The Bitzer's, Verona, PA (near Pittsburgh)

Guest: Howard (Pittsburgh, PA, USA)
Date of Stay: 09/18/11 Review Submitted: 10/18/11

My wife and I, along with our dog, stayed a week at this property, September 18, 2011. We found the cottage clean, in good repair and very relaxing. The innkeeper, Maureen, is very nice, explains all the policies on arrival, and is always available, if you need something. However, we found we needed nothing. The kitchen have everything you needed if you wanted to cook. The views were great, and the location was central to everything we wanted to do, when we decided to venture out. However, this really is a place to relax, unwind, read a book, get away from it all. The dog loved it. There are ravines on both sides of the property, so if you are worried that your dog might go over the edge chasing a chipmunk, be prepared. If not - let them enjoy themselves. Plus they will like swimming in the clear clean lake. If you don't mind trudging through the surrounding woods, you have to check out the hidden natural treasure in the ravine on the left side of the cottage (facing the lake). There is an unspoiled waterfall that I would estimate to be 90 feet high. All in all, a great vacation spot...the most relaxing and comfortable we've had in years. We already plan to go back in 2012.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+.

Really liked it there

Guest: Drew, Karen and kids (Philadephia)
Date of Stay: 06/11/11 Review Submitted: 06/16/11

The house is curiously antique in some ways, and sustainably outfitted with lighting and materials. The owners have maintained the property well. No TV reception, nor internet was actually a good thing. We weren't distracted by anything other than a bird's song, or the sound of waves. The sunrise light is awesome. Beds were comfortable -slept five, was room for one more. The windows were easy to open/close. Watercraft were fun and easy to launch. It is a wise choice to borrow from the basket of many sizes of watershoes before going swimming - the shells and shale can be sharp! So serene and pleasing - to enjoy a bonfire by the shore. Nifty little waterfalls real nearby. The kitchen is teensy, but the tools to make dinners were all there.We all enjoyed our stay, even though it rained a bit and highs were 68 - 70. Crossing the tracks and following the narrow road down gave us a bit of 'what the?' but once we saw it, it was fine. A vacation rental for those who aren't couch potatoes, but oh, so mellow! Eggs from the farm across the way!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with teenagers.

A "Piece of Heaven".

Guest: anonymous (Elmira ny)
Date of Stay: 04/06/11 Review Submitted: 04/06/11

I have rented this cottage for the past 4 years and will be renting it again this summer. I prefer the rustic, secluded setting as it provides a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. The view from the deck is breathtaking. You can also see the lake from the livingroom and the master bedroom. What an amazing treat to open your eyes to the sunrise on the lake in the morning .I also enjoy the lights on the lake and watching the passing boats at night. The deck has a glider and several wicker chairs. We spend most of our time on the deck.. The cottage is well equipped, with everything you need to prepare meals. There are usually 6 of us in my party and we have found the cottage to have ample space to house us. The cottage is well maintained and has always been clean. We enjoy toasting marshmellows in the firepit on shore at night, as well as our daily swim in the lake. Use of the kayaks and canoe have been a a great added feature. They provide life jackets. It's nice not to have to bring them! They have also added a flush toilet in a shed on shore! It's wonderful not to have to climb the stairs to use the bathroom! I've never rented a cottage that has had this "amenity". My family and friends refer to the cottage as a "Piece of Heaven"! The only problem is no one wants to leave to visit the wineries!! We are eagerly awaiting our August stay at the cottage!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with teenagers.

"Not What I expected "

Guest: Kipper (Akron, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 10/15/10 Review Submitted: 12/29/10

"I arrived @ the location with NO heat or electric turned on, even though I had called an hour before arrival. When they say rustic.....that is what they mean. The bedding was stained and old. The number of flies that had to be killed before we could sleep was a lot (20-25). I had to change the battery in the smoke detector because it would not stop beeping. At that point there was nothing we could do to get a refund or be compensated for the inconviences that we encountered. The view is awesome and the location is prime. It took one month to get my security deposit back and yet mine was expected to be there in a timely manner. The weather was great and the wine was very good. I've learned from my mistake. The owner was very nice,but when asked to refund what she felt was fair for the inconviences......she said "sorry and hope your next stay is better!!"

Recommended for:Pet owners, adventure seekers.

Guest: Steve Wootton (East Stroudsburg, PA)
Date of Stay: 08/22/09 Review Submitted: 08/22/09

Dear Maureen and Michelle. Thank you so much for making the cottage available to myself and my family for our recent vacation. The cottage was clean, comfortable and well furnished and the amenities and views offered were amazing. We look forward to returning soon. Best regards, Steve Wootton.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/19/09 Review Submitted: 08/19/09

The cottage provided a relaxing, private week of vacation. The cottage is quaint & not fancy but has everything you need. Great view of Seneca Lake. We made good use of the boat dock & beach. We would recommend the cottage to other families.

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