Vacation Rentals by Owner

watch out for this one

Guest: disappointed (Bend, Oregon, USA)
Date of Stay: 02/29/12 Review Submitted: 04/12/12

I usually do not write reviews when I have a bad experience but this owner and property are an exception. The unit is old but it was clean and the kitchen was well stocked as advertised. However, several items make this property a poor choice. FIRST, the owner advertised "discount cards" for golf, pool and tennis. When we arrived there were cards but they had expired 2 months prior to our visit. We sent an email to the owner who works in the area asking for new cards but received no response. SECOND, to get from the parking area to the only entrance, you must walk down a short hill and along the golf course property. This was OK except at night because there is no lighting. THIRD, if you go here, and plan to prepare food after dark, make sure you take a coal miner's helmet with a light because the only light in the kitchen area is a small one bulb light hanging on a cord from the ceiling. FOURTH, and worst, is the complex is built into the side of a hill and this unit is on the bottom floor which means the bedroom and the bathroom have no windows. The ventilation was very poor. There is a celing fan in the living area and, as advertised, a "portable fan" for the bedroom. However, this fan is only one step up from one of those battery powered fans you see people using at football games and parades - it is 12" by 12." It was totally unsatisfactory. It got so hot one night that my wife had to go into the living area and fold out the sofa bed to try to sleep where it was cooler. After departing, the owner sent me an email accusing us of "obviously" having guests which was absolutely not true. However, it was enough of an excuse for her to keep our security deposit. I would never recommend this unit to friends and would never recommend dealing with this owner. We were greatly disappointed.

Owner response:Oh dear, thank you for your review Dale, however, there seem to be some inaccuracies. Yes, this complex is old; it was the FIRST built in the Village (the oldest) and as such sits in the BEST location with the BEST ocean and golf course views. We pay a premium for that location, location, location! Yes, the discount cards had expired, because the Village has a backlog in getting them out. BUT because of that, the old passes were honored - ie valid - through your stay, I hope you enjoyed the benefits of using them. Yes there is a "short-cut" to the condo beside the golf course down a grassy slope. BUT that is NOT the formal entry. There is a well lit, paved and beautifull landscaped entry with steps right to the front door. I'm not sure how you could have missed it. Yes, the 'mood' light over the kitchen counter is dim - it's supposed to be. BUT there is a handy ceiling fixture in the room for a blast of bright white light if you need it. Not sure how you could have missed it. Yes, the complex is built into the side of a hill and the bedroom and bathroom are both below grade. However, there ARE 3 windows and 3 vents in the bedroom and bathroom for cross ventilation. Not sure how you could have missed those either. And, because this area IS below grade it stays remarkably cool; at slightly below room temparature. I lived in this unit for over year and NEVER needed a fan. Yes, the property manager advised me that the sofa bed had been slept on; she is required to do that because invariably that indicates that a guest had additional guests staying without approval or payment. Yes, I did query (not accuse) if you had additional guests and you confirmed you did not; at which point your deposit was returned to you in full, well before it was due. I am sad to hear you did not enjoy your stay. We have many return guests who just adore this little gem of a place. When I lived there I absolutely loved it; One of the happiest times of my life. I have to think if it was 'good enough' for me, it would also be 'good enough' for most. warmest aloha, ali

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Comfy and Cozy

Guest: love to travel (Woodland Hills, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/13/11 Review Submitted: 10/23/11

This place is comfortable and cozy for two. The inside decor and the outside relaxed atmosphere is a great way to experience the Big Island. As described, it sits right on the golf course with a bird feeder located right outside of your front entrance, so you can watch many different types of birds come and feed every morning. There's also an avocado tree around the side of the building, which we were told is OK to pick. The rental suite comes equipped with a full kitchen plus an in unit washer and dryer, which was a really nice convenience. We would definitely stay here again and recommend to anyone and everyone.

Owner response:Aloha Satoko, thank you for your kind words. I love that the birds are there all the time. The Java Finches are so adorable and happy and of course to have our endagered Nene come right to the door is such a special thing. Regards, ali

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Two Weeks for Two

Guest: Escape to Hawaii (Vancouver)
Date of Stay: 04/16/11 Review Submitted: 05/09/11

My boyfriend and I escaped Vancouver's rainy spring this April by staying for two weeks at Ali's garden suite. The pictures are spot on; it's well appointed and comfortable. The kitchen has everything you need for a great stay - from a blender for morning smoothies to a lovely selection of serving dishes. We often dropped in at the conveniently located market around the corner for beach, dinner and drink supplies. The view from the lanai is wonderful - the Nene, geckos, sunsets and gardens are a treat. We didn't spend any time at the golf course or pool - why would you when you're beach seekers and only a half hour drive away from Kikaua Point Beach, the Mauna Kea beach and Kua Bay Beach park? The cooler and sun umbrella provided were invaluable. If you're on a budget and are looking to stay for as long as you can in Hawaii while treating yourself, this suite is a fantastic option. We had a fantastic trip.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Guest: Steve
Date of Stay: 12/29/10 Review Submitted: 12/31/10

Wanted you to know that we had a great time again this year. You place is so peaceful and quiet.

