifts. We were well attended to by the owners. WiFi was disappointing on my old laptop, but I was able to connect at an internet cafe only a couple of blocks away. I hope to visit again. K

Owner response:K was right about the WI-FI, it is a very up to date and secure link, needs Firefox 3 or Navigator 3. We have only just discovered this and will alter the web site to alert guests in the future. However older laptops can get great reception and a great coffee, two blocks away at the Common Grounds Coffee House, just another totally cool Hawthorne hang out! Join the community!

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

perfect for family

Guest: DanitaK (commerce, MI USA)
Date of Stay: 10/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/27/09

We are so happy to have found this apartment! It met our family's needs perfectly. We enjoyed exploring Hawthorne's shops and eating in many wonderful establishments. The things we love most about the apartment: colors, laundry, kitchen (Equipped). Thank you so much for your beautiful preparations for us.

Owner response:The kitchen is pretty well equipped now if you want to cook IN, several suggestions from guests made it complete! ALSO! The WI FI has had it's security down graded so that older laptops can use it now.

Recommended for:Families with young children

wonderful place in eclectic neighborhood

Guest: sue v. (Petaluma, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/18/08 Review Submitted: 04/23/09

We had a great time staying here and enjoying the eclectic Hawthorne district. Love your color scheme and decorating style, and appreciate the filtered water. Very spacious yet cozy, and reasonably priced. We hope to be back when the garden/deck are finished. Sue and Andrew

Owner response:The deck is now finished and can be used by guests each evening and at the weekends. The contemplative garden in the back is underway. I planted the bamboo in the Autumn and am now working on the pond and the Tea house, it will be ready this summer. We agree with Sue & Andrew, the Hawthorne district is a great place to hang out

Recommended for:Tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.