Vacation Rentals by Owner

Wonderful Family Getaway

Guest: Susan d.
Date of Stay: 12/18/11 Review Submitted: 01/30/12

The property was well-situated, close to downtown and beautiful mountain views. We hiked in the snow on Mt San Jacinto, the tram was maybe 10 minutes from the three bedroom house. We also enjoyed the spa, and the weather was almost warm enough for the pool. Well-decorated and very clean and well-maintained. Our only surprise was that the third bedroom had only a curtain, no door. Thankfully, our daughter was very comfortable in this cozy room. Our interactions with the owner were outstanding; Jon, who lives near us, was so patient with my e mail questions :-) The kitchen was well-stocked with all the necessities to cook delicious meals, which we shared in this relaxing environment. I would definitely stay here again; we love Palm Springs!

Owner response:Thank you, Susan! I'm so glad you enjoyed your stay. We hope you visit us again soon. Cheers, - Jon Hyde

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Lovely home-weather did not cooperate!

Guest: Mrs.Bumblehuber (Courtenay)
Date of Stay: 11/07/11 Review Submitted: 11/19/11

We stayed at Villa Amelia for 10 days and while there were some issues-they were dealt with quickly and or will be. The pool heater broke down and Jon had someone out within 3 days with a new one. The pool area is private and quiet. Lovely Thank you!

Owner response:Thank you for your generous review, Yvonne. The new pool heater is still operating perfectly, my apologies for the breakdown on the older. Other issues have been fixed and addressed. Kind regards, Jon Hyde

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Lovely property, conveniently located

Guest: Sea Cricket (Portland, Oregon)
Date of Stay: 05/27/11 Review Submitted: 06/19/11

We came to Palm Springs to dry out from the Portland rain and reconnect with friends in the area. We used to frequent P.S. when we lived in Cali and it was nice to get back. Our idea of a perfect weekend included swimming, sunbathing, music, home cooked meals, neighborhood walks, long afternoon naps (drool!), and stargazing from the spa. The house and decor were quite nice, as was the landscaping. We felt comfortable and at home right when we walked in. Linens were high quality, kitchen appliances modern, and the pool area very private. The owner was professional, responsive, and easy to deal with. We had a late arrival and early check out, and he accommodated this easily. In the mornings we'd walk the few blocks to Albertsons, grab some coffee and shop for the day's meals. The microbrew selection at Albertson's was disappointing, but how do you really compete with Portland? We opted instead for tequila. :) Sadly, no shot glasses in the house but we managed to make it work. We prefer to sip our tequila anyways. At sunset, we'd walk the quiet neighborhood, enjoying the desert blooms, the breeze, and the mountainscapes. While the kitchen is well supplied in terms of variety, it is not a "foodie" kitchen. We prefer homemade feasts to dining out most often. The cutting knives were dull and unsuitable for slicing fruits and vegetables, although we finally found one serrated knife that worked well enough. If we had one suggestion for improvement, it would be to add some higher quality cooking utensils and pans, as well as some storage containers with lids for leftovers. We still ate well (perhaps too well!), but this is a primary reason for the 4 stars instead of 5. Another reason for the 4 stars is that there were a few other things that could've been better. The prior guests left a mound of trash in the garage that reeked, and which we had to drag curbside on trash day (eww!). The stereo didn't work, although luckily I had my laptop so we could crank out some tunes. Also, there was no shampoo, even though the property details say this is supplied (there was soap). It also said there'd be a wine, cheese and fruit plate awaiting on arrival (no), and that there is a telescope (not that we could find). On the plus side, there is a blowdryer with a diffuser (great for curly hair), and a club card for use at Albertson's. There's a decent chance we'd stay here again. We arrived home tan, relaxed and smiling and the property is A+.

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May Getaway

Guest: bagelboots (Seattle, WA, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/29/11 Review Submitted: 05/21/11

After a long, cold, wet Seattle winter & spring, staying at Villa Amelia for a weekend in May this year was truly delightful! The backyard pool is a masterpiece: nicely tiled, lots of room to float around, with a jacuzzi tub that runs into the main pool via waterfall. There's also a shallow sunning area to stay warm+cool at the same time. Loved floating around the pool, taking a break from some much needed vitamin D therapy (ie. sitting in the sun). The rooms were big and well-appointed; we slept soundly in the sleigh bed. We had a big group with several pregnant ladies, and plenty of room to move around the house. Bathrooms were spotless, and we never ran out of hot water or towels (washer+dryer on site). Its in a cute, quiet neighbourhood, walking distance from Albertson's grocery store which had everything we needed. All in all a great place to stay for a relaxing weekend in Palm Springs. We'll definitely be back!