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Guest: meghan
Date of Stay: 12/10/10 Review Submitted: 12/10/10

We just wanted to thank you so much- we loved the condo and our trip!!!

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Guest: Richard and Wendy
Date of Stay: 09/27/10 Review Submitted: 09/27/10

We just wanted to say how much we enjoyed staying at your condo. We had a BLAST!!!!! Thank you.

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A nice place!

Guest: Mimin (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 03/31/10 Review Submitted: 04/06/10

This 1BR/1Ba condo was very comfortable and cozy. It made up feel like we were at home. The space was enough for my husband and me. It sits on he golf course as described with an awesome view of the mountains and ocean! However, the ocean is nowhere near to walk to. The village is about 5.5 miles inland from the main hwy and oceanfront resorts with a drive through a 2 lane curvy road- rough to drive at night but scenic during day. The condo was well equipped from kitchen gadgets to beach towels/beach chairs! The only thing we had to supply was water for our day trips! It was clean and well decorated. The linens smelled fresh and clean. The towels were of Tommy Hilfiger! nice! Usually, I don't like to walk around in "foreign" homes barefoot, but this place didn't make me feel "dirty." There weren't really any fast food places to go to... something we were looking for when we first arrived at 9pm... Then the next morning, we discovered the market around the corner where there was the grocery store... a Subway restaurant... a nail salon... and other small stores/offices. by the way, the grocery store had the BEST buttermilk donut and coffee I'd ever had! Most of the restaurants, fast food and sit-down, were located in Waikoloa Beach, where there are 2 outdoor malls. Queen's was of more affordable stores and King's is more high-end stores. Queens had a food court where we had lunch plates for lunch... also Sansei, a sushi restaurant, YUM! For breakfasts, we drove up to Waimea for Hawaiian Style Cafe and drove south to Kona for U Top It, LOVE 'EM! Our dinners were spent at my friend's wedding activities so we really didn't have dinner at restaurants... The owner of this condo was very kind and fast to respond! Her interior design background really showed in her condo! Overall, the Laughing Gecko was a nice place to stay. As much as we'd love to stay by the beach, this place was more affordable... and it was like our own home for our unfortunate very short stay!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Enjoyed our weekend here!

Guest: N.S (Oahu)
Date of Stay: 03/19/10 Review Submitted: 04/01/10

My BF and I spent 3 nights at the Laughing Gecko and loved it! Coming from Oahu we wanted something far away from crowds, buildings, and the city and this condo offered just that. The drive to the condo is serene and we enjoyed the miles of scenery. Gorgeous view and the apartment is stocked with pretty much everything you would need~but a rice cooker would be handy. Bedroom is also gorgeously decorated and cozy. Ali was also very helpful in the booking process. :)

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Mary Winter
Date of Stay: 07/03/09 Review Submitted: 07/02/09

I had a wonderful stay and I absolutely loved your condo. It became my home. Thank you so much for sharing it with me.

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Guest: Elisa Eeubank
Date of Stay: 05/29/09 Review Submitted: 05/28/09

I just wanted to let you know that we really liked your condo, it was perfect for us. We own a home in Waikoloa that is leased. From now on, when we are there, if your unit is available we would definitely like to stay there again. The view is great and it is very nicely decorated and we thoroughly enjoyed staying there. I'm sure you will be hearing from us again. Thanks for the hospitality.

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Guest: Keith StClair
Date of Stay: 05/18/09 Review Submitted: 05/17/09

This place is really nice! I will definitely come and stay again and I don't say that often and if I say it I mean it. It is a perfect location and a great place to stay. The wildlife on the golf course is amazing. The condo is very attractive.

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Guest: William Keele
Date of Stay: 05/18/09 Review Submitted: 05/17/09

The condo is very nice. The owner has very good taste and the place is well done and very comfortable.

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Guest: Christina S.2 (Hawaii)
Date of Stay: 05/15/09 Review Submitted: 05/14/09

What a perfect nook to escape to! I spent a weekend at Laughing Gecko and recharged my batteries, so to speak, in a beautiful condo where I felt both at home and on holiday. Amazing views and what great star-gazing! I really enjoyed my stay and would recommend this condo to any friends visiting Big Island. Perfect if you want a getaway for two. Mahalo nui loa for the hospitality.

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