Vacation Rentals by Owner

Perfect Accomodations for a Large Group

Guest: Debbie (NYC)
Date of Stay: 05/16/12 Review Submitted: 05/22/12

A group of 15 of us stayed here last week for a wedding that was taking place a few houses down on Rainbow River. The experience was excellent. The house was incedibly spacious and well kept, and we had access to boats, kayaks, a fire pit, enormous outdoor grill and two porches. We could not have asked for a better accomodations on Rainbow River.

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

Family Reunion

Guest: Sue (Pinellas Park Fl)
Date of Stay: 04/06/12 Review Submitted: 04/19/12

I absolutely love this place but was very disapointed when we were told when we arrived that neighbors did not want us to make any noise. Could not yell out when someone swung from the rope into the water. Was originally told it was ok to stay up all night if we wanted by the fire. We didn't ask to do this but was told people do it and we could if we wanted. Later he came over at mid night and said he was going to evict us if we didn't go inside....only 5 people sitting by the fire just talking at that time. Ray if you don't want any noise then don't rent to 20 - 50 people that you advertise for. Made it very hard on me to try and keep 20 people quiet on a holiday, on the river for a weekend when we went ther for a good time. I think a list of dos and don'ts could be given to the people before they pay you and arrive. Last year was great but this year not so much I'm sorry to say. Thought alot about sending this review but I think people should know only quiet people should go there or take down the rope and and get rid of the fire pit so people will go inside at dark.

Owner response:Dear Sue, Do you love us because we provide you and your guest with the largest and cleanest most unique Vacation Home on the entire Rainbow River? Do we provide you with free pontoon boats, kayaks, and tubes? Don't we have the clearest, cleanest flowing river in all of Florida? Have you ever found a bug in our Vacation Home? Have we ever failed you in any way? You have agreed to our rules both verbally and electronically, we have very specific rules and you were warned several times in person to stop with the excessive noise and the drinking for some of you got way out of control. That is not want we want for our vacation home or our good neighbors, you put our family and our property at serious risk and that is totally unacceptable. You broke our ( very clear ) rules within the rental agreement that did warrant eviction but I did not want to inconvenience others in your group who were acting responsibly. I am sorry that you were disappointed this time but nothing change from the last time you were here except the amount of alcohol that was consumed. Many of our guest have been coming here for a very long time because they have fun and they can count on us to be good innkeepers and they too love our big home. We have also made some good friends along the way. Hope you see our position Sue and we would love to have you and your group back again in the future. All is forgiven have a great year. Ray

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Never Had to Leave

Guest: Tina (Alabama)
Date of Stay: 12/28/11 Review Submitted: 01/01/12

We chose this location because it was central to the Ocala, Tampa, Orlando area, and we thought it would be a nice "base "camp". Funny thing was that we never had to leave the property to have the perfect Florida vacation. The kids were offered Disney, but even the 7 year old just wanted to swing from the tree...and this was in December! Everything was there for them to have a great time and we really did! Campfires every night, boating every day, getting to know the neighbors, and taking outdoor showers in the upstairs master room were some of the memories we will hold forever! Thanks so much!

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

Great PLACE GO HERE you will LOVE IT!!

Guest: Ethos (Beaufort SC)
Date of Stay: 10/20/11 Review Submitted: 12/15/11

Ray and his family have a great place on the river. We do retreats twice a year for students and this is one place we hope to return to. I would recommend them to anyone and will be back. We took a little over 50 people most of whom were under the age of 18 and we had a blast! If you have any questions feel free to contact me at Tidal Creek Fellowship in Beaufort SC, my name is Shane Olsen and I am the Youth Pastor there. The home can be divided to separate the guys from the girls and is a great spot for a retreat. We loved it and slept a stack of kids on the floor but the location is worth it. Our size group may be near the max number of people due to bathroom restraints. Go here you will love it.

