Vacation Rentals by Owner

Disappointing Vacation

Guest: Wilmington 8 (Wilmington, North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 02/02/11 Review Submitted: 03/07/11

We had hoped to have a relaxing time at this property but were greatly disappointed. We were promised many things, such as starter breakfast items for the day after arrival, telephone, television, access to Marriott Hotel amenities, etc. None of these came to fruition. Upon arrival at 4:00 p.m., we were confronted with the fact that the code for entry to the garage was changed. Thankfully, we found an employee who could let us in. When we tried to phone the owner, we discovered we did not have a working phone. We were able to use a neighbor's phone and the owner was surprised we had arrived. We finally had a working phone 5 days after arrival. (Having no phone meant we were not able to make calls for reservations, taxi service, or tours.) The property was poorly maintained. Only two light bulbs were working in the chandelier in the dining area; no overhead light and only one working lamp in the living area; insufficient towels; ice maker not working; air conditioning not working in living area. We had a working television the first two days of our visit; however, during the remainder of our stay we could not receive a signal. This was especially frustrating since it was Super Bowl weekend. Our passes to the Marriott expired on February 1; we arrived on February 2. We finally were able to use the Marriott amenities on February 7. The owner originally said to call with any problems/concerns. Since we had no phone, we tried to email but were told we were harassing him.

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Comfortable Villa in Curacao

Guest: Lori (East Windsor, CT)
Date of Stay: 11/23/10 Review Submitted: 12/02/10

Myself and 3 friends stayed at the villa 11/23-11/30. We had rented 3 out of the 4 bedrooms. When we arrived we found that only 2 bedrooms were unlocked and only 2 passes to the Marriott were available. I contacted the owner and this problem was quickly rectified. The villa was clean and comfortable. We were not fortunate to take advantage of the outdoor patio much because of the weather, but it was a beautiful area. The passes for use at the Marriott are a fabulous perk. Although the property description says the A/C is there for you to use freely, that was not true as the thermostat was locked. This actually probably hurt the owners wallet as we wanted to turn the A/C down as it was quite chilly. There seemed to be a problem with the hot water. We could only take hot showers in the hallway bathroom. The water would never get hot in the bedroom showers, yet the water in all of the sinks was piping hot. The A/C issue and the hot water issue however, was a minor inconvenience and overall we really liked the property, and if we were to visit the island again, we would not hesitate to stay here again. I appreciated the fact that the owners always responded to my emails before my arrival and during my stay. I have rented several villas over the years and this one ranks amongst the top. Thanks Douglas & Monika for the use of your penthouse apartment.

Owner response:La Estancia is a big property with important power demand while no power consumption restrictions for our guests. Curacao has one of the highest power cost in the Caribbean (0.45$/kw). We have taken the decision to make La Estancia a "green" property for environmental reasons to reduce CO2 emissions while managing our power costs. As part of this effort we have installed a wireless power consumption monitoring device, which allow us to check the accuracy of the power supplier measurements, detect abnormal power consumption increases and take decisions to replace or modify inefficient appliances. So far we have replaced more than 80 halogen type bulbs installed at the property’s bathrooms and terrace by high quality light led type bulbs, which consume a fraction of the power. Similarly, we have replaced an electrical kitchen range by propane gas one. Property’s water heater is in very good condition but it is a highly inefficient appliance. Temporarily, we have connected the heater via a timer to save energy though our guests has the option to connect directly to the power source if this affecting their comfort. Our final solution consisting of a 400 lts solar/electrical water heater is expected to be installed by April 2011. Finally, we have sized the needs and location for a new solar power system to supply 60-80% of the property’s power consumption. We are currently defining the infrastructure needs (wiring and inverter location) which we plan to install during the first quarter of 2011. We still do not have a firm date to have the solar power system in operation but we expect to have in the year 2011.

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

Perfect Accommodation in Curacao

Guest: Wubbo (Holland)
Date of Stay: 01/30/10 Review Submitted: 02/12/10

On behalf of all of us we would like to thank you for the perfect accommodation here in Curacao. The penthouse was superb and it made our holiday complete. If we plan to come another time to Curacao (maybe next year) we know where to book!

Owner response:Wubbo, thanks. hope you visit the island again.

