Wonderful Stay on Second Level

Guest: Betsy and Mark (Oregon)
Date of Stay: 07/24/11 Review Submitted: 01/03/12

We stayed on the second level of this rental (which included two bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a large living room/ family room with grand piano, an outside balcony with chairs that looked out to the bay and a third level study that opened up to a larger rooftop deck with table, chairs and couches...and, oh yes, a small, but fully functional kitchen). We, which included my husband, me and our two teenagers (15 and 17) had a wonderful time. The morning power walks along the Venice style waterways, easy to walk to restaurants and shops in Belmont Shores and the close proximity to beaches, sailing and ballet made this the perfect home-away-from-home for our family. My husband made eggs, sausage, pancakes, french toast, etc. (breakfast is his forte) every morning and other than a couple of bbq's (on the great BBQer on the deck), we went out to dinner. We were told that it was a very small, compact kitchen before we rented...but we were on vacation and knew that we wouldn't be making gourmet meals. The only disappointment is that the owners are no longer renting this unit out. We had such a wonderful time, I would have loved to have revisited the place.

Owner response:The beautiful upper levels (2b/2ba loft w/ Bay views)unit is still available for monthly rentals if the lower level is vacant. Also, the entire house is available (4bd/4ba loft w/ Bay views) for family summer resort island living. This is a unique property located on Naples Island which is one of the most beautiful waterfront coastal communities along the Southern California coast. This property has two seperate 2bd/2ba units (lower level and upper level w/ loft & Bay view) which if combined makes into beautiful 4bd/4ba home w/ loft and deck overlooking the Bay and Seal Beach pier in the distance. All this within steps to the Bay and a short walk along the bay and canels to Belmont Shore for shopping and dinning. A perfect family retreat and close to all of the So Cal attractions.

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

Charming Cap Code-Naples Island

Guest: Vicki & Denise (-)
Date of Stay: 07/30/11 Review Submitted: 09/21/11

This property is a beautiful home located on Naples Island which is one of the nicest waterfront coastal communities along the Southern California coast. This property had two separate 2 bd/2ba units (lower level and upper level loft). The lower level of this property has been continuously rented through VRBO for several years with excellent reviews coming from most all our guests. This Review only applies to the upper unit which is no longer available for rent. The upper unit was only offered during the summer high demand period at the request of guests. However, when it was offered it came with the following explanation: “even though the kitchen is smaller (mini-kitchenette), the Great Room is grander w/ high ceilings, including two fireplaces and an upper-level loft with a large outdoor deck overlooking the bay, making for perfect summer dinning for short-term stays". The kitchenette does include a full size dishwasher and a larger than bar size sink & refrigerator. As stated, electric stove, skillet and microwave were provide for cooking indoors along with outdoor gas Weber BBQ. We do regret that the guest reviewer felt deceived in this regard; however, we made every effort to provide appropriate and full disclosure. Respectfully, Don & Cheryl, Property Owners

Recommended for:

Not clearly stated.

Guest: Denise (Cathredal City, Ca.)
Date of Stay: 08/27/11 Review Submitted: 09/19/11

The property is beautiful, and the bedrooms were nice. However, some of the pictures are deceptive. For example, the galley kitchen and the dinning room are located on the lower level only. The captions below the pictures failed to let you know this. We had rented the up stairs portion of this property. We also even phoned the owner to make sure the upper level had a kitchen. He used the word "kitchenette". No,,,, I was a wet bar to be accurate. A small wet bar sink, no garbage disposal. The one, small counter top is part of this wet bar also. An unsanitary, old, untreated small section of wood. The frigerator was a very small, again wet bar frig. We were glad we did not have our familiy with us. The only place to sit and eat was,,, you guest it the wet bar. The is a table and chairs out side on the third level, but if you are staying there a week, and it gets cold, that makes eating uncomfortable. The other thing was there was no DVD player. The hostes was nice enough to go buy us one, but come on, really? We paid a fair price to stay there. Those pictures were again, deceptive. The two heating element electric stove worked fine. And there was an electric skillet to use. But this by no means constitutes any form of a kitchen. We didn't have much room in that frig. to put a weeks worth of groceries in there. It is a nice place. But we feel we were tricked. We would have recommended staying there, but the owner should have been honest with us. So we would not recommend this place for everyone. We have been doing the vrbo now for 7 years. This was the first time we were misinformed. We did get our deposit back promptly, and enjoyed having the barbeque to cook on.

Recommended for:Girls getaway.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/09/10 Review Submitted: 01/09/10

This house was very cozy and clean & in a very nice neighborhood. You can walk to the bay, & there is a sidewalk that goes along very expensive homes on one side & the water on the other. The fireplace in the living room was a key feature that enticed me to book this place. The furniture was comfortable. The TV was very sharp, although in somewhat of an awkward watching position. Had no problem getting internet on their WiFi. The small bathroom is very small but has an updated shower. The toilet handle is old and hard to push down. The bigger bathroom is updated and roomy. Both bedrooms had large desks which were nice to put your suitcase on (we put a towel underneath so wouldn't scratch desk). The house needs some long mirrors so can see full outfit. Kitchen was well stocked, but needs a pair of tongs & a 13"x9" baking dish. Tenants on 2nd floor but didn't hear any noise. Will probably book here again.

Recommended for: