Vacation Rentals by Owner

Best Winter Vacation Ever!

Guest: Adrian (Mountain View, CA)
Date of Stay: 02/18/12 Review Submitted: 02/26/12

We spent a week at the Hideout together with a party of several other friends and families, and had what I would call the best winter vacation ever. From day 1 Tom and BJ took care of us as if we'd been old friends and took care of everybody and everything. Amazing. We also loved the stories about how they built the house and the many funny incidents they witnessed over the years. That's worth a book guys! The lodge itself is nothing short of stunning, whether it be on the inside or outside. I guarantee that you will spend half a day just exploring the house and surroundings. My favorite place is the large kitchen and the living space next to the enormous fireplace (that we kept going basically 24/7). You know that you are in good hands if your landlord WANTS you to burn as much wood as possible ;-) Sitting on the porch overlooking the lake works too, especially in the warm afternoon sun. Or try the pool table in the adjacent Saloon. If all that gets too boring and you don't feel like skiing there are great snow shoeing and sledding opportunities right at the doorstep. My personal favorite: try sledding down the last hill of the access road. I could go on and on... Suffice to say there was not one minute of boredom and we already decided that we must come back. Tom, BJ, thank you for a fantastic week! Adrian, Birgit & Leonard

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect Place For Anything! Just Amazing!

Guest: Baumy (Reno, NV)
Date of Stay: 11/03/11 Review Submitted: 11/13/11

Really enjoyed the property. Its very big and you can almost do anything. The main house is beautiful and the saloon is a great time. Tom, BJ, and Dusty are very nice and helpful. You wont be dissapointed.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect Wedding!

Guest: brandy (Redwood City, CA )
Date of Stay: 07/14/11 Review Submitted: 12/22/11

We can't believe how amazing it was to have our wedding at the Hideout. It's so beautiful, Tom and BJ are so friendly and helpful, and there's just tons of space. We were able to to spend much more time with our guests because many of them stayed on site at the lodge or camping. Tom, BJ, and all their family and friends had to work SO hard (literally day and night and gobs of money) to get the road opened for us, and that was in July! And in the end, with mandatory 4wd to get in, most of the men at the wedding thought it was the best part! A lot of us even enjoyed the beautiful walk. One piece of advice... if you're looking for a limo entrance, high heels all around, and formal entertaining, this is not the place for you. However, if you love natural beauty, have a bit of a sense of adventure, and privacy, GET MARRIED AT THE HIDEOUT! You won't regret it.

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

Great memories

Guest: Michelle and Marty (Mountain View, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/18/11 Review Submitted: 03/01/12

A tremendous heartfelt thank you to BJ and Tom for having the foresight to build such an amazing Lodge so that our group of 5 families could come and spend the week and begin a lovely tradition. A beautiful property nestled 15 minutes away from Kirkwood ski hill, we found so many exciting ways to spend our time. The listings description doesn't do the property justice and everything was as stated and better. The snow-cat ride to and from the Lodge every morning and evening was great fun. Tobogganing, snow shoeing, cross country ski and ski touring are just out the back door. The Lodge and Saloon are thoughtfully put together with both buildings having many areas to sit, lay back, play games, read a book or just relax with a glass of wine BJ and Tom took care of our every need, and Tom's fun stories and easy manner added to evening fun. We look forward to seeing you again next year.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Absolutely Beautiful

Guest: Jerry (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 03/02/11 Review Submitted: 03/09/11

The location is amazing, totally worth the 2 mile sno-mobile ride in the winter. Tom and BJ are the nicest most accommodating folks I've met in a long long time. It was great to talk with them and learn the history of theHideOut. The saloon is great with the pool table and air hockey table, even our large group had plenty of space to spread out in. You must go to this place, trust me it will be well worth it.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

It's a winter paradise indeed

Guest: Shurik (Campbell, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/27/10 Review Submitted: 01/13/11

This place is a true winter magic. We spent 7 nights without going anywhere and enjoyed every moment of it. The Lodge is a superb, large and comfortable house that they had build with their own hands, and if you feel like listening (you probably will), Tom has a story to tell. Secluded in the scenic Sierras, the surrounding wilderness is one of a kind places to snowshoe or just walk; hills around the house is the tubing heaven for kids. Ours had a blast. Tom and BJ are great hosts, easy going and always ready to help you with anything. This was really special, we're looking forward to come back some day. Thanks!