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

Mom's 90th Birthday Weekend With the Whole Family

Guest: Deborah C.
Date of Stay: 09/23/11 Review Submitted: 09/26/11

Mom's turning 90 and has always been an outdorsey kinda gal so we were looking for something to give her a little adventure as well as goodtime for her and everyone else (all different ages). We did have a wonderful time. My mother was thrilled that we all stayed together in one place. The house was wonderful and we hope to be able to come back sometime. It was a time we all will remember and share for the rest of our lives and that was exactly what we were looking for. She jumped off of the dock with everyone several times and tried her hand at the kayak (and did quite well I might add). Mom asked when we left "can we come back on my 100th b-day?" Of course we said "yes" so Ray, keep us a weekend date free in Sept 2021. It dosen't get any better than that. PRICELESS!!!! Thank you Ray and your family for making this wonderful big house available for this great memory maker.

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

Mom's 90th Birthday Weekend With Whole Family

Guest: Deborah C.
Date of Stay: 09/23/11 Review Submitted: 09/26/11

Mom's turning 90 and has always been an outdorsey kinda gal so we were looking for something to give her a little adventure as well as goodtime for her and everyone else (all different ages). We did have a wonderful time. My mother was thrilled that we all stayed together in one place. The house was wonderful and we hope to be able to come back sometime. It was a time we all will remember and share for the rest of our lives and that was exactly what we were looking for. She jumped off of the dock with everyone several times and tried her hand at the kayak (and did quite well I might add). Mom asked when we left "can we come back on my 100th b-day?" Of course we said "yes" so Ray, keep us a weekend date free in Sept 2021. It dosen't get any better than that. PRICELESS!!!! Thank you Ray and your family for making this wonderful big house available for this great memory maker.

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

We had a wonderful time at the Shelton's river home!!!

Guest: Kelly (Jacksonville, FL)
Date of Stay: 08/26/11 Review Submitted: 08/31/11

You will not find a better vacation home on the river!! Rustic, yet beautiful, this house has it all! Very unique split level home...everyone got lost in it the first day. Beautiful updated kitchen with lots of room to cook in. Not to mention the gigantic fridge that held so much food! We loved the living room with beautiful leather couches and multiple recliners. The big screen and surround sound made it great for late nite movies. The big round dinner table was our favorite, with the lazy susan in the middle that spun around. Made it great for serving yourself and no one had to get up. More beautiful red couches in that room also. We enjoyed the master suite on the third floor, though it is unfinished, it is going to be super cool. Wonderful king size pillow top bed! Always a plus for me! The crystal clear river is amazing and very refreshing. You must take the plunge off the rope swing. But fair warning, try working out your upper body before you come. Us middle aged folks swung all day Saturday but unfortunately couldnt move to well on Sunday! haha!! The kids enjoyed the swing the most! The pontoon boat was a super plus, but only for the experienced driver. Lots of tubers to maneuver around, and plenty of rocks to watch out for! and the water patrol!!! They dont play, so follow the rules! Cant wait for the next time...BIG thanks to the Shelton family!!!! See you soon.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children.

AMAZING PLACE

Guest: amazed (Sarasota, FL/ USA)
Date of Stay: 08/19/11 Review Submitted: 11/07/11

A group of friends and I stayed here this past summer. I was blown away at the beautiful home, surroundings, the river and the hosipatility of the owners that was above and beyond what one would expect!!! We forgot to bring our waffle maker and asked the owner Ray if they had one, he said he would check up at their home. He ended up going to Walmart and brought back two differnt ones for us!!! We will definitely be staying here again!

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

THIS IS THE PLACE!!!!

Guest: Jason (Bradenton, FL)
Date of Stay: 08/19/11 Review Submitted: 10/30/11

I have grown up on the Rainbow and been by Ray's place for years. I finally got the opportunity to stay there so I brought a group of friends to show them how and where I grew up. We had an absolute blast!! Ray and his staff are truly amazing, they really understand hospitality at its best. They are always there to lend a helping hand and will go out of their way to ensure you have the most relaxing, enjoyable stay. We will be coming back on an annual basis. If you love the simplicity of life, the beauty of nature, and and doing it all while having fun with those you are closest to, THIS IS THE PLACE!!

