Vacation Rentals by Owner

Sweet Place

Guest: JFran (Portland, OR, United States)
Date of Stay: 04/13/12 Review Submitted: 04/23/12

My sister-in-law and I stayed at the Tuckaway recently and had a great time. It's wonderful value for the price. Although there was only the one bed, it was big enough for us to sleep comfortably as if we had two twins (VERY comfortable bed and bedding). The outside garden is a haven and while weather prevented us from spending much time there, it was nevertheless lovely to pass through in and out. There is a great wooded nature trail at the bottom of the hill where we jogged each morning and ended up in town. Bill is a very friendly & helpful owner, perfectly attentive, & the deposit was returned immediately. The only thing I would change about the place, a matter of personal taste, is I would dispense with all scented candles and unnecessary clutter. The place has great bones with wonderful features (like dimmer switches, plentiful hot water, well-equipped kitchen, etc) and downsizing the furniture in the main room would open it up to true elegance. I give it four stars because there was a musty smell when we arrived (basement/ scented things?) that lingered, perhaps from recent rains, so if you have allergies this might not be the perfect wintertime spot. In warm weather windows and doors to the beautiful garden can be left open. I would stay here again and would definitely recommend it.

Owner response:I want to be conscienous of people with allergies so after receiving this comment I have removed the scented candles,although the candles were 100% bees wax with natural musk scent.

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

Designed for comfort and enjoyment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/10/12 Review Submitted: 03/18/12

Tuckaway was a perfect long weekend stay for my husband, 7 month old son, and me. We loved the gardens and the heavenly bed. There are nice touches throughout that make Tuckaway special - like the great shower, wind chimes, and hammock. So pleased we found the Tuckaway and Bill's recommendations on things to do in the area. We hope to be back soon!

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Quiet, Peaceful, great Place to Stay

Guest: Judi (Olympia/Washington)
Date of Stay: 11/12/11 Review Submitted: 12/05/11

This was our second one week visit. It was perfect for our two dogs, Golden Retriever and Gordon Setter. The setting is peaceful and yet close to the lovely Carmel mission, art galleries, shopping and the off-leash dog beach plus easy access to Monterrey and it's attractions, Aquarium, shops and historic buildings. The host was a great resource for places with local color and restaurants.

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Amazingly charming place

Guest: Maria and Mark (Springfield, NJ)
Date of Stay: 10/06/11 Review Submitted: 10/10/11

I cannot have enough good words to recommend this place. The pictures on this site do not do it justice - it's just so much more charming and comfortable that they suggest. Location is simply perfect: you can get to the HWY 1 in 2 minutes, yet it's amazingly quiet and intimate. It's within 5 min drive from the downtown Carmel, or you can walk for 25 min - the choice is yours. It's very comfortable with a super-cozy bed and everything a couple may desire or need on their stay in Carmel. We stayed for 3 nights in October and dream of coming again one day. The garden and interior decorations are to die for especially if you are a succulents lover like I am:)). Everything is so tastefully done, so thoughtful, and the owner Bill is such a mensch! Thank you very much for sharing your home with us!

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Peaceful, Garden Oasis with Peekaboo views of the Ocean

Guest: Donna & Ron (Prescott )
Date of Stay: 10/03/11 Review Submitted: 10/23/11

Tuckaway is a calming wonderful garden oasis. We felt we were on a tropical island getaway, so private with faraway views...The host/owner offered great local information and provided the most luxurious bedding equal to the best 5 star locations, yet more comfortable with the private garden area. Thank you.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful, private and perfect for dog owners!

Guest: Petpro (El Dorado, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/23/11 Review Submitted: 10/13/11

I stayed three nights with my Great Dane and it was wonderful. It's the right size for 1-2 people and the private yard is perfect for relaxing. We had a wonderful stay and it was in an ideal location and a great neighborhood. The bed is to die for!! Thank you Bill for your great hospitality. A great getaway! I wish I could have stayed longer!

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

The most comfortable bed!

