Vacation Rentals by Owner

REVIEWS MUCH TOO GENEROUS!!

Guest: Not Impressed ( B.C. Canada)
Date of Stay: 12/10/11 Review Submitted: 01/31/12

I should start by saying that we have rented condos all over the world and I have never reviewed one before. We rented this condo for five weeks over Christmas 2011. We based our decision on previous reviews and were shocked when we arrived at this condo. Here is a list of things not mentioned in previous reviews: This condo is located right on Alii Drive. The living room is located about 30’ from a 35 mile an hour busy road! There is road noise 24 hours a day and is especially noisy when the Harley Davidsons and trash trucks scream by. At times you are unable to even hear the television. For a light sleeper, like me, this was a nightmare. Five weeks of ear plugs and at times they did not work. As far as sitting on the lanai for a nice dinner or lunch forget it! This unit is equipped with 3 small window style air conditioners on timers. Two of which were absolutely useless at cooling. We were unable to leave windows open due to road noise. So, about three in the morning it was stifling hot in this unit. To add insult to injury, we tried using the fans but in the end received an additional bill for electricity. This unit is becoming very “aged” and is in bad need of an upgrade. The old dish washer was ineffective at doing it’s job, the stove was older and not clean, the fridge was turned off after the unit was previously cleaned and smelled very bad and was growing mould. All of the fixtures (taps, sinks etc,) utensils and carpeting are very worn and should be replaced. The unit is located 1½ miles from Kona Town. So it is not a short stroll to shops and town. It is a 3 mile round trip! Not good for anyone with walking problems. The two pools (in a large development as this, this is not enough) are located about two and three city blocks from this unit. All in all, this unit does get a failing score, especially for the price, and I have a problem understanding the previous high ratings. Be sure to ask owners where their units are located in whichever development you choose.

Owner response:I would like to respond to this review the only way I know how.I have never had people stay at the condo before that don't leave the condo for days or weeks at a time; they don't like the outdoors and the excitement of Alli Drive. The majority of the condos on the Kona side are on Alli drive.Ironman comes down this street. So the street does have activity and noises.So it does make sense why my electric bill was so high if they never left the condo and closed all the windows.This electric bill was higher than when I had 5 people staying there. I spoke to these tenants several times before they rented while they were renting and when they were leaving and never did they complain until this review. Noise levels that they talk of are a joke. As far as the condo updates the frig was replaced in 2010 the stove was fixed in 2011.The floors were tiled in 2011. So the only rugs are in the bedrooms which were just cleaned in November. There is a monthly cleaning service so the condo is always clean.All I can say is I'm sorry you have a problem with the condo.You should not be renting condos for what you want. If you want quietness; no walking to get to places and run the AC all day and night long you need to stay at the Hilton in Waikoloa for your next stay.But instead of $68.00 dollars a day it will cost you $249.00 a day but you guys will be happy and that's what I want for you. Good luck in you future renting. Stan

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Wonderful Accomodations!

Guest: courtneys (Yukon, Oklahoma)
Date of Stay: 06/14/11 Review Submitted: 10/26/11

My family of 4 stayed for a month in Jun-Jul, 2011. We loved our time in the condo and on the BI. The condo looks exactly as it is represented in the pictures only more spacious. It is very neat, clean, and nicely decorated. We did not want for anything! The owners are personable and very easy to work with! :) I recommend this unit for anyone wanting a home-away-from-home. After exhausting ourselves exploring the splendor of the BI, it was great to come back to a place that has plenty of room too stretch out and relax for the entire family. For an active family, you are close enough to walk to dining, shopping, and recreation as we did many times. I would like to think that shared spaces= shared blessings and hope that we paid it for forward to Stan and Pat for allowing us the use of their home. As for the BI, the Manta Ray night dive/snorkel is a MUST, mindblowing. Lulu's is an institution of fun. Try the loco moco for a great taste of local food. You can't go to Kona without drinking the COFFEE! We spent a lot of time at Magic Sands beach locally and loved 69 for a drive. Havi is a cool town to explore, Bamboo restaurant is excellent. We went to all the must-sees: green sand beach, volcano, the top of Mauna Kea, Waipoi Valley. There is so much to see and do, a month was not enough!

Owner response:Thanks guys for sharing our home. We are delighted that you enjoyed our place.Sounds like you got to see alot of what the big Island has to offer.But you are right a month is just not long enough. Hope to see you in Hawaii again. Mahalo, Pat and Stan

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

Home Sweet Home

Guest: Shannon Miller (Arlington Heights, IL )
Date of Stay: 06/08/10 Review Submitted: 03/24/11

I had the luxury of staying in Pat & Stan's Condo for roughly 8 weeks. This is the second time that I have rented from them. Every stay, the place became more and more cozy. They really are attentive to making sure the tenant is happy. The place was super clean. I have stayed at many hotels throughout my travels and never felt as at home as I did in their condo. It was very warm, great location and the amenities were great. They have two big pools, washer in the unit, nice neighbors and so close that we could walk right into town. I loved staying at their home and would recommend it to anyone. I never needed anything nor did I have anything troubvles with anything but it was very comforting that Pat & Stan were available if I did need something. Thank you guys truly for my wonderful visits to the island!!!

Owner response:Thank you so much for your comments. We would like to treat all our guests as if they were family.Because if you live on the big island you should have the Aloha spirit and we try to. When we're not there to help other family and friends are close by. Mahalo Nui loa. Pat and Stan

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

My Stay in April

Guest: CJK747 (Carpentersville, Illinois)
Date of Stay: 04/01/10 Review Submitted: 05/03/10

We enjoyed our stay here very much. This is a lovely condo with lots of space, clean, comfortable and an ideal location. Stan and Pat are super folks and it's obvious they really care about their place! It felt homey and lived-in; with all the amenities you'd ever want or need a home away from home only a lot nicer weather. The fenced in yard and the grill on the large lanai and 3 flat screen TVs were an added bonus. We stayed in April and the weather was hot and sunny, really perfect vacation weather. The condo and grounds are immaculate and everything you need is there. You can walk across the street to a convenience store or to the farmer's market in Kailua. The shops and restaurants are also within walking distance. Thanks Stan and Pat for a great vacation. Would rent this place again in a heartbeat.

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

The Perfect Condo!

Guest: Jeremy & Jen (Carpentersville, IL)
Date of Stay: 04/01/10 Review Submitted: 04/28/10

We LOVED the condo, the space was clean, cozy and an ideal location. It is by far the best bargain on the island and within walking distance to GREAT shops and restaurants. We stayed in April and the weather was warm and sunny with an ocean breeze...perfect vacation weather! It felt like a home away from home with all the amenities you would ever need. We enjoyed using the 3 flat screen TVs and a grill on a large lanai. The condo and grounds are very well kept along with the two pools. Thank you Stan and Pat for a great vacation, your condo is wonderful and we definitely plan to come back!!! Mahalo!!

Owner response:I'm glad you guys enjoyed the condo. Next year is calling you to see the rest that Hawaii has to offer.Great renters. Welcome back in advance. Mahalo, Pat and Stan

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

STAN IS THE MAN!!

Guest: Robin & Dave (Wonder Lake, IL)
Date of Stay: 03/31/10 Review Submitted: 05/07/10

All we can say is THANK YOU! This was the most beautiful condo we have ever stayed in, and believe us...we have stayed in many. It is within walking distance to the BEST snorkel beach around!! We loved everything about this place, there is not a negative comment we have. You have awesome neighbors and it is VERY well kept! We loved the patio with the grill! Very relaxing! The Big Island is a beautiful place and look forward to visiting again soon!! Thank you again for letting us in on your little piece of paradise! Aloha!!!

Owner response:Thanks guys for the nice review. I'm glad you had a great time. It's hard not to in Hawaii. Maybe if you like the snorkeling so much I can talk you into diving with me. The mantas are waiting .Next trip I have a lot of GPS coordinates for beaches and sites that maybe you missed. Keep in touch. Mahalo Nui Loa, Stan and Pat

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

Guest: Dave & Linda 1 (Knoxville IL)
Date of Stay: 03/05/10 Review Submitted: 03/05/10

We just returned from a 30 day stay in Stan and Pat's wonderful condo. We've been coming to the Big Island for many years and this is the best bargain on the island. The condo and grounds are immaculate and everything you need is there. There is a grill on the large lanai and 3 flat screen TVs. It's also in a great location. You can walk across the street to a convenience store or to the farmer's market in Kailua. Thanks Stan and Pat for a great vacation.

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Home Away from Home

Guest: Jazzoz (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/20/10 Review Submitted: 04/27/10

My husband & I spent six glorious weeks in Pat & Stan's condo (mid February to April 1, 2010). It was wonderful! Close enough to town that we could walk in for daily exercise or to one of the restaurants to eat. The condo has all the amenities that you need, from a fully stocked kitchen to flat screen TV's. The lanai and back garden are very secluded and private and we spent a lot of time sitting out there appreciating our surroundings. The complex is well built and sound proof. The only negative thing about our whole trip was having to leave Hawaii. Thank you Pat & Stan for the use of your condo and your warm hospitality. Pete & Adrienne

Owner response:Thank you guys for being such good tenants and wonderful people. Sorry that the condo is rented for the weeks you want next year.Everyone has liked the condo so far just like we do. This is a big complaint to us because we have been coming to Hawaii for 30 years before buying this condo. Guess we made the right decision. Thanks again and you guys are welcome back anytime. Pat and Stan

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

Guest: Albert & Terry Frank (Lakeside, MT)
Date of Stay: 01/28/10 Review Submitted: 01/27/10

We really enjoyed our month in this condo. It was very clean and had all the comforts of home. Excellent location

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Guest: Peter54 (Moore, SC)
Date of Stay: 12/24/09 Review Submitted: 12/24/09

All I can say - GREAT condo, very nice, clean, and very good location. While in Kona - we felt very comfortable, and almost didn't want to leave the Condo b/c it was so nice. Stan, Pat - thank you again!!

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Guest: Dean Sinatra (Greenville, SC)
Date of Stay: 12/22/09 Review Submitted: 12/22/09

This was our second year visiting Kona on November, training in the local area and racing at the Ultraman World Championships. This condo was absolutely perfect for our stay, ideally located on Alii Drive, and gave us a real home base for our activities. We are very thankful to our friends, Stan and Pat. They have done a great job making this Kona condo a really comfortable, clean home and it's a great gathering spot for friends and family. We will definitely be returning in the future.

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Guest: Jim and Maryka (United Kingdom)
Date of Stay: 10/27/09 Review Submitted: 10/27/09

Enjoyed our stay here very much. Lovely condo with lots of space, clean, comfortable and an ideal location. Stan and Pat are super folks and it's obvious they really care about their place! It felt homey and lived-in, with all the amenities you'd ever want or need. We stayed in October and the weather was hot and sunny, really perfect holiday weather. So useful to have an ice-maker in the freezer, we went through a ton of it! We used the pool in the complex and also hit some local beaches for sand and fun. I particularly liked the bookshelf in the living room, I think I read the Big Island guide cover to cover while we were there. We'd definitely come back again. Completely positive experience dealing with Stan and Pat.

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Guest: Susan Cameron (-)
Date of Stay: 05/24/09 Review Submitted: 05/24/09

The location was perfect for all fun in Kona. It was 2 minutes from great food, many beaches. Our favorite was magic sands. We were very satisfied with the condo. The price was perfect. We would love to rent from the owner again.

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Guest: Claudia S. (Winchester, Or.)
Date of Stay: 04/10/09 Review Submitted: 04/09/09

We stayed for the month of March 2009 and throughly enjoyed the complex. The condo is very clean, no bugs, well stocked with dishes, pans etc. Lots of nice towels and extra bedding. Enjoyed the new flat screen TV, and washer/dryer. Location is close to town, and excellent for jogging in the morning. I have rented from VRBO for years and have always had a good experience.

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Guest: Nikki Whatmore (Spring Grove, Illinois)
Date of Stay: 02/10/09 Review Submitted: 02/10/09

I stayed in this AMAZING condo in August 2008. It was one of the best places I've stayed, home away from home for sure. I didn't want to come home to my real home. It was very well kept, super clean, all up to date and very comfortable & trendy. Neighborhood friendly, great walking distance to everything you need. It definitely is Paradise and a wonderful get away! I definitely recommend this place to all friends and family!! I WILL BE BACK TO STAY!! :)

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Guest: Mike and Carlye Monroe (Vancouver,Wa)
Date of Stay: 02/08/09 Review Submitted: 02/08/09

This is a great place to stay while in Kona! The clean comfortable condo is located close to all of the attractions and beats the heck out of staying in a hotel in both convenience and price. With 2 bedrooms and baths, a full kitchen and washer and dryer it is just like home (only much warmer). We stayed for 2 months and will certainly be back.

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Guest: Paul & Sue Gonzalez (Palatine, IL)
Date of Stay: 01/27/09 Review Submitted: 01/27/09

What a wonderful property! We were here for our stay in paradise and paradise it was. This condo is home away from home - neat, clean and fresh. The owners have added all the comforts of a well kept home for their renters. The beds are so comfortable - we slept like great. The grill, flat screen TV & DVD player all help make evenings in the condo a pleasure. Convenience of a washer/dryer, dishwasher, all appreciated. We loved the bright airy, tropical furnishings. You are only a short walk to the ocean front and can walk to the market in town in the am or jog along the ocean front. Restaurants, shops all within close proximity. The grounds around the condo are beautiful - 2 pools conveniently located and supervised. You have your own parking space reserved - always a convenience. We've rented from vrbo before and once again, we were not disappointed. A great find - Aloha and thank you, we'll be back!

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Guest: Shannon Miller (Arlington Heights, IL )
Date of Stay: 01/25/09 Review Submitted: 01/25/09

I stayed in this Condo in August. I felt that this condo was the cleanest that I have stayed in and it had the most comfortable feel to it. The location is perfect. Everything is within walking distance. It has a quaint feel and has the right amount of privacy. It has everything in it to make you feel right at home and can definitely be labeled as a home away from home. I will definitely go back to stay here as well as refering this place to all my friends and family.

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