Charming Property - Incredible Location - Some Deferred Maintenance and Inattention to Detail

Guest: HBM (Potomac, Maryland)
Date of Stay: 01/20/11 Review Submitted: 01/26/11

We rented this unit from this web site, largely on the basis of its extraordinarily convenient location, very reasonable rent and in reliance on the favorable reviews of others here; we perhaps did not take sufficient notice that the newest prior review is nearly three years old. We had a good stay, but the manager's inattention to detail and some deferred maintenance detracted from our full enjoyment of the unit. Here are the items we logged: The lock on the ground-floor outside door is broken (and never repaired during our stay), which necessitated entering the building through a less convenience entrance on an upper floor and descending one flight of stairs. Four burnt-out track-light bulbs in the living room (replaced at our request – but with bulbs of the wrong type and wattage). Three-way bedside lamps have one-way bulbs. Broken drain control in bathroom sink. Broken thermostat (no dial cover, needs to be set at 85° to yield 70°). Broken left window pane in living room. Dangling lens on light cover over shower, filled with mold. Radiators and moldings and some walls have dirt, scrapes, scratches and scuffs that suggest a long-overdue paint job. Filter screen missing from vent hood over stove. Coax TV cable snakes across the bedroom floor and is not secured to the wall or even attempted to be concealed. Bathroom tile grout is dirty or crumbling in places. Dirt at most wood molding corners. Pine needles from long-removed Christmas tree still on floor behind living room easy chair. Despite these minor annoyances, the unit is charming and cozy. These omissions seem out of character for the owner, who is a physician and artist and who might be expected to be more attentive to detail. And they are an opportunity to upgrade the unit’s appeal, for a very modest investment. Consistent follow-up with the manager by the apparently absentee owner is called for. It is worth mentioning that the unit does not have a closet – there is one less-than-full-length armoire in the master bedroom. There are numerous coathooks throughout. Prospective guests with lots of “stuff” will wish to bear this in mind. Christiania staff are helpful, polite and conveniently nearby. There is no gainsaying the enormous convenience of this location. The foregoing list of issues sounds harsh, but it is intended as an invitation to restore this unit to the first-class condition it deserves, which should be neither time-consuming or expensive.

Owner response:3/13/2011-This is an addendum to our previous owner's response. Our manager who runs the Christiania Lodge has told me that this gentleman was complaining and finding fault with multiple issues and hinting that he would like to get a discount or free nights.(We already have very reasonable rates) I find this completely disingenuous. The manager states that this is not an uncommon event with guests who want a free lunch. Tthe manager checked on these issues and states that this guest was exaggerating every little issue - for instance his complaint about not having 3 way bulbs - we have installed energy saving CFL bulbs.....of course you can't install 3 way CFL bulbs! Re his complaint about the paint in the unit. Last year the entire unit was repainted and my wife and I touched up the unit this last fall. It was in excellent shape. He was given another key to the entry way and was able to use it without difficulty. I'm not going to say that our unit is perfect by any means. We welcome constructive feedback but when guests overstate issues for the purpose of gaining a discount this is totally unacceptable. We have used the Christiania for management for years and overall they do an excellent job.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, age 55+.

Guest: Scott Fischer & Doris Laing (Durham, NC)
Date of Stay: 02/13/08 Review Submitted: 02/13/08

Once again we truly enjoyed our stay at your rental property. As we open the front door, we hear a familiar whisper "Welcome Home". Your unit is prime location within the charming streets of Vail Village. Only steps to the lifts, restaurants and that wonderful heated pool right outside the bunkroom slider! P.S. Art thank you for your responsiveness by having additional firewood delivered to our unit by the time we got back from skiing.

Recommended for:

Guest: The Welch Family (Westport, Ct)
Date of Stay: 10/19/07 Review Submitted: 10/19/07

Location, location, location! We have had the pleaseure of renting this unit for several years and find it the perfect spot for our young family. With two children under the age of 9, the amenities (pool out your back door!) and Village location make for a wonderful Vail experience.

Recommended for:

Guest: Lani & Tim Enterline (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Date of Stay: 10/08/07 Review Submitted: 10/08/07

We have just booked Villa Valhalla for our third consecutive year. The condo is the perfect size for a small family - and the location could not be better. We don't even look to rent anywhere else!

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 01/18/07 Review Submitted: 01/18/07

Villa Vilhalla #11 we experienced 12/19 - 12/24/2006. We have two children and we used the pool everyday and enjoyed the 100 degree plus Temp. after great skiing. The kids are 13 & 15 and based on it being right at the base of the lift and start of the village, they could handle it all by themselves. The Condo has a just what you want for a family vacation and all the amenities of a first class environment. We'll be back.

Recommended for:

Guest: Dick Clem (-)
Date of Stay: 08/20/06 Review Submitted: 08/20/06

The location is great. Just a block from Vail Village, but there were problems. I have given the owner a week to respond to me, and since none was received, I feel compelled to comment. There were no paper products, including toilet paper (believe it or not), paper towels, napkins, Kleenex, etc. There were no face towels, and only 2 wash cloths(one of them was for a baby). Also, the hair dryer did not work. The remote for the TV in the Living Room only turned the TV on & off and changed channels. It did not allow DVD or VCR to be operated. There was no remote for the TV in the Bedroom. We have never rented from an Owner before, but these would appear to be "basics"

Owner response:Oct 7, 07 Dick - I just became aware of this comment (which was in the guest book waiting for my approval). Please accept my sincere apologies for the unacceptable problems you mentioned and the delay in responding to you. These errors have been corrected and I am forwarding this to our booking agent and onsite manager to prevent these from happening again. Will also post this comment on the web site - thanks for bringing these mistakes to my attention. Sincerely, Art Sands Art Sands MD Family Practice 1021 Robertson Ft Collins, CO 80525

Recommended for:

Guest: Michael Guerriero (Fort Collins, Co.)
Date of Stay: 04/19/05 Review Submitted: 04/19/05

Villa Vilhalla #11 was the perfect place to spend a perfect Vail weekend. The condo is roomy, comfortable, and feels like home. The location is tremendous---right in the middle of the main Vail Villiage. Skiing, resturants, and shopping right outside the front door. We could not have dreampt up a better spot to spend a long weekend! We would do it all over again if given the chance. Thank you so much!!!

Recommended for:

Guest: Jennifer Edwards1 (Fort Collins, CO)
Date of Stay: 04/18/05 Review Submitted: 04/18/05

We loved the proximity to the city center from this charming unit!! The short walk to the lifts was very convenient. We found the unit to be cozy and equipped with all the necessary amenities. Nicely decorated and just the right size! Loved the hot pool as well...Hope to go back sometime.

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Guest: Pete Roszell (Denver CO)
Date of Stay: 04/13/05 Review Submitted: 04/13/05

I met you with my wife and young family last summer. You gave me a quick tour of your fantastic place. We would like to buy in Vail. Have you ever considered selling yours? Do you know anybody who would like to sell? Sincerely, Pete Roszell Denver, CO

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Guest: N/A (-)
Date of Stay: 09/19/04 Review Submitted: 09/19/04

We celebrated our 12th anniversary - parked the car on Friday and never had to use it again. Thelocation is great! We were able to walk right to the Oktoberfest activities. Had delicious breakfast burrito at Pazzo’s. Also a fun (expensive) dinner at Alpenrose. Loved the pool too.Hope to come back with the kids next time.Kurt and Suzanne, Lakewood

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