Guest: Emily & John (Jacksonville, FL)
Date of Stay: 09/08/11 Review Submitted: 09/30/11

We stayed 5 nights early Sept 2011; wonderful place! Nice bathrobes for each of us, the queen bed was super comfortable; the space includes a nicely equipped small kitchen; table that seats 4, 2 nice armchairs and a view of the Pacific from inside. The private garden is beautifully landscaped with loungers and a firepit. Bill, the owner, was very friendly and helpful with recommendations and ideas. Can't say enough good things about this place. Would stay here again and highly recommend it. There are a few stairs getting down to it through the garden.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Place

Guest: Yael (Southern California)
Date of Stay: 08/26/11 Review Submitted: 08/30/11

Another 5 star review. Very cozy place, very private, quite and well furnished. We basically had the whole yard to ourselves and our dog. Great location. 3mns from a great trail (Mission Ranch) and 5 mns to the city center. Bill is very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend it.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Bunny Hutch!

Guest: Jim and Lee (RutherFord, California - Napa Valley)
Date of Stay: 08/17/11 Review Submitted: 08/28/11

We spent 5 nights during the Concours d'Elegance at this wonderful spot in the hills over the sea. Great warm small but very well appointed nest! Highlight was a fire in the out door pit in the mist and fog. Great spot for TWO! leave the kids home and make it a fun time in a great spot with a neat location near every thing in the Carmel/Monterey Area.

Recommended for:Age 55+

Adorable Studio

Guest: Lindsay P.
Date of Stay: 08/02/11 Review Submitted: 08/21/11

The Tuckaway is cute, cozy, and in a very quiet residential neighborhood. The only thing you can hear is the ocean! Dogs are welcome which was great for us as we brought our pup. Bill was a great host. The property is quite clean and well-maintained. One note: The space is a bit tight for two adults and a 45 lb. dog if you plan on staying inside a lot.

Recommended for:Pet owners, romantic getaway.

A great find!

Guest: Thomike (Seattle)
Date of Stay: 07/29/11 Review Submitted: 08/03/11

Planned a very last minute trip down to Carmel and Big Sur. Everything booked and what wasn't booked was either too expensive or a generic hotel. By chance I remembered to look at VRBO and came across Tuckaway. And luckily, the two nights I was staying in Carmel were available. A lucky, lucky break. A great, comfortable place to stay. Quiet. I loved the sound of the trickling water outside the bedroom window. The lawn furniture was most comfortable. Even with the clouds, it was very relaxing to sit and look at out the peek-a-view of the ocean. Had we stayed longer would have used the outdoor fire pit. The wood was stacked and ready to be lit.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Very nice!

Guest: Jennifer (Scottsdale, AZ)
Date of Stay: 07/18/11 Review Submitted: 07/29/11

We stayed for a week at Tuckaway, and we were blown away how nice the property was. The pictures really don't show the attention to detail that you will find here. The bed is so comfortable, there were days we didn't even want to get up! It's super quiet and just so peaceful. The location is perfect as well, very close to downtown and the beaches. We found a nice beach our last day close to the Mission Ranch restaurant, I think it's called the Carmel River beach. Our little dog was very comfortable there as well. Every piece of furniture including outside is top notch and super comfortable. Why we would ever stay at a hotel again, I don't know!

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Place, Great Price!

Guest: Kim (Long Beach, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/11/11 Review Submitted: 07/18/11

Cute place, great location. Bill, the owner, was friendly, helpful and accommodating during our stay. He gave us many suggestions on local attractions and restaurants that we visited and enjoyed. The bed was SO comfortable after a long day of hiking. Ample yard (and local parks) for our two dogs. We are already looking forward to our next stay!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

We can't say enough good things about Tuckaway

Guest: Winery Fan (John's Creek, GA)
Date of Stay: 06/28/11 Review Submitted: 07/03/11

My girlfriend and I stayed at Tuckaway in Summer of 2011 and it exceeded our expectations in every way. The pictures just don't do it justice- it's MUCH better in person, which was a great surprise. Bill covers all bases with details both large and small- Miele washing machine, incredible hardwood floors,handmade soaps from the Carmel Soap Company soaps (which he gave us additional bars of when we told him how much we enjoyed it), a gas-starter firepit supplied with wood, fabulous bed with amazing bed linens and towels, two soft robes for our use, gourmet coffee beans and grinder... you're getting the picture I think. It's a perfect place to set out to all that Carmel has to offer. Bill even provided free wine-tasting cards to us at a local tasting room, Galente, which we used. All our needs and creature comforts were met for the asking....and we have tough standards, as we are fellow VRBO owners ourselves. In short, if you are looking for a quaint place to stay for a romantic time in Carmel and you want to be treated like family in a beautiful environment including a beautiful garden all your own, book the Tuckaway- we certainly will again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfectly Private!

