Vacation Rentals by Owner

High School Reunion Class of 1983 THS

Guest: Aunt Neasie (Savannah, GA)
Date of Stay: 09/16/11 Review Submitted: 09/20/11

Well as always the place was great. Everyone in my party was so excited about the house. All weekend we had several visitors from other rentals and they all said the same thing.(This place is great and can I get the number.) Can't understand the previous review. We checked in just after, and the house was clean and had no bad smell. It is a non smoking rental and I can promise you no one had smoked in it. I have stayed here before and will stay again. Paula is great and the house is perfect for people that want to have a great time, perfect location, and enjoy life. Thanks again Paula from Denise and several classes of Tompkins High School we will be back next year!!!!

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

The Wrong Cottage - bloody bedspread, etc.

Guest: Disappointed in Atlanta (Atlanta)
Date of Stay: 09/02/11 Review Submitted: 09/05/11

We reserved a different cottage from Paula (#320820), but she apparently made a mistake and put us in this one instead. We arrived at 7PM on the Friday before Labor Day, dropped off our bags and went to dinner with relatives who live in Savannah. We thought the place looked different from the ad on VRBO, but didn't think much about it until we returned at 10PM. The odor of - something - probably cigarettes but also smelled like mildew - was overwhelming. There were many dead bugs scattered around and floating in the hot tub, and - this was the corker - a quarter-sized bloodstain on the bedspread. We called and left a message on Paula's number and tried to find a hotel. This was at 10:30 PM. Being Labor Day weekend we could not locate a vacant room anywhere, or we would've left. Paule called me back . . . at 2:30 in the morning. Not kidding. She said something about not having my number or email and wanted to know what our plans were. I said - going back to this bloody bed for now . . . .she said she was sending a handyman by in the AM. She arrived herself at 7:30 AM and the first words out of her mouth were 'what in the world is going on?" Good question. She said the last guests were 7 guys holding a batchlor party (wonderful) and the place was cleaned afterward. I showed her the bloody bedspread, which she removed, told her of the bugs and odor - which she denied smelling - and she did offer to return our money. Problem is, we literally had no place else to stay as it was a holiday weekend, so we decided to tough it out. Here's the ironic part, she asked me more than once why we didn't rent her other, nicer, smaller cottage a few doors down since there were only three of us in our party, and this (nasty) place slept 10. I told her I didn't realize she had more than one cottage. Then I got suspicious - yup. Sure enough, when I checked my email exchange with her I had, in fact, rented the other unit. It said "new to the rental market" and was non-smoking. I wondered what happened to the big TV from the photos, and the king-sized bed. This place (the wrong cottage) had a bunch of broken TVs with only one working remote control between them, lamps without light bulbs, only three coffee mugs and drinking glasses - just ramshackle and poorly maintained overall. In our 10+ years of renting from VRBO this was by far the worst experience ever. Still can't believe the owner put us in the wrong cottage, then asked US why we rented it.

Owner response:I am writing to those who are looking at this home as a possible vacation rental. I was not able to tell when or from whom the initial message came. I listened to the message, there is a really bad smell, there were dead bugs everywhere and the sheets were covered in blood. The next morning I went to the house at 7:00 a.m. I met Kathy, who asked me if I smelled anything and I told her I did not. I asked about the bugs. I was taken downstairs, where we saw ONE dead cricket, which I threw out. I asked about the bloody sheets, at which time Kathy responded that perhaps she had over stated that part. She showed me what appeared to be an old, washed and dried blood stain on the underside of the comforter, at the foot. I apologized, took it with me to clean. I asked her why she rented the larger home and told her my cottage was obviously rented at the time she booked. I put these guest in this home because it was open and it is a nice place. It is a circa 1940 Tybee Beach Home, it is clean and well maintained. I did not count the cups/glasses or whatever and I never heard anything about them until she posted this review. As for the light bulb, we had one to replace and we located the remotes right away. At one point the little girl said, "My mommy said you were not going to give us our money back." Kathy immediately replied, "No, I did not say that." The child replied, "Yes you did." I think that says it all! I returned the cleaned comforter and I never heard a word from her again until Monday morning when she sent me an email telling me I had put her in the wrong house. The only difference in these two homes is that one is smaller. This is an ocean view home, just steps from the ocean, in the heart of the south end of the island. All I can say at this point is that you will have to come and see for yourself! I am sorry Kathy had a bad experience, that certainly was not my intention. Thanks, Paula

Recommended for:

Leaving for Valdosta State

Guest: Aunt Neasie (Savannah, GA)
Date of Stay: 08/04/11 Review Submitted: 08/09/11

My family went to tybee for four days before my niece left for college. We could not have found a better place for our family to stay. Lots of room and anything you could need was there just like being at home. Beds are comfortable and very clean. Best location on Tybee for all the local attractions. You can park and never use your car again. The house is very close to the beach but also on a very quite street. We are from Savannah and have stayed on Tybee before and this is hands down the best place ever. The fenced in yard is perfect for grilling out and has a big patio. It has two decks one with a ocean view and the other is private and has the HOT TUB. The parking is great we parked six cars and three where SUVS. The owner was very helpful answering a few questions I had before booking. Thanks Paula we had a blast and we will be back for all future stays at Tybee.