Owner response:Just a short note to say thanks for such a great review, your group was a pleasure to work with. It is these kind of reviews that make us try even harder. To all our guest who have over looked the costant remodeling, thanks for your great reviews in spite of all the work being done. More trees have been taken down and we will be milling the lumber to finish the third story master bedroom and the new bedrooms. Hot water heaters and have been installed and we are creating an outside oven station for additional cooking that will keep the main home a lot cooler. New advanced Toilets are being installed soon, Yeaaaa Ray and Victoria

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It's all about the River and the natural beauty

Guest: Andie (Weston, FL)
Date of Stay: 08/15/11 Review Submitted: 08/19/11

Once you get over the initial surprise of the uniqueness of the house you get on to enjoy time together with the family. We were disappointed to learn that when 2 persons in our party were unable to make it, the additional $100.00 / night could not be returned. I would recommend for anyone travelling with a party larger than 10 to book for 10 and then pay for anyone extra. The third floor room is still a work in progress. There are clip-on lights, unfinished areas and wires sticking out of the wall. The main living area is good for family gatherings and the kitchen is large and comfortable. The round dining table with the lazy Susan was able to comfortably accomodate our party of 10. The River was beautiful and the rope swing was a highlight. Don't forget to bring your firewood; I was under the impression from the website that there was always a bonfire going. There is no need to keep one going during this time of the year. We enjoyed making S'mores one evening and set it up when we were ready. At the end, it's all about the natural beauty and the multiple activities that can be enjoyed in/on the River and not so much the accomodations.

Owner response: We provide very large logs for a fire but it is impossible to keep our bonfires going during so many storms and after the storms everything stays wet for some time. Re: Your concern about clip on lighting and wires in the unfinished construction area. Emergency ( "Clip on" ) lighting and wires are always present during construction, the lights are for your families safety especially at night. Re: Your request for a refund: As you know we do not refund any money for no shows. It is stated everywhere and we are sorry that some of you guest couldn't make it. We gave you a great discount, we even gave you an extra day for checkout? We all work very hard and we do everything possible to make all of our guest and their family happy during their stay. We are however very disappointed and appalled by the way our home was treated. To all our new guest please read our other great reviews they speak for themselves. Thank you, The Shelton's

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.

The Most Fun and Relaxing Family Vacation Ever

Guest: Molly M. (Lakeland, Florida)
Date of Stay: 08/01/11 Review Submitted: 10/02/11

Our extended family of eleven stayed on this beautiful river for a few days at the end of the summer. We have taken family vacations in Europe, Central America, and many places in the US and this was the most fun and relaxing vacation we have ever experienced. The crystal-clear river was breathtaking. Having full use of the pontoon boat, kayaks, tubes, and ganoe saved us from having to rent these items. The owners were nearby and very helpful. We look forward to renting this beautiful property in the future!

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The Perfect Vacation

Guest: Danyelle (Muncie, IN)
Date of Stay: 07/21/11 Review Submitted: 08/08/11

My family of 4 rented this HUGE house from the Shelton's last month. We had such an amazing time. Ray and his family are absolutely wonderful. They go above and beyond to make their guest feel like they are old friends/family. We can't wait to visit again and we WILL return. The house, the river and everything they say in their description is exactly what you get. I will recommend this to anyone who will listen.

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

Can't wait to come back...

Guest: Ginger (Birmingham, AL)
Date of Stay: 07/01/11 Review Submitted: 07/07/11

This was definitely one of our favorite vacations ever!!! The house was wonderful…well equipped with all the essentials. If you think you need it…it’s already there. We especially liked the 3rd floor room with it’s own private deck and outdoor shower. The kitchen is really great with an awesome view of the river! Winn Dixie and Wal-Mart are within 2 miles of the house so grocery shopping was a breeze. Other than a quick trip to the store, we never left the property. The river is so clear and beautiful. The current was a little stronger than we had expected, but we still loved every second in the crystal clear water. The kids were swimming, fishing, kayaking, snorkeling, fossil hunting, or rope swinging the entire time. They only stopped to eat and sleep when we forced them. They camped out one night by the river and cooked hotdogs and marshmallows on the camp fire. They caught several nice sized Bass and found some impressive fossil treasures. The house being located within a few feet of the river was ideal for relaxing on the comfortable covered deck while taking in the beauty of the river and watching the kids play. Having the pontoon boat was a huge benefit. We took several trips up river to snorkel and explore different areas. We encountered a few other boaters who had rented pontoons for around $300/day and they couldn’t believe we were provided one for free with our rental…what a great bargain! Ray and his family were outstanding and very accommodating. We had the pleasure to interact with several of Ray’s children who were all exceptional young people. We are already looking at our calendar to find a time to return and bring some of the extended family for even more fun. Thanks for many, many, many wonderful memories!!! Ginger, John, Connor, and Barrett

Owner response: Dear Ginger, You and your family were a pleasure to have staying at our place. I loved seeing your son after he found the dino bones, he was so excited. Thank you for leaving our place in such a clean condition and thank you for such a great review, it will help so many other families in making such an important decision as to which place to stay with their loved ones. Hope to see all of you again real soon Ray Shelton

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

Family of 30 for 4 glorious days

Guest: Sue (Pinellas Park Fl)
Date of Stay: 03/31/11 Review Submitted: 04/04/11

Was it what I expected? No, it was so much better than I ever expected. With 30 people we had so much room, never on top of each other. Five bedrooms, four with baths. One large enough for all to share during the day. We got lost in the house for the first couple times walking through. Rustic yet beautiful, very comfortible furniture in all the three sitting areas. Four large empty rooms we used for the air mattresses. I had thought we would be sharing the bedrooms with the air mattress people but no, plenty of room for most to have a private space. Fantastic kitchen with room for four cooks at the same time. The outside shaded deck with it's very comfortable chairs, not patio furn but real couch and chairs. A third floor bedroom with a seperate sitting room with its own outdoor shower and seperate deck overlooking the river. The River is only 30 feet from the house and what a view morning noon and night. The little guys from 2 -5 years old absolutely loved the screened in trampolene and the indoor sand box. We just got home yesterday and absolutely will be going back. I can't say enough wonderful things about the place. Everyone with us felt the same... Ray, thank you and your son Raymond for all the you did. I haven't met too many 16 year olds ready to do anything we needed wether it was take away the trash or give us a guided tour down the river on the tubes. He even showed us how to do a back flip off the rope into the river. Thank you, Thank you! Sue

Owner response:Hey Sue, That was a beautiful review that you gave us, it was a little scary at first to host so many people for the first time. We normaly have around 15 guest, but you and your family made it so easy for us. We couldn't believe how clean you left our home. Your family loves to get together, we could see that everyone was having fun and you all enjoyed the all night bond fires. I think your going to like the improvements that we are doing, I wonder who will get the third floor Safari Game Room? Should be finished for your next visit. Hope to see all of you real soon. Ray, Dorothy and Raymond

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

We love this property!

Guest: Dawn & Andrew (Cincinnati, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 03/25/11 Review Submitted: 04/05/11

We have stayed at the Sheltons at least once a year for the past three years. We love the property, the river and the warm, inviting hosts. The rooms are always clean, comfortable and well-stocked. During this last trip we brought friends with us and all 9 of us were very comfortable at the smaller house. Everyone had a great time as always! Tubing on the river and bonfires at night were just some of the highlights for the adults, but the kids loved every single minute! Whether they were tubing, swimming, boating, diving, jumping on the trampoline, or roasting marshmallows, it is a child's paradise! We will be back SOON! Thanks again for everything!

Owner response:We always enjoy it when your family comes down to stay with us. We feel very honored that you include us in your visits to Florida, that is some kind of drive you make two or three times a year. You treat our vacation home very well and we really thank you for that. We also enjoy interacting with your family for cookouts and morning coffee on the upper decks, nothing pleases us more then people having fun and enjoying life. BTW we have opened up the larger home right on the river and you are going to love it. Our last vacationers had about thirty guest and it looks like it was a lot of fun for all of them. Thanks again Ray and Dorothy

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

Guest: Katkleen Montemayor
Date of Stay: 09/24/10 Review Submitted: 09/30/10

------Original Message------ From: Kathleen Montemayor Sender: Kathleen Montemayor To: Ray Shelton Subject: contact information Sent: Sep 27, 2010 8:59 PM Dear Ray, Thank you for a great weekend! We have celebrated birthdays 3 times in the past few weeks at several places in Florida, but our weekend in your place was the best. I have friends and employees who are interested in such outings, so I shall recommend Rainbow River and your place. I told you that I would send contact information, so here it is:

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Guest: Kelly
Date of Stay: 08/07/10 Review Submitted: 08/16/10

Hi Ray, We had a wonderful time at your river house. It was such a wonderful experience for our family before we all retreat into our busy lives of work and school. Thank you for making this possible for us. I will certainly tell my teacher friends of the wonderful opportunity that awaits them at Rainbow River and the amazing time that your house has to offer. We don't often get a chance to get away, but if the opportunity arises in the future, we will definitely keep your house in mind. Thanks again for your gracious hospitality! Kelly

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Guest: Robin and Ron
Date of Stay: 07/28/10 Review Submitted: 08/18/10

Guest: Ron and Robin Date of Stay: July 27, 2010 Review Submitted: August 16, 2010 Thank you so much to the Sheltons. We rented a house on rainbow river for us and our five children only to arrive to a rundown and unkept house that was falling apart and had not been cleaned. We only take one vacation a year and were so upset about the shape of the rental home that we ended up packing up and had to find a hotel for the night. I emailed Mr. Shelton through VRBO and he responded in seconds that he had a house for us for the remainder of our vacation. The house was cozy and had room for all seven of us and the kids loved the river. We had a large pontoon and three kayak's available to us at all times. The Sheltons made us feel at home and really truly saved our vacation. With five kids in tow, we had no idea where we were going to go but we knew we could not stay any longer in the previous place we had rented. Our kids are still asking to go back and ended up having a great vacation. The river is beautiful and the water is crystal clear. We boated during the day and relaxed on the dock at night and watched the otters play. Our kids fish and swam the whole week and never once asked for the television. Now that is impressive. Again, thanks to the Sheltons for saving our vacation. Ron and Robin Recommended for: Families with teenagers, Families with young children, Romantic getaway

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You saved our vacation

Guest: ron and robin (Eustis, FL )
Date of Stay: 07/27/10 Review Submitted: 08/16/10

Thank you so much to the Sheltons. We rented a house on rainbow river for us and our five children only to arrive to a rundown and unkept house that was falling apart and had not been cleaned. We only take one vacation a year and were so upset about the shape of the rental home that we ended up packing up and had to find a hotel for the night. I emailed Mr. Shelton through VRBO and he responded in seconds that he had a house for us for the remainder of our vacation. The house was cozy and had room for all seven of us and the kids loved the river. We had a large pontoon and three kayak's available to us at all times. The Sheltons made us feel at home and really truly saved our vacation. With five kids in tow, we had no idea where we were going to go but we knew we could not stay any longer in the previous place we had rented. Our kids are still asking to go back and ended up having a great vacation. The river is beautiful and the water is crystal clear. We boated during the day and relaxed on the dock at night and watched the otters play. Our kids fish and swam the whole week and never once asked for the television. Now that is impressive. Again, thanks to the Sheltons for saving our vacation. Ron and Robin

Owner response:Hey Robin, Just glad that we could help you and your family, we enjoyed having all of you . Hope to see you again soon. BTW thank for for sending you friends and family to us they were all very nice people. Hope to see ya'll soon. We have opened the big home on the river hurry back and don't forget the kids. Ray

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

Get there now! Wish we were there! Great family location.

Guest: Tammy (Forsyth, GA)
Date of Stay: 07/17/10 Review Submitted: 06/15/11

We loved it here! Ray and his family treated us to a great time. We needed good quality family time and that's exactly what we got on this layed back relaxing river. Its scary choosing a place to stay via the internet however I was throrughly impressed with the results. We wish we could be there now!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children.