Guest: Lmartin (Philadelphia, PA)
Date of Stay: 06/11/11 Review Submitted: 06/17/11

Having never visited Carmel we had no idea what to expect, but knew if would be fun no matter what the place ended up being like. We were SO pleasantly surprised at how Tuckaway exceeded our expectations! Conveniently located only a 5 minute drive to town, it was private and perfect for either a single guest or a couple. Bill was incredibly helpful when it came to notable restaurants, area attractions and just a general wealth of Carmel knowledge! I would certainly recommend Tuckaway to any of my friends for their visit and hope to stay again in the future.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Getaway

Guest: Ali (Auburn, CA)
Date of Stay: 06/08/11 Review Submitted: 07/10/11

This was my first time in Carmel and it was amazing! My husband and I and our two dogs spent 3 relaxing days and nights at this property. It was super clean, the yard was amazing, and it was very private. Bill was awesome as well-- he had tons of suggestions on where to eat and what to do. We will definitely be back.

Recommended for:Pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Mini oasis

Guest: Joseph N. (San Francisco bay area)
Date of Stay: 05/09/11 Review Submitted: 05/17/11

We recently stayed at the "Tuckaway" in Carmel and found it to be a mini oasis. Although small in size, it was very well appointed and beautifully decorated. The studio was extremely clean, also. It felt very private and the yard had a very nice view of the ocean. We took our two small dogs and unfortunately, couldn't let them in the yard without a leash; the brick wall is short enough to jump and leads down to a steep canyon. But, the neighborhood was wonderful for walking them - very quiet and peaceful. We highly recommend this rental!

Owner response:I am in the process of having the canyon filled in and landscaped so the problem of a short brick wall that jumping dogs might go over, will no longer be a problem. The yard area is currently fenced all around and has never been a problem for guests in the past. I'm look forward to the work being completed soon! Owner, Bill Ostradick.

Recommended for:Pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

More beautiful than VRBO pictures!

Guest: Jacqueline and Patrick K. (Colorado)
Date of Stay: 04/30/11 Review Submitted: 05/12/11

We loved our stay! In town for the Big Sur Marathon, walked to start line. Very comfortable, quiet and cozy, private, super clean, well maintained, lovely private outdoor area with fire pit and VIEWS. Everything we needed and much much more! Website does not do this property justice. Thank you Bill, we'll be back!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

We Will Be Back!

Guest: Irene & Jim (Sacramento, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/11/10 Review Submitted: 11/24/10

Ditto to all the positive reviews. My husband and I were so glad to be able to bring our small dog and we all did not want to leave when Sunday arrived. We plan to return to enjoy more of Carmel and Pacific Grove. The location is convenient to everything. The area is beautiful and very pet friendly. We were very comfortable with the accommodations.

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners.

Wonderful.

Guest: Judi (Olympia/Washington)
Date of Stay: 11/07/10 Review Submitted: 11/22/10

My husband and I stayed for one week with our two dogs, a Golden Retriever and a Gordon Setter. The yard was perfect for the dogs and a delight for us to sit out and enjoy the view and weather; the apartment was attractively decorated and very comfortable. Bill, the owner, headed us in the right direction for places to eat and visit. The location was convenient for town, beach and country. We will certainly stay again.

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

What a place!

Guest: Margaret (Green Bay, WI)
Date of Stay: 10/24/10 Review Submitted: 11/04/10

We arrived in Carmel on a lovely day and met the owner, who was very nice and showed us around the place and gave us some terrific recommendations. The studio was very comfortable and the patio area was amazing. We will definitely come back to this house to stay in the future!

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

We keep coming back every year!

Guest: Bernice Fung (Redwood City, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/01/10 Review Submitted: 10/04/10

My husband and our two yorkies have visited the Tuckaway for the past two years and absolutely love it. It's pet friendly (especially the enclosed yard), has a view of the ocean with a firepit on cold nights, and is convenient to everything in Carmel. The neighborhood and homes are all beautiful and was perfect for taking our dogs on early morning walks. Everything in the cottage is 5-star and you'll feel so at home, you surely won't want to leave. This is the perfect, romantic and luxurious getaway for a very reasonable price. We will definitely be coming to stay every year (hopefully more!)

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Truly a gem!

Guest: Rick and Debbie (Johns Creek, GA)
Date of Stay: 09/23/10 Review Submitted: 09/29/10

We enjoyed our stay at Tuckaway in Carmel. The accommodations were perfect - comfortable bedding and furniture, beautiful surroundings, had everything we needed. The apartment is small, but very, very well layed out and the beautiful yard with comfortable lawn chairs was like additional living space. The provided coffee was a really nice perk. The kitchen is small, but well equipped and was perfect for preparing simple meals. Bill was great to work with, and made spot-on dining recommendations for us. Hopefully we will be back, and would definitely rent again.

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great location, quiet, private

Guest: Cal gal (Pasadena)
Date of Stay: 09/22/10 Review Submitted: 09/21/11

My husband and I stayed at Tuckaway 4 nights in August 2011. Everything was as described in the VRBO listing. We were pleased with the location, a quiet neighborhood a few blocks from the Carmel Mission and west of the highway. Literally 3 min. by car from the village, it is close enough to stop back by after a long day, relax, and head back out to dinner. The small but well-appointed unit, which is the lower level of a house with its own access, fronts onto a landscaped (& furnished) garden with a slice of ocean view beyond. The unit backs directly into the hillside, which makes the place even quieter. Bill, the owner, is helpful, professional and personable. We travel with our pet and it was great relaxing in the mornings with a pot of coffee, gazing at the garden and view beyond. It is very reasonably priced for Carmel. Note: if you are much over 6 ft.the ceiling is going to be very close. I would recommend this property to my big sister, who is even more persnickety than me. Next time we go my first stop will be at the Earthbound Farm Organic Kitchen, 3.5 mi. east of Hwy 1 on Carmel Valley Road. Outstanding prepared foods, baked goods, produce, etc., in an idylllic setting.

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great place to stay in Carmel

Guest: Tim (Bay Area, Ca)
Date of Stay: 09/04/10 Review Submitted: 09/08/10

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed our weekend stay at the "Tuckaway" and Bill was a gracious, thoughtful host. The rental is very cozy, and it's obvious that Bill cares about his guests and includes all the small amenities that make for a good stay. The bed is really comfortable, the condo is very well decorated and laid out for its size and the private garden is well maintained. It's also a short drive or long walk to downtown Carmel by the Sea. I'd also like to comment on one of the previous comments regarding the low ceilings. While they are a bit low, I am 6'3" and really had no issues hitting my head or being worried about it for that matter. We'll certainly be back.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Beautifully-appointed, cozy retreat

Guest: Stacey (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 08/27/10 Review Submitted: 08/31/10

While a very small place with low ceilings (6' tall and over beware!) it was a lovely studio. The owner has meticulous attention to detail. Luxurious robes, convenient kitchenette with whole bean coffee and a grinder, clothes iron, hairdryer, lush towels and comfy sheets. . . . . During the day we read on the cushioned teak recliners while looking out over the ocean (granted, the water is kind of a distance away, but you can still see it.) In the evening, we enjoyed the gas firepit with real wood logs. We look forward to coming back and recommend it unequivocally. Bill is also a very thorough and pleasant host.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderful place to stay! Private and beautiful with lots of amenities, like being at home.

Guest: Jamie (Austin, TX)
Date of Stay: 08/07/10 Review Submitted: 08/22/10

We stayed at the Tuckaway in August for 5 days with our 18-month old daughter. It was wonderful to enjoy an afternoon on the beautiful lawn with great its views. The house is an easy drive to town and close to shopping. The amenities and conveniences made our trip so much easier - kitchen, washer/dryer, refrigerator, toaster, range, coffee maker, too many to list! We felt very much at home. Bill was so helpful. The property listing definitely represents the property accurately. We would recommend the Tuckaway to friends and would stay here again!

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

Nice place to stay.

Guest: Jen and Will (Southern California)
Date of Stay: 07/02/10 Review Submitted: 07/11/10

We stayed three nights in the this cozy, quiet "Tuckaway". It is nicely appointed and the landlord, who lives upstairs, is ready to help with any specials needs. We seemed to be close to all the main attractions in the area. It didn't take long to feel at home. We even had a family of quail stop by in the front yard for a visit! We have recommended the "Tuckaway" to our family and friends.