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

Fantastic Christmas

Guest: Tom & Marge (Lodi, CA)
Date of Stay: 12/20/10 Review Submitted: 01/17/11

Spent Christmas week at the Hide Out with our 2 daughters and 6 grand kids and it was the greatest time we have ever had. As B.J. said, "It's not a Vacation, it's an Adventure", and that was so true. Tom and B.J. are more like family than Host, they bend over backwards to make your stay comfortable. Tom took us out on the snow cat to get a Christmas tree, the hardest decision was selecting one out of about 10,000 trees! The kids sledded, hiked, and basically had a great time. This is one Vacation, I mean Adventure, we will never forget. If you are looking for a secluded, quiet, and magnicifacant place to stay, then look no further, the Hide Out is the perfect place. I am already planning a return trip for a summer time "Adventure". Thanks Tom & B.J.

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

Beautiful spot for a wedding

Guest: Ned (San Francisco)
Date of Stay: 08/04/10 Review Submitted: 04/15/11

My husband and I got married here August 2010, and (I might be slightly biased, but) it was truly the best wedding location I could have imagined. A beautiful house on a private lake in a granite clearing in the middle of sierra-nevada national forest without anything near by for miles....all of our guests were blown away. We had our immediate family stay in the house, and some people camped and some stayed in other vrbo houses in kirkwood. Tom and BJ were always there to help with anything we needed - they are very very friendly, and can arrange any catering or dancing or anything. Some vrbo places have pictures that are very strategic, but for the hideout these pictures don't do the place justice (in my opinion). We swam in the lake (slightly shallow, but still fun), enjoyed the 30 person hot tub (amazing!), went on hikes to other mountain lakes near by, and had the ceremony at the top of a granite peak - so beautiful.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

July 2010 Wedding

Guest: Cheryl H. (Genoa,Nv & Lake Tahoe & Puerto Rico)
Date of Stay: 07/22/10 Review Submitted: 01/30/11

Last summer we held our daughter's wedding @ the Hideout.It was & is a spectacular site for any special event.We had 200 guests that attended their very special weekend.. The venue was casual yet elegant. The outdoor scenery was breathtaking. The house is a spectacular labor of love. The saloon was sooo much fun. The wedding ceremony site was perfect. BJ & Tom Hoover along with their very capable staff went out of their way to make our daughter & fiancee wedding dream a reality. You couldn't ask for nicer yet more professional people to work with on a special event. Take a beautiful drive up to the mountains & check out The Hideout & meet the Hoover's you'll know you have found you special venue

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

CHristine & Seth

Guest: Jubilee (Susanville,Ca)
Date of Stay: 06/23/10 Review Submitted: 07/07/10

We were able to enjoy this beautiful home with friends that invited us up to join them. We would have never known about this place with out them. Now because of them we are planning to have our wedding here. If you love nature then there is no better place to really enjoy it then here at the hideout.

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

AWESOME!!

Guest: T (highland, ca.)
Date of Stay: 06/19/10 Review Submitted: 06/30/10

The Hideout was amazing. Our family had a wonderful time relaxing, hiking, swimming and playing in the snow all at the same time. We would love to return one day. B.J and tom were the most wonderful hosts and very caring and accommadating!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Ron41 (Palo Alto, CA)
Date of Stay: 03/22/10 Review Submitted: 03/22/10

We just returned from an incredible weekend at the Hideout. We had sixteen adults and nine kids and the place was unbelievable. The powder was fresh which made for some great sledding and snowshoeing. The atmosphere was great and Tom and BJ were incredible hosts! We loved it and would go back in a second.

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Guest: Rick Wayne (Livermore CA)
Date of Stay: 02/26/10 Review Submitted: 02/26/10

Unbelivebly incredible... we (2 grand parents, 6 adults & 7 grand kids got home yesterday after a wonderful week, and can't wait to go back. There was room to spare. The Hideout is unique with endless winter activities for all generations. The owners make you feel like family, I can't say enough good things! Compared to other similarly priced accommodations, it is far superior,

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Guest: Greg63 (Sunnyvale, CA)
Date of Stay: 01/04/10 Review Submitted: 01/04/10

Our group of 17 - 8 adults and 9 kids - had a wonderful stay with Tom and BJ at the Hideout. The lodge is amazing. Clean, comfortable and inviting. And a perfect setting for a game of hide-and-seek for the kids. We spent four nights creating fantastic memories, sharing laughs and exploring outdoors. We also appreciateed the proximity to the Kirkwood ski resort just up the road. The arrangements to go skiing couldn't have been easier. We had a blast on our "Hideout Adventure" and look forward to our next visit.

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Guest: Carrie30 (Rancho Murieta, CA)
Date of Stay: 10/12/09 Review Submitted: 10/12/09

We have visited the Hideout several times, in both winter and summer. It's hard to pick the perfect season. Tom and BJ are amazing and generous hosts, they so helpful and accommodating. The rooms are comfortable and warm and the saloon is the perfect place for the whole family to gather. Our children can hardly wait for our next winter trip and ride on the snowcat.

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ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING PLACES YOU WILL EVER GO!!!

Guest: Aimee & Ryan (Pioneer, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/17/09 Review Submitted: 04/01/10

Do not pass up the opportunity to go and stay at the Hideout!! The experience, the beauty, the craftsmanship, the property, the entire place is breathtaking!! The owners Tom and Bj are amazing hosts! We had the most beautiful wedding last fall! Every person that came was captivated and amazed this beautiful place existed! It is the very best!!! If you get a chance go,see for yourself you will love it!! And if you love the outdoors and might be getting married consider this amazing destination, we have never had an event go so smoothly, thanks to our new friends the Hoovers!!. We will never forget you, the Hideout and what it means to us!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Linda102 (Placerville, CA)
Date of Stay: 09/17/09 Review Submitted: 09/17/09

We held our daughter's wedding with 90 guests at the Hideout over Labor Day weekend. It was a fantastic experience. Tom and BJ were the most gracious of hosts. The accommodations were very comfortable, the scenery was breathtaking and our guests were very impressed. Tom even built a dance floor for us! I loved cooking in the big kitchen. I would recommend this location to anyone who wants to get away from it all. We used the wireless internet to stay in touch with the world. The natural rock spa was amazing. My dog, Doce, had the time of his life. Thanks Tom and BJ!

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Guest: Cristin 1 (San Jose,CA)
Date of Stay: 08/26/09 Review Submitted: 08/26/09

The Hideout is an ideal vacation spot for anyone but especially for groups needing lots of space. There is something for everyone with a lake, a fabulous hot tub under truly amazing stars, a porch swing, hiking, rock climbing, and more. We had a wonderful time and plan to return!

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Guest: Linda92 (Ione, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/23/09 Review Submitted: 08/23/09

We have been fortunate enough to be able to stay at the HideOut during the summer and also the winter. There is nothing more perfect than sitting in the hot tub looking over the lake at the beautiful granite mountains first thing in the morning before all the others are up. During our winter visit we had our children and grandchildren stay there with us. We have wonderful memories of our family time there. The snow covered terrain was beautiful and so quiet. That was until the kids hit the slopes with sleds. It's heaven there.

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Guest: Anita 3 (-)
Date of Stay: 08/21/09 Review Submitted: 08/21/09

We couldn't imagine a happier family vacation than staying at the HideOut. Stargazing from the granite stone hot tub, with the trees swaying above us, was magical. I enjoyed taking the canoe around the lake. BJ even had perfect toys for my two little ones (2 and 10 months). And we were certainly well-fed! Sometimes vacations with little ones can feel like work, but this was truly relaxing. We couldn't be more grateful!

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Guest: Wes2 (Berkeley, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/20/09 Review Submitted: 08/20/09

We had an incredible, perfect week at the HideOut with friends and family. We loved the setting -- the granite lake and hot tub and stunning hikes. The House was more than comfortable for our group of more than 15 people. We hope we can do it again next year. Our guests had a great time.

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Guest: Joan17 (Berkeley CA)
Date of Stay: 08/20/09 Review Submitted: 08/20/09

I can't imagine a more wonderful place to be with family and friends. Watching the stars from the granite hot tub tucked into the outcropping overlooking the lake, cross-country hiking over fabulous terrain, playing in the lake and a lodge that is both magnificent and cozy. My idea of the perfect vacation.

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