Wonderful Relaxing Getaway!

Guest: Allee (Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 08/09/11 Review Submitted: 09/12/11

This was an amazing condo for a great summer getaway. The unit is conveniently on the first floor, no stairs, and gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. The owner is friendly and accommodating with reservations and they have information for all the events, shopping, restaurants and things to do in the area. The decor is incredibly charming and woodsy, just like you are staying in a luxury mountain lodge. The sofa is super comfy and the fireplace is awesome, even in the summer months. Great place to have a vacation with friends, family or a romantic getaway. Close to a bunch of different ski resorts, hiking and shopping.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Dissappointed

Guest: Friscoeconomyregularcontributor (College Station, TX, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/18/11 Review Submitted: 08/21/11

Pros: This unit is in an awesome location on the 1st floor right at the top of the stairs. Good queen bed. With a few upgrades and better maintenance, this place would be top notch! Cons: -- Unacceptable Items in this unit: 1. Our first impression was that this place was a dark dungeon. Described in the ad as "newly remodeled" (apparently written a few years back) the lighting is inadequate in all rooms, with halogen tract lights installed in the bath, kitchen, and entry way. When we arrived two of the three bulbs in the bath were burned out along with multiple bulbs in the hallway and kitchen. After searching the condo we finally found two replacement bulbs that were very difficult to change and yielded hot, glaring light in the bath (To wit, the owner posted warning not to direct the lights toward the bath cabinet due to fire hazard). The hallway fixture is broken with only two working bulbs. There were no extra bulbs for the kitchen fixture, so we just cooked in semi-darkness, as I was unwilling to make the trip to WalMart to buy more of the expensive bulbs and the owner did not return my email. The poor lighting is exacerbated by the dark color schemes (USC red & gold?). 2. The bedroom window by the front door has no screen, so your choice is between stuffy heat or opening the window and inviting in the bugs (of which there were plenty) - not to mention the security issues. 3. The white sectional couch, which I'm sure looked beautiful when it was installed (see advertisement photo), is dirty with years of stains of which we were afraid to consider the origins, so just threw a blanket over it. The carpet and bathmat were soiled, too. -- Annoyances/inconveniences: 1.There is no BBQ grill on the deck or free in-room internet access (this is our 4th year in this complex and all other rental units have provided both). The "free" internet in the clubhouse requires you to go there, as is does not reach very far, but there are no tables at which to work. 2. Faux fur pillows - itchy and a bit smelly 3. 90's era small screen CRT's TVs. All the other three units we rented have HD flatscreens. The cable service is poor and we often got distorted audio in the living room. 4. The fridge's advertised "icemaker" consists of two plasic ice trays. All in all, this unit has been a disappoint and is clearly not as advertised. I encourage guests interested in Mountainside to look at what else is available until the owner updates this diamond in the rough.

Owner response:We appreciate the feedback, and we are in the process of a full remodel of the unit, it has been quite a challenge to get in the unit since it is regular requested to be rented, and this is our fist negative response. Since we are unable to correct items unless they are brought to our attention, we can now easily replace light bulbs to correct lighting issues, a window screen, and pillows. Colors are able to be seen on VRBO previous to renting, so not sure of the dislike, maybe since the lighting was low it made it even more dark. A white couch is not an easy one to keep clean but has been cleaned every 3 months. Unfortunately not every renter takes care of the unit as good as we would like it to be keep, so we are constantly cleaning up after those and gracious to those who do take good care of our place. ****Please look forward to the upcoming pictures of this unit which will be fulling remodeled with bright hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, New furniture, New lighting, flat screen TV’s, and we will do our best to accommodate renters request like a BBQ or internet (even though the clubhouse right across from the unit provides internet).. The renovations will take place the first of the new year as the fully occupied until then. Look forward to hosting you in the new ski season year with our new look!

Recommended for:People with disabilities.

Great Choice!

Guest: Ann (Denver)
Date of Stay: 09/27/10 Review Submitted: 10/01/10

Beautifully appointed, updated condo. Enjoyed the comfy couch, luxurious bed, and cozy atmosphere, not to mention the extraordinary views from the living room and patio. Close enough to walk to town, or stroll along the path behind the condos. Easy to communicate with the owner via email.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.