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A Delightful Property

Guest: Fran & Bill (Dallas, TX)
Date of Stay: 06/11/10 Review Submitted: 06/29/10

We spent 12 days in "Tuckaway" celebrating our 50th anniversary and the U.S Open Golf Championship, and it couldn't have been a better experience! The listing details and photos are accurate yet they do not do justice to the ambience and comfort of this property. The inside is attractive, very clean, and provides everything the traveler might need; the garden is beautiful and very private. The owners are warm and friendly and were very gracious in helping us to negotiate the area. We would certainly recommend Tuckaway since we are already talking about going back!!

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway.

Truly a Gem

Guest: PBLK (Southern California)
Date of Stay: 06/01/10 Review Submitted: 06/11/10

A lovely little place to get away and enjoy everything Carmel has to offer. The amenities were as nice as many hotels I've stayed in -- and you just couldn't beat the location. I truly hope we get the opportunity to return.

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

True Gem of Carmel

Guest: Ingrid&Bill (Oak Harbor, WA)
Date of Stay: 05/15/10 Review Submitted: 05/24/10

We just returned from a wonderful week spent at the "Tuckaway". It was all we had hoped for and more...The condo was lovely, with many decorative touches, and the yard was absolutely stunning. Everything was so clean and inviting; we would love to come back. Many thanks to Bill for helpful information about the area. We had a wonderful time!

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Cozy Comfort

Guest: RayandLibby (Eugene, OR)
Date of Stay: 04/20/10 Review Submitted: 05/02/10

My wife and I, along with our dog, spent 3 very comfortable nights in this lovely cottage. Though small, it has everything one would need to enjoy the beauties of Carmel. Within easy walking distance of downtown, we recommend it highly. Bill lives just upstairs and was a very gracious landlord for our delightful stay.

Recommended for:Pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Charles&Chrie Tetoni (Mendencino,Ca.)
Date of Stay: 12/30/08 Review Submitted: 12/30/08

Thank you for your hospitality & making us feel so welcome during our stay at the "Tuckaway"..We enjoyed the View,the Privacy & walking our dogs around your beautiful neighborhood.

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Guest: Hollywoodbound (San Jose,CA)
Date of Stay: 12/01/08 Review Submitted: 12/01/08

This is a very nice rental -- linens are luxurious, the landscaping is lovely. It's quiet and comfortable.

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Guest: Morgan L. (San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 11/10/08 Review Submitted: 11/10/08

We had a great stay at the "Tuckaway" and were pleasantly surprised by furnishings, decor, and cleanliness. We felt like we were in a private bungalow at a hotel. We will definitely be back, thanks again!

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Guest: Jennifer B.
Date of Stay: 11/03/08 Review Submitted: 11/02/08

Thank you for a delightful weekend.We really enjoyed the Tuckaway-- it was a Great place to stay as we explored the Monterey Bay!Thanks for the very prompt refund of our deposits also. We will be back to stay again!

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Guest: Robin
Date of Stay: 10/27/08 Review Submitted: 10/26/08

Thank you for rental. We very much enjoyed our stay at the "Tuckaway"and were very impressed with the way you have furnished the place.Looking forward to coming back again!

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Guest: joyce Hays (palm desert, calif.)
Date of Stay: 10/21/08 Review Submitted: 10/21/08

It's been one of those vacations that has stayed with me for quite awhile,and I'm sure one of the reasons for that is because of the relaxing,comfortable aura and lodging you provided us. I think you should buy an inn and run it,,,you'd be terrific!

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Guest: PaulaB (Laguna Niguel & Indianapolis)
Date of Stay: 09/26/08 Review Submitted: 09/26/08

This is the perfect getaway. Extremely private, comfortable and restful. The owners are friendly and made this a charming trip for us, especially the four-legged one, Hunter! (add a photo of Hunter to the site Bill!) The views are gorgeous, and combined with the clean ocean breezes, make a stay at the Tuckaway completely refreshing and re-energizing. The location is ideal - an upscale quiet residential neighborhood just a few minutes to Carmel Village, Carmel Valley, Monterey to the North and Big Sur to the South. We felt completely at home and will stay here again!

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Guest: KC Evans (Incline Village, Nv.)
Date of Stay: 08/12/08 Review Submitted: 08/12/08

Great place and central location, plus it's so clean. We will definitely stay again and would recommend to all.

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