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

Guest: Carl W (Baltimore, MD)
Date of Stay: 01/23/10 Review Submitted: 01/23/10

Hello Douglas, I did want to tell you that all of us did have a very nice time in Curacao. Our stay at your Penthouse between Jan 2 to Jan 9th was very nice, because your home was very comfortable and had all of the wonderful qualities & amenities of home. It was decorated quite nicely. The view was very nice and the bedrooms, bathroom, living room, kitchen and veranda were wonderful. I simply wanted to give you our feelings after we stayed in your Curacao home! Thanks for being so helpful and lending us your home for the week! We will certainly stay at the Penthouse again when we return! Carl

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Guest: Andy Clark (Springfield/Illinois)
Date of Stay: 12/24/09 Review Submitted: 12/24/09

I usually don't leave comments after a vacation but felt compelled to write about our experience. This was our first experience with Vacation by Owner. Our family usually takes a trip yearly to the Carribean. My first comment is WOW!! This property was outstanding. Very relaxing, well maintained property. Views from the spacious outside balcony were awesome. The Marriott Resort was close by and surpassed our expectations.Weather was perfect.My kids who tend to be picky loved the penthouse. Home away from home.Overall a great experience and great value. Hoping to return again soon. Andy & Marilyn Clark family.

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Awesome Summer Stay!

Guest: Hadley & Crystal (Texas)
Date of Stay: 06/13/09 Review Submitted: 06/18/09

My family of 4, plus an additional friend stayed 3 nights in mid June at La Estancia. This apartment is as described and then some. The attention the owners have paid to detail is above and beyond what is required. Everything from appliances to nice sheets, bathroom soap, coffee, beer, wine, security/safety, etc. has been addressed for the comfort and enjoyment of the occupants. It was extremely clean with an awesome view from the spacious patio. The website pictures do not do it justice in my opinion. It is extremely spacious and the owners agreed to lock off a 4th bedroom to help save us a little money. It is in a prime location with access to the beautiful Marriott beach and diving center which is excellent for shore diving and snorkeling. It is also a short drive to Willemstad which is so much fun in the evenings. The owner called approximately 30 minutes after our arrival to make sure everything was to our liking. He did this again the day before we left and wanted to make sure that we had a nice vacation. I was extremely impressed by that as it was a first in 10 years of travel to the Caribbean and Mexico. (We usually visit 2-3 times per year.) This property is one of the most fun we have stayed in and we have stayed in some very nice villas in Virgin Gorda and the USVI, among others. My only regret is that we did not spend our entire vacation at La Estancia. We spent the first week in a smaller villa in Coral Estates, which was pretty but much more spartan and further from town. Remember, you get what you pay for. I definitely intend to return to La Estancia in the future with additional family members so that they too can experience all that Curacao (and La Estancia) has to offer! My hat is off to the owners!! Crystal

Owner response:Dear Crystal & Hadley, Wow, what a good appraisal for our property and services.!!!!. We are very happy to read it and it is definitely an encouragement for us. Thanks. Monika & Douglas

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

the good and lesser points

Guest: pieterjan (netherlands)
Date of Stay: 04/19/09 Review Submitted: 05/03/09

We recently stayed at this penthouse. The good part is what others also have said. Big, lots of space( 2 bedrooms were locked off so didn't see those), many flatscreen tv's, beautiful views, nice terrace and the membership card to the Marriott and all its facilities + 10% discount on food and drinks! Good beds, clean linen and sufficient towels and lots of hot water in the shower. Good washing machine+ dryer and dishwasher.Airconditioning worked okay. We never met the owners, but they phoned immediately after we arrived and before we left. We were allowed an early check in and late check out. The location is good, quite near to airport and Willemstad and very quiet. The lesser points are that the code system + keys to access 4th floor might be a bit troublesome for younger children to get to pool on their own, etc. For the price we paid I didn't expect to have to buy soap for the washing machine and dishwasher, or toiletpaper. There was however coffee, and sugar, oil and herbs to cook with, and bottles of water and juice. The lady who cleans came the day after we arrived, that couldn't be changed and therefor was of not much use. Certain things weren't really clean, and on the whole the maintenance of the apartment could be better. There are no screens and with the mosquitos in Curacao that would be nice in the bedrooms. But if it will be cleaned more thorougly the pros outweigh the cons.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers.

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/09 Review Submitted: 03/09/09

Our time spent in Curacao is unique as we are visiting with family who reside there and as well vacationing. We have stayed with family, 4+ star hotels, villas etc in the past however this has been the most comfortable'home away from home' accommodations to date. It is perfectly located to meet all of our needs with close proximity to downtown, beach pass access to the Marriott (fabulous facility and within a comfortable walking distance). The owners really go out of their way to make you feel welcomed and appreciated as guests. In comparison to other facilities we have stayed this is singularly the best value. We are already planning our dates for 2010.

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Excellent Vacation!

Guest: Wussy 28 (Portland Oregon)
Date of Stay: 03/26/08 Review Submitted: 04/08/08

This was the perfect property for our family vacation. Everything was just as described. The property was clean, secure, well maintained and HUGE! The owners are some of the best people we have ever had the pleasure to meet. They called upon our arrival to make sure that we had everything we needed and then followed up a few days later to check again. The use of the Marriott was such a great addition. The beach at the Marriott was a simple walk that was less than 5 minutes and the staff of the hotel are so friendly, helpful, and attentive, as well, the dive shop there took great care of us and our diving needs. The property is also the perfect location being a 15 min drive from the airport and a very short drive to the main part of town and you can walk to "Hooks Hut" and have a great dinner right on the beach. We will definitely be renting this property again.