Owner response:Hi Daren! Thank you for the great review. I really appreciate that! And look forward to your return. Cheers, Jon (CJ)

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

A fantastic rental!

Guest: Marlo (San Diego, CA)
Date of Stay: 04/28/11 Review Submitted: 05/25/11

This rental provides everything you could ask for in a Palm Springs get away! The home is meticulously maintained and expertly decorated, providing a welcoming atmosphere that you don't always find in rental homes, for a very affordable rate. The house is only a short drive from downtown Palm Springs, but you're going to find it hard to leave with your own personal oasis in the back yard. The owner was very friendly and easy to work with. I highly recommend this rental!

Owner response:Thank you, Steven! I appreciate your kind words! -Jon

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

Villa Amelia

Guest: Dee (Aberdeen, UK)
Date of Stay: 07/31/10 Review Submitted: 08/21/10

We have just returned from a 3 week holiday in California and after 5 wonderful, but chilly days in San Francisco we travelled down the coast and on to Palm Springs for two weeks in Villa Amelia. We arrived a little earlier than the check-in time, but we rang Durrell at the Management Company and he came to meet us within a few minutes to show us round the beautiful villa. We were all very impressed with the decor and amenities. It was quite hot when we arrived, being around 3pm on a July afternoon, but once the air conditioning had been running for a little while, the villa was lovely and cool. We all thoroughly enjoyed our stay there and didn't want to go home! It has such a relaxing atmosphere, we spent much of the time soaking up the sun and cooling off in the wonderful pool. The scenery in Palm Springs is beautiful and we found quite enough to do to keep us all happy. The trip up to San Jacinto Mountain was definitely worth doing - in fact a couple of trips would have been good as it's like another world up there! Joshua Tree State Park, The Indian Canyons and the Village Fest were all excellent too. Our 16 year old daughter enjoyed the shopping at nearby Rancho Mirage and eating out was very good too ( we especially enjoyed The Cheesecake Factory and The Yard House). All in all a brilliant place to stay and well worth making the effort. We were a little worried that it might have been too hot - and of course it was hot, up in the 110's plus most days, but as it's such a lovely dry heat we found we all coped very well, just be sure to drink a lot throughout the day! We had a little trouble with the garage opener when we were there, but a quick phone call to Jon helped us sort this out. We would certainly recommend this lovely villa to anyone.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children.

Villa Amelia stay

Guest: GG (corona, ca)
Date of Stay: 07/03/09 Review Submitted: 07/14/09

Loved the house and especially the backyard with pool. Very relaxing even though it was hot, as expected. Close to downtown and casinos, golf, etc. We all enjoyed our stay.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

Guest: Shahnila & Saaqib Rangoonwala
Date of Stay: 08/24/07 Review Submitted: 08/23/07

My husband brought me here to celebrate our 6th Anniversary. It was a surprise, and the moment we stepped in - we were thrilled. As all previous guests have said, the Pool was the best part. It really was! This was the perfect get-a-way from our busy lifestyles. This was also my first time to Palm Springs. – We visited the tram which really is a “must see!” And don’t miss downtown and stopping for some Ben&Jerry’s ice-cream.Thanks for making our anniversary so relaxing and wonderful! Next time, we plan to come here with family & friends.

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Guest: Kieu Bendiksen & Family
Date of Stay: 08/15/07 Review Submitted: 08/14/07

We were visiting from Orange County, not too far away. We were searching through the net when we found this place, Villa Amelia. The weather here is very hot, about 110 degrees every day which made the pool a desired place to be in. We got to hike some trails when we went up the tramway to the top of the mountain. Beautiful! - It was also about 30 degrees cooler up there than on the desert floor. Thursday evening, we went to the VillageFest. It was fun to walk Palm Canyon Drive (closed to traffic), view the city at night, and see all the interesting craft goodies. Our stay was very comfortable and relaxing. It was more than any hotel could offer for our big family. Thank you very much,

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Guest: Kieu Bendiksen (Not Specified)
Date of Stay: 08/14/07 Review Submitted: 08/14/07

We absolutely enjoyed our stay at your Villa Amelia! It was so nice to be able to cool down in the pool and relax in the spa in the private backyard. Love the décor,Kieu

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Kieu Bendiksen (Not Specified)
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/13/07

We absolutely enjoyed our stay at your Villa Amelia! It was so nice to be able to cool down in the pool and relax in the spa in the private backyard. Love the décor, Kieu

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Valerie Cook (California)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/25/07

This charming vacation home, Villa Amelia in Palm Springs has provided a fabulous setting for numerous repeat visits now! I have enjoyed friends and family for quick weekend getaways and holiday celebrations. The fireplace is especially enjoyable while sipping wine, lounging on the leather couch, after a refreshing dip in the pool and hot spa. I especially enjoy sitting in the hot spa with the view of the snow capped mountains in the near dastance. Oh, and the new bed linens and towels rival those at any 5 star resort! You can count on more repeat visits from me!

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Guest: Thibault & Claire Laget
Date of Stay: 05/15/07 Review Submitted: 05/14/07

This is a great place to stay – we loved the pool and Jacuzzi with the mountain views. The house was wonderfully decorated. We really appreciated the duvet in the master bedroom, very fluffy! - Many thanks for the wine & cheese on our arrival; it was a very nice touch.All in all, it was great to be here and it was a real break from a big city like London (where we live). We’ll be back!

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Guest: Madelane, Nancy, Jen & Linda
Date of Stay: 04/05/07 Review Submitted: 04/04/07

What a perfect desert oasis! Your home and all its fabulous amenities made for a terrific Spring break from dreary Chicago. We enjoyed the tram, Joshua Tree, Village Fest and especially the restaurant, Azul. The sun, Cacti, pool and spa, seclusion and daily visits by a hummingbird all contributed to a wonderful vacation. Exactly as advertised on the internet. Thank you!

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Guest: Helen & Archie Epp
Date of Stay: 02/28/07 Review Submitted: 02/27/07

We left Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada in -24 degree weather. Landing here the temperature was 70 degrees, quite a welcome change? We have really enjoyed exploring Palm Springs, culturally as well as historically. The pool and spa were our relaxing moments and when the temperature here dipped to 60 degrees the hot tub was fantastic. I enjoy being out doors and really liked jogging and walking in a safe neighborhood. We found it to be a surprise that the sun went behind the mountains so early in the afternoon (we are from the prairies where we are used to seeing the horizon). As I jogged through the neighborhood I found the different plants used in landscaping to be so interesting to me. Thanks for everything.

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Guest: Jacob & Barbara Ens
Date of Stay: 02/28/07 Review Submitted: 02/27/07

We were quite late in booking for a winter break and were excited to find your home available on the net. It takes a bit of courage and trust to send off our rent to a stranger. We are very pleased with your home and appreciate the supplies that are here.We’ve hiked up the museum trail and the Indian Canyons, seen our first every oasis and enjoyed it all. The big hit each afternoon is the pool and hot tub. A blizzard is in effect at home so this is a great respite.Thank you very much?

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Guest: Rose Burke
Date of Stay: 08/30/06 Review Submitted: 08/29/06

I was researching online for a resort/casita with private pool for my husband’s birthday when I came across the website for Villa Amelia. I was a bit skeptical at first because it all looked and sounded so wonderful. I was also concerned about the close proximity to other neighbors and whether we’d feel as though we were secluded. All those concerns vanished the moment we stepped onto your property. It was the most relaxing time we have had in quite a long while. Our friends laughed at us when I told them when we were coming to Palm Springs (August can be hot) but we were blessed with milder weather and it was fabulous. The beautiful pool kept us nice and cool and we never once had any issues with the heat. That’s really all we did we just spent our time lounging, relaxing and enjoying. My husband was thrilled with Villa Amelia and is already looking forward to our next visit. Thank you so much for sharing your home with us.

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A Perfect Birthday Celebration

Guest: Jon H. (-)
Date of Stay: 08/01/06 Review Submitted: 08/27/07

I was researching online for a resort/casita with private pool for my husband’s birthday when I came across the website for Villa Amelia. I was a bit skeptical at first because it all looked and sounded so wonderful. I was also concerned about the close proximity to other neighbors and whether we’d feel as though we were secluded. All those concerns vanished the moment we stepped onto your property. It was the most relaxing time we have had in quite a long while. Our friends laughed at us when I told them when we were coming to Palm Springs (August can be hot) but we were blessed with milder weather and it was fabulous. The beautiful pool kept us nice and cool and we never once had any issues with the heat. That’s really all we did we just spent our time lounging, relaxing and enjoying. My husband was thrilled with Villa Amelia and is already looking forward to our next visit. Thank you so much for sharing your home with us. Rose San Diego, CA

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Gareth_HAC28894 (Los Angeles Ca)
Date of Stay: 05/01/05 Review Submitted: 05/08/05

Wonderful rental with a great pool and Jacuzzi. Had a great time. The property is close to everything and John was fantastic answering all my questions. Will rent again when needed. Had a great relaxing time A+++++ G

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