Vacation Rentals by Owner

september 9-11, 2011

Guest: kathy (adel, ia)
Date of Stay: 09/09/11 Review Submitted: 09/13/11

We had not had a family vacation since my son was probably 13 or so. I decided it was time. He, now almost 21 and our daughter 24 with a 2 year old and soon to be husband. My son and his girlfriend arrived first, we got there later. I was so surprised. I had packed about everything you can think of that we might need. The only thing you really need to pack-towels as noted. And of course food and beverages. The cottage was clean, roomy, and had everything we needed. If there was a negative it would be that there wasnt' any cable. But I for one thought that was one of the best parts. We enjoyed walking to the "pond" as the grandson would say. We found a dining place Friday evening. Everyone was so nice when we passed them on the sidewalk. It was a beautiful weekend to be on the lake. We were able to have a later check out since the cottage wasnt' rented on Sunday which allowed us to stay on the water longer. Parking with 2 trucks and boats was a challange, but we made due. Also, alot of the downtown area was closed on sunday. The beds were very comfortable for the adults, though our grandson didn't like his "new" bed and didn't sleep well. Mainly because it was all new to him. (his 1st vacation) But overall, we were pleased and would go back again!!

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

Wonderful accommodations!

Guest: breezypipes (Denver, CO)
Date of Stay: 08/25/11 Review Submitted: 09/07/11

I recently got married at the Surf Ballroom and my bridal party stayed at the Surf-N-Sleep. It was the perfect size for six girls, trying to get ready for a wedding. We had initially thought that having only one bathroom would be an issue, but there was plenty of room throughout the house to complete our getting ready routines. I had no issues with reservations and email communication was excellent. I would highly recommend this cottage!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing.

Great Family Getaway!

Guest: Holly (Des Moines)
Date of Stay: 08/04/11 Review Submitted: 08/23/11

My husband and I and our three boys stayed here for a long weekend getaway. This was our first time at renting a home for vacation - we loved it! More room than a hotel and very cozy and comfortable. Well maintained and clean. The three season porch was great for our kids. They played out there a lot and we would close the french doors so my husand and I could actually talk! We will definitely be renting this cottage again from Bill & Tanya. Thanks for a great and much needed family weekend!

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

GREAT VACATION~

Guest: Deb (Reinbeck, Iowa)
Date of Stay: 06/22/11 Review Submitted: 07/08/11

My husband and I enjoyed our week at this cottage. It was our second stay here. We had visits from our children and their families throughout the week. We just love this very nice cottage. Our family spent time boating, golfing, walking downtown to take in the activities and just hanging out and relaxing. We enjoyed the patio and sun room. It is a perfect place for our family. We ate most of our meals at the cottage. The owners communicated with us very well prior to stay. They make you feel like they are an old friend. We are trying to decide when we might be able to stay again.

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

Home away from home

Guest: JJ (Guernsey, Iowa)
Date of Stay: 06/05/11 Review Submitted: 06/12/11

My family of 5 stayed at this lovely cottage from Sunday to Sunday, The cottage was very cozy with plenty of sleeping room for all. It was very clean. We could see part of the lake from the front porch of the cottage. We borrowed the bikes & rode down town. It's also a very easy walk to downtown. We took a ride on the "Lady of the Lake"-a 90 minute ride. It was relaxing just playing cards & reading @ the cottage. We went to see the "Grotto of Redemption" in West Bend, toured the Winnebago factory in Forest City, We went into Mason City to see the boyhood home of Meredeth Willson "The Music Man" & the museum there. We drove to Austin, MN to tour the "SPAM" museum-about an hour away. I would strongly advise family & friends to stay at this cottage. It was really nice not running out of hot water too! Our first night in town we ate at Azzolina's Hole in The Wall. YUM! The crust was cracker thin & the sauce was really nice. We didn't think we would be able to finish the pizza but we just couldn't stop eating it! Just got home & we're ready to go back again.

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

Great Place!

Guest: Katrina (Santa Monica, CA)
Date of Stay: 05/28/11 Review Submitted: 06/08/11

The cottage was immaculate, even after a guest had stayed for two months up until the day we arrived. Great location. Nice neighbors. Great for a girl's weekend or family vacay, just be aware that all of the beds are upstairs and share a wall, so maybe not the best place for a group of couples to stay. The owners offered excellent communication, prior to our arrival as well as a follow-up after our departure. Thanks so much for everything, Tanya!!

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Lovely cottage getaway

Guest: Sharon and John (Lincoln, Nebraska)
Date of Stay: 03/25/11 Review Submitted: 03/29/11

The Surf-n-Sleep was all we'd hoped for and more. The cottage was nice and clean and well kept with all of the amenities one might need. Nicely located close to the downtown, park and Surf Ballroom with all the comforts of home.

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

Quaint, clean, nicely decorated...can't go wrong.

Guest: medset (Des Moines, IA)
Date of Stay: 03/13/11 Review Submitted: 04/13/11

I stayed here while doing work in Mason City for the week. It was perfect. The owner was very good with email correspondence and made arrangements for me to get in to the cottage despite my late night/early AM arrival. Wifi and TV inside are relatively new perks. Cottage is well-decorated (not cluttered), very clean, and comfortable. I recommend it without reservation.

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

Very enjoyable weekend getaway!

Guest: Ellen (Andover, MN)
Date of Stay: 10/29/10 Review Submitted: 11/01/10

I met an old college friend at the Surf-N-Sleep cottage for a weekend of catching up. What a wonderfully relaxing location and cottage. We were so comfortable and enjoyed the many amenities in both the town and in the Surf-N-Sleep Cottage! Everything is in easy walking distance and we cooked and relaxed and reminisced and before we knew it the weekend was over. We are already planning our next outing there for this coming summer and inviting 2 more friends. I know we'll have to book early to ensure that we can rent this gem again! Thanks for everything!

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

Beautiful Fall Weekend

Guest: Deb (Reinbeck, Iowa)
Date of Stay: 10/01/10 Review Submitted: 10/10/10

My husband and I spent a beautiful fall weekend in Clear Lake. Our stay at this "Surf 'n Sleep" cottage was great. It was very comfortable....very well decorated....very roomy....very clean.....just perfect. We felt right at home. It is close to the lake and within walking distance to many things to do and places to eat. The owners were very easy to reach and communicate with when making our reservations. Our damage deposit was back in our hands within three days after our stay. We are looking forward to renting again next summer. Great experience!

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

Nice house

Guest: Jean (Hamlet,In.)
Date of Stay: 09/24/10 Review Submitted: 09/29/10

The house was very clean and the bed was so comfortable. Loved the sun porch with the table. Next year we will plan our trip in the summer. I will recommend this property to my friends.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+.

get away

Guest: pamsola (paynesville,mn.)
Date of Stay: 09/10/10 Review Submitted: 09/16/10

We really enjoyed our stay. Thank you for every thing The bikes we used often how fun it was. Your place is much nicer then it looks on your site.I would stay again for sure if i get down that way again alot cozyer then a motel by far. THANK YOU MUCH !!!! Dale and Pam

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing.

Family Reunion

Guest: Texas Iowans (Dallas, TX)
Date of Stay: 09/03/10 Review Submitted: 09/09/10

This was the perfect setup for overflow for our family reunion. We were all within a 2 block distance of our Clear Lake family. The accomadations were clean, modern and cozy enough without feeling crowded. This cottage is completely outfitted for all of your needs. The neighborhood is quiet yet within a very short distance to all the activity. This is the second time, family members have used this cottage.

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

Perfect weekend at the Surf-N-Sleep!

Guest: Michelle (Elko, MN)
Date of Stay: 08/20/10 Review Submitted: 08/25/10

The Surf-N-Sleep worked out perfect for our "girls weekend" away. Plenty of room for all of us. We loved the back patio. It was nice private and quiet. We did all of our grocery shopping nearby at the Econo Foods right in town. Hopefully will be able to go back again next year! Thank you!!!!

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

Surf-N-Sleep will be on my list year after year

Guest: Lori (Davenport, IA)
Date of Stay: 07/16/10 Review Submitted: 07/28/10

This home was perfect for a week's vacation. It had all the indemities of home. It is located in a small, quiet neighborhood just far enough away from the hustle & bustle of downtown but yet within walking distance to the activities. I enjoyed every moment spent at the home and in Clear Lake. It definitely will be on my list to come back. Thank you so much for allowing others to experience your home which was beautifully decorated. Clear Lake has plenty to offer any type of family, young or old. I enjoyed walking through town and looking at all the homes, so many different styles to view. Anyone who visits definitely should take the Lady of the Lake boat cruise. Captain Roger is very informative on the surroundings.

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

Surf 'N Sleep in Clear Lake, IA

Guest: Peggy & family (Davenport, IA)
Date of Stay: 07/16/10 Review Submitted: 07/27/10

We just returned from the most relaxing enjoyable week ever at the Surf 'N Sleep Cottage in Clear Lake, Ia. It was everything the listing said it would be and more. It was very beautifully decorated and had everything you could possible need for a relaxing comfortable week. The location was great for walking to the lake and/or the heart of town. We enjoyed many evening walks and also quite time at the cottage. The famous Surf Ballroom was just blocks away. What a friendly town. We are already planning for a return trip next year. Just have to pick a date and hope we can again stay at the Surf 'N Sleep. Thank you for making our vacation one to remember......

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

Very nice

Guest: Family of Five (Iowa)
Date of Stay: 07/10/10 Review Submitted: 07/21/10

The cottage was great and was a perfect fit for our family of five. The cottage was very clean and appeared to have been newly remodeled, which was nice. It was an excellent value for the price we paid and we would definitely consider staying there again.

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

Guest: Snyder (Mechanicsburg PA)
Date of Stay: 08/24/09 Review Submitted: 08/24/09

Great rental. Perfect for our family to have some down time. Play games, work puzzles, walk around a charming town, read books, watch a movie. All in the comfort of a great cottage. Very clean and organized. Tastefully decorated. The owners and realtors are pleasant and cooperative.

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Guest: Amber Herzog (Andover, MN)
Date of Stay: 08/24/09 Review Submitted: 08/24/09

Girls weekend at the Surf-N-Sleep was perfect. The house was super clean and cute. It's even nicer than the pictures show. Lots of shops and restaurants close by. It was so nice to be able to walk everywhere. I will definitely go back to the Surf-N-Sleep!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/24/09 Review Submitted: 08/24/09

What a GREAT weekend we had! The cottage is beautiful and so cozy! It was very convinient as we were so close to everything. We were able to walk to the beach, go shopping, to the parks, and restaurants. It was a perfect central location. Us ladies had lots of laughs playing teather ball in the backyard and hanging out on the patio. We had a fabulous time and can't wait for the Surf-N-Sleep next year! Thanks!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/15/09 Review Submitted: 08/15/09

We had a wonderful stay at the Surf-N-Sleep. It was the first time renting from something like this and it was great. The house was well supplied and buying some groceries is cheaper than eating out every night.The inside of the house is even nicer than the pictures show. Thanks for renting the house. It was like being at home instead of stuck in a one room hotel. Hopefully we will be contacting you again next year.

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Guest: Mark & Tracy1 (Winterset, IA)
Date of Stay: 05/26/09 Review Submitted: 05/26/09

Thanks for sharing your beautiful cottage with us over the Memorial Day weekend. Everything was so clean and nice. We really enjoyed the backyard, the roominess of the first floor and how close it was to all of the Clear Lake sights. We definitely plan on visiting you again next year!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/21/09 Review Submitted: 04/21/09

Wonderful rental. We really enjoyed the open and attractive layout of the first floor and backyard. It was so relaxing and comfortable for our family.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/28/08 Review Submitted: 10/28/08

Thank you for offering such a cute and wonderful place to rent! Clear Lake is such a fun town for all and your home is just perfect to spend a long weekend or whole week! We have visited twice now and plan to keep coming back. Thanks again!

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Guest: Linda53 (Coon Rapids)
Date of Stay: 10/27/08 Review Submitted: 10/27/08

We loved this cottage - the word is "Quaint". The house is simply charming and we were surprised to find a sleep number bed as this is what we have at home also. The home was very clean and updated. A block away is the lake and the cottage is within a few blocks of the town. (Lots of quaint little shops in this town). We also drove into Mason City which was only minutes away - be sure to go to the Hobby Lobby store. Next time we want to bring our bikes and do some biking also. I recommend the little coffee shop located within walking distance also. We enjoyed your place very much. Thank you.

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Guest: jack dreznes (chicago,il)
Date of Stay: 10/27/08 Review Submitted: 10/27/08

Thank you again for making your wonderful cottage available to us last week. It was much more than we expected, and perfect in every way! I would be glad to offer a testimonial to all future renters- they will not be disappointed. You did a fantastic job remodeling and everything is 1st class. We are looking forward to next year already!

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