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Sandy & Derek_HAC118227 (Arlington, TX USA)
Date of Stay: 12/01/07 Review Submitted: 12/29/07

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday at La Estancia. The accomondations are top rate. Everything was provided. It was neat and clean. The view was spectacular. It feels like a home away from home and has every amenity. Our laptop worked with the wireless in the front room. We had four adults and one teen ager and had plenty of room. The washer/dryer are new, the dishwasher and appliances stainless steel. We can't wait to return! I would not hesitate to recommend La Estancia, their booking process and kindness to anyone I know, including my family. I do suggest you carefully print all the instructions to enter the penthouse the first time. Once you have done that, it is quite clear what the process is but we referred to our printout several times on arrival. Bon Bini!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Ilissa Pearlman_HAC118251 (Solon, OH)
Date of Stay: 12/01/07 Review Submitted: 12/29/07

La Estancia Penthouse was the nicest place in which our family has ever stayed on vacation. The four generously-sized bedrooms and four bathrooms were very comfortable for our family of 6. The terrace was very large and had an amazing, panoramic ocean view. The property's many amenities made it ideal for entertaining extended family members and just relaxing, both inside the spacious suite and outside. The location, very close to the Marriott and a short drive to Punda and Otrabanda, was terrific as well. The owners take wonderful care of their penthouse and ensure that their guests are well taken care of.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Carol V. (Morristown, NJ)
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 10/06/07

Douglas and Monika are gracious hosts and keep a beautifully updated and furnished residence. We feel fortunate to have been pampered in such luxurious accomodations. Our four-person family was more than comfortable, with a bedroom and bath for each person, plenty of living space, fully furbished kitchen and very useful washer/dryer. We enjoyed the beautiful views and full-access to the nearby Marriott. We've been recommending La Estancia Penthouse to friends and family, and hope to return ourselves, as well.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Leland Porter (Los Angeles, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/11/07

Not really knowing what to expect on my first trip to Curacao, accomadations would be high on my priority list. Meaning, if I didn't enjoy the island I would need a nice place to relax and lay my head. La Estancia Luxury Penthouse was what I needed and more. My party consisted of 5 people, and the penthouse had more room than we could handle. The bedrooms were not only spacious, they were clean with up to date linens and comfortors (big on my priority list). Flat screens a-plenty all over the house, and plenty of room to lounge in the living and family rooms. And the outdoor patio was the winner of all the amenities. We spent most of our time there just relaxing. Well, the island ended up being fabulous, so we didn't get to enjoy all the potential of this establishment. But if you do venture to Curacao, I whole-heartedly recommend this place. Last note: The owners were helpful beyond their duty and made the transaction painless.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Bill and Ellen Hinz (Augusta, Georgia)
Date of Stay: 04/01/07 Review Submitted: 04/17/07

You will not find a better place!! The unit has wonderful views (especially sunsets) and is comfortably furnished. Access to the Marriott Beach Club gives you the best of both worlds. The concierge there is so helpful if you want to go snorkeling on the island, the gym there is well kept up and the spa treatments are incredible. However, retreat back to Piscadera Penthouse for a relaxing comfortable sunset. You cannot go wrong. The owners are very accomodating and the unit is safe with excellent parking and located not far from town. Excellent vacation and we will return!!!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Adam_HAC83759 (Virginia Beach, VA)
Date of Stay: 04/01/07 Review Submitted: 04/17/07

The penthouse at the Piscadera Residence is top notch. The property is modern contemporary, and very well maintained. Appliances are modern, and work well. Three of the four bedrooms have private baths with shower. The fourth bedroom has a full bath across the hall. The master suite is very large, and impressive, with it's own private veranda. The elevator opens directly into the penthouse with key access only to the top floor. When you arrive you step foot one of the property's two living rooms, each with it's own sitting area. The dining area has plenty of space for a full family to eat, and the breakfast nook is a great place to enjoy your morning meal. The shining star of the property is the private wrap around terrace off the breakfast nook. The terrace affords expansive ocean and island views, including one of the best spots on the island to see the sunset. Also on the terrace is your personal charcoal barbeque grill, where our family prepared many evening meals. Overall the property is top notch, the property owners were very friendly and helpful, and we are sure to return.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Charles & Diane (Hurley, NY)
Date of Stay: 04/01/07 Review Submitted: 04/03/07

A great place. Convenient, private, well kept, a very accomodating & available owner, great views and most important: access to the Marriott.

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Amazing trip

Guest: kelly belly (Arlington, TX)
Date of Stay: 11/01/05 Review Submitted: 11/29/07

You will not be disappointed (he said) and we definately were not! Everