The Best Cabin ever!

Guest: krissy (Orlando, FL)
Date of Stay: 09/01/11 Review Submitted: 09/23/11

I grew up in Petoskey and came back for a visit and rented this cabin for the first time. This cabin (house) was exactly what I had hoped for . . .that represents every aspect of vacationing in Northern Michigan. Easy to find and easy access to town and neighboring communities . The cabin was roomy, comfortable and incredibly relaxing. The exterior was inviting and well taken care of. The cabin was so prefect, we had friends over cookouts and to “show off” the cabin we rented. They were jealous. The lake was perfect for boating and fishing (we brought our own boat). The fire pit was fun for all. The hot tub, facing the lake, was totally relaxing after a long day and very easy to use. The owners left helpful hints (via notes) throughout the house if you had any concerns. We found everything in working order and very clean. It did not show the wear & tear of a rental unit. However, I personally prefer softer pillow top beds. . .again, that’s me and it is a rental. I’ve stayed in high-end hotels with worse beds. The owner was wonderful to work with and easy to communicate with before and after our stay. I HIGHLY recommend this location. Looking forward to re-booking with the whole family and another time for a romantic get-a-way.

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

"Purest Michigan"

Guest: The Cornishman (Cornwall, England)
Date of Stay: 06/04/11 Review Submitted: 09/18/11

Our family spent five glorious weeks at the cottage and could not have wished for a better base to explore Northern Michigan ! The rustic charm and homely comfort of the interior was only surpassed by the idyllic and tranquil setting on Pickerel Lake. Lots of happy memories of summer barbecues by the fire pit and glasses of wine in the hot tub under the stars. Well worth the 9000 mile round trip from the UK and we would happily do it again and probably will. Our sincere thanks to the owners N&G Cornwall, England.

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

JR Family

Guest: JR (Harrison Twp. Mi)
Date of Stay: 09/16/11 Review Submitted: 09/16/11

Anyone looking for a very neat & clean vacation home this is the one! The listing description and photo's are as it was presented. Our family has stayed in this home for 2 weeks 2 different times. This is a gem. Pickeral Lake is really beautiful and serene and relaxing views. Close to Petoskey for great unique shopping. Home has great layout and the owners are very accomodating and answered any questions we had. Quiet neighbors. Oh my and lots of room for visitors. Highly recommend this for a great place to relax. We are looking forward to going back soon.

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

A disappointing experience

Guest: DA (OAKDALE)
Date of Stay: 08/25/11 Review Submitted: 09/12/11

This was our 1st VRBO experience and unfortunately it was a bad one. We had selected this house on Pickerel Lake because the pictures show a comfortable and spacious house on the lake; just what we searched for our families get together. We were a group of 5, aged 50 to 65, plus one young adult. It ‘looked’ like this place was going to satisfy everybody’s needs. • The 1st alarming sign was a for ‘sale sign’ on the property. • The pictures shown on VRBO did no longer reflect the interior furnishings of that house. The rooms where being stripped of the furnishings shown in the pictures. • The house was in bad repair, many lights did not work, and things where broken and not functioning any longer (e.g. I had rented a DVD but the DVD player did no longer work). • The flooring in the larger loft bedroom on the 2nd floor had not been finished, due to splinters it was not advisable to walk barefoot over the plywood sheets. • The water system of the house was smelly (smell of foul eggs) and not drinkable. • The beds were small; all had old mattresses, worn out and terribly uncomfortable. • The house has 2 small bathrooms; the downstairs bathroom has an old bathtub that nobody wanted to use, so we all had to take turns using the tiny shower in the upstairs bathroom. • The kitchen was dated and not very clean looking. • The location of the house on Pickerel Lake was more remote than indicated. Driving times to Petoskey and Mackinaw City where inaccurate. To top it off we received a scaling e-mail from the owner saying: “Read your contract it says excessive cleaning will be deducted from your deposit. Don't plan on getting the deposit back”. Unfortunately we had not purchased the deposit insurance; we were taken to the cleaners.

Owner response:Dear VRBO, As you know this is my 3rd year with you and the first complaint I have ever received. Most of my renters are thrilled with the house and I have repeat renters. I have also had the same cleaning company for 3years and this is the 1st time they have ever called me about the mess. This person told me there would be 6 people and they would be just sleeping in the house.I have a 3300 sq foot home that sleeps 12. Every bed was used. All the linens and spares were used. There was old food and garbage left in the frig, furnitur was moved from room to room, both of my built in ovens were used.My cleaning people worked all day and into the evening to get all the laundry done and the house cleaned for my next renters. I waived a cleaning fee because of the information I was given. I would also like to address some of her comments. The kitchen is far from outdated. It was custom built with built in micowave, built in double ovens, cook top stove, dishwasher, garbage disposal, side by side frig and freezer with water and ice dispenser and solid surface counter tops. The house is furnished for rental and does not have brand new furniture as I guess she expected but I have never has any complaints. They obviously broke the dvd player as it worked fine for my last renters. All rooms had furniture and were not stripped of furniture. We have excellent well water and her comment was completely false. The bathtub in the downstrairs bathroom is an antique claw foot tub and everybody else has loved it. Directuins were given as were distances and directions so that statement is also false. But what makes me absolutely furious is the comment that the house was not clean. Every spring the house is cleaned inside and out all windows are washed inside and out and when any renter arrives the house is immaculate. My contract reads that the security deposit may be used if excessive cleaning is required and it certainly was. I am so furious I can't even tell you how much. There should be an owners website to warn other owners not to rent to certain people and she is certainly one. Plus being anice person I told her I would reund her the deposit.

Recommended for:

Winter Getaway

Guest: Tara (Macomb, MI)
Date of Stay: 11/26/10 Review Submitted: 11/30/10

Had a wonderful, relaxing time here. Beautiful lake view, with jacuzzi off the back porch. House was very clean and maintained. Awesome fireplace kept us cozy, wood was provided right outside front door! Owner very helpful. Party Shoppe just down the road was great for convenience shopping and movie rentals! They have great salads! Only complaint would be small, uncomfortable beds. Would definitely recommend.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway, pet owners, families with young children.

Great Experience

Guest: Ken (Troy, Mi)
Date of Stay: 07/10/10 Review Submitted: 07/25/10

The week spent at the home was really enjoyable. The home was very comfortable, appropriately furnished and had all the necessities of home. Kitchen, baths and laundry room were very convenient. The grounds are neatly landscaped with flowers and pond. The beach lacks sand and there is not internet, only negative points. There is a sandy beach with playground equipment five minutes away by car. We rented a pontoon boat and really enjoyed the surrounding lakes. Great experience.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, pet owners, families with young children.