Owner response: As always I appreciate the nice things my guest have to say about our home(s) and the beautful Tybee Island. These guest were absolute dolls! This is a wonderful home. It was built in 1949 and remains as one of the original "Tybee Beach Cottages" It's charm is wonderful and the location is one of the best. I am so happy twhen my guest enjoy their visit, and it really helps when guest post comments. It is very rewarding when you can tell prospective guest to "please, read the reviews before you decide on a home" I enjoy being a part of my guest vacation and I truly want each of them to come time and time again. I don't just want my guest to like the house, but I want them to fall in love with Tybee and spend all their vacations on Tybee, with me of course! Thank you Denise for being a super guest. See ya next time!

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

Can't wait to go back

Guest: Stacey (Forsyth, Ga)
Date of Stay: 06/26/11 Review Submitted: 07/01/11

Came down with our three boys age 22,17 & 16, mom & dad in law for the first time at Tybee and feel in love. We had a wonderful time, the house was roomy enough for everyone to have their own space and yet come together for a big breakfast or dinner. Had a few glitches and Paula was quick to response and very helpful. We arrived a little early and the housekeeper allowed us in to put some things up. It was clean bright and cheerful just like you would except a beachy house to be. It is a few mins walk to everything and you never really have to drive anywhere. We enjoyed the hot tub at night after a long day on the beach. The area is surprisingly quite considering it was so close to everything. The only thing I would suggest if you are not a heavy sleeper stay downstairs. My husband and I slept upstairs and my father in law is early to bed and early to rise and we were awoken every morning because you hear everything due to the open windows into the hall. There isn't much to do and I think the boys were a little bored but the older kids loved the relaxation and just takin it easy. I couldn't recommend any restaurants other than Fannie's (we didn't eat out much) but it was amazing. We took a day trip to Savannah and visited Bonadventure Cemetery which I highly recommend. Thanks Paula for everything and look forward to next year!

Owner response: Thank you to this guest for the kind words and teh encourgement. Yes, the seaon is upon us and as always when the guest are checking in and out faster than you can get things repaired and replaced, there is always fear that someone's vacation will not be as pleasant as you had hoped! We try our best to offer our guest a wonderful vacation experience, which takes not only our quick response, but the patience of our guest. for which we are so grateful. It is our policy to take care of every request as soon as possible! Again I appreciate the kind words of this traveler and I hope to see them again soon. I am so glad they had a wonderful time and I am looking forward to their return as much as they are. Tybee is a wonderful place to spend your much needed vacation and I invite you to come and enjoy all that the island has to offer. My husband and I appreciate our guest and are happy to accomodate each of them. Thank you Stacey!

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

Great Place for Bachelor party trip!

Guest: Stpattysdaypartier (Southfield, MI)
Date of Stay: 03/15/11 Review Submitted: 03/23/11

I hosted a short vacation for my brother and 4 four of his friends. Location was perfect. We walked to the beach and to the local shops and pubs. We mainly went in for the St. Patty's day parade in Savannah (2nd only to Chicago and/or Boston depends who you ask). The weather was perfect. Photos of property are spot on! Had great time. Paula and her assitant were helpful and prompt in responding to my questions. Thanks.

Owner response:It is always nice when our guest take the time to leave us a nice comment. We strive hard to do a good job. Our goal is to have repeat guest and for everyone to come and enjoy the beauty , fun and excitment that Tybee has to offer without any hassles or problems.

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

Best time ever!

Guest: "Joy" (Clemson, SC)
Date of Stay: 11/21/10 Review Submitted: 12/04/10

Our family (myself and my husband, our daughter and her 3 children, our other daughter, her husband and 1 child) spent the whole week of Thanksgiving in Paula's house and found it to be the perfect place. The layout allowed any one of us to "get away" from the others and do our own thing, if we felt the need. We needed a new blender in the middle of making Margarita's and Paula (within a few minutes) arranged for us to have one. And the location?--HEAVEN ON EARTH!

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

Excellent beach retreat

Guest: Lea anne (Birmingham )
Date of Stay: 08/20/10 Review Submitted: 08/25/10

Paula is amazing. The house is everything you could ask for and more. Plenty of sleeping space, tons of room, comfortable spaces, great backyard and two porches-one with an ocean view and rocking chairs. Great for families or larger groups. Walking distance to resturants and bars once you get there you never have to drive. Beach is just steps away, closer than the pictures seem. It was just perfect we can't wait to go back next year!

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

The Good, the bad and the Ugly

Guest: cjp (St. Louis, MO)
Date of Stay: 08/08/10 Review Submitted: 08/24/10

The Good - location - super close to the beach, just a condo building in between. Perfect for frequent trips in between beach and house. Walkable to bars, food, stores, even the grocery store. Outside shower came in handy. 4 bedrooms. Has bbq grill. Has ample parking. Has washer and dryer - in the garage. The Bad - Only 2 of the bedrooms closed off from the noise of the rest of the house. One upstairs bedroom was next to the family room and had 2 large open windows into rest of house. One downstairs bedroom had no glass panes in the window part of door. Very few towels. Kitchen supplies disorganized and missing essentials. Owner was not particularly helpful. Had told us that check-out was 10 and check-in is 3, but that we could bring by perishable food items to put in the fridge before check-in. We got there around 11:30 and the previous people were still there, place was a mess, and we didn't feel like we could put any of our stuff in while they were there. Owner didn't respond until 2 hours after we called her, so we had to throw away our cold groceries. Then we stayed there and saw that no cleaning service came. Owner said that the lady staying there was cleaning it. The Ugly - There was little evidence of this place having been cleaned. Piles of nasty stuff on floor by trash can. Mold on grout in shower and hair ball at drain. One downstairs comforters had a horrible yucky stain. Sheets on beds seemed gritty. Extra sheets, pillows, blankets etc, were just thrown in piles in the closets. We found a cigarette in the bedding of the kids room. Lots of things were broken - blinds, ladder of bunk bed, window unit in one bedroom barely worked. The mattresses in bunk-bed room are not sleepable for adults and the top bunks are definately not stable enough for anyone to sleep on. Conclusion - this place is ok only b/c of the location and price, but you should definately bring all your own linens, pillows, cleaning supplies. Tybee is wonderful and the beach (minus the jellyfish) is great for kids and families.

Owner response:I am very sorry this guest was not happy, however her unhappiness started when I told her that I could not let her sister stay the night prior to the check in date for free. We have not changed our standards and this home is and will always be a wonderful vacation destination. I am not required to allow anyone to place anything in the home prior to check in. I explained that she could if the home was empty when she arrived. The quest called me about not being able to get in early, which was 2 hours earlier than I was expecting to hear from her, so I may not have called her back right away. Following this, I never hear from her the remainder of her vacation. She failed to mention that I offered to let her store her items in my personal home, just two doors down. I have checked the bedding and the only thing I find is the broken ladder to the bunk bed and it was fine just prior to this guest check in. I guess my husband was right, no good deed goes unpunished. Please check this home out for yourself or read the other guest comments. Thanks. Paula

Recommended for:

Great place to stay!

Guest: Completely Happy! (Chapin, SC)
Date of Stay: 06/06/10 Review Submitted: 06/11/10

We came to Tybee Island with another family (8 of us total). The house is set up perfectly for 2 families. It was very clean and had lots of room for everybody to spread out. The beds were very comfortable and the area is very quiet at night, so easy to get good rest. Everything is within walking distance, and the beach is very close, even closer than it appears on the pictures. We had a great time and look forward to coming back again!

Owner response:Thank you so much for the kind words. We absolutely love Tybee and are so happy to be able to share this wonderful home with our guest. We strive to make it comfortable, reasonable and extremely clean. We are so glad you had a good time!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners.

Perfect

Guest: AshleyNicole (Vidalia, GA)
Date of Stay: 06/03/10 Review Submitted: 06/15/10

We had a girls trip to the beach for my Bachelorette party at this beautiful house and it was perfect! Paula is great and the house has everything you could need! It's huge and has lots of sleeping space! Everyone had a wonderful time and we would love to come back! The beach is steps away and so are many restaurants and bars...the location could not be better! :) Nice hottub on the porch and huge kitchen. Very clean and perfect for a family vacation or a group trip! :) Would definately recommend to anyone and everyone! Thank you Paula!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway.

What a perfect beach house!

Guest: TiffanyinSavannah (Savannah, GA)
Date of Stay: 04/23/10 Review Submitted: 04/27/10

I currently live in Savannah and hosted a girls' getaway weekend at Tybee - this place was perfect... Lots of room and very clean--and very representative of Tybee Island itself. The two floors are split nicely to accommodate two groups/families as well. It is very close to the beach (even closer than you would think from the photos) - maybe a 2 min walk max. It's also walkable to many restaurants and bars near Butler (as well as the pier). I would definitely recommend this house to anyone who asked me about staying on Tybee.

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Susan V. (Augusta, GA)
Date of Stay: 01/01/09 Review Submitted: 01/05/09

This house is GREAT!!!! Lots of room and extremely comfortable and clean. We stayed the weekend after Christmas and enjoyed the house and the fact that you could walk to all restaurants and being so close to the beach is a great benefit. Will rent again. Thank you Paula for your hospitality!!!!

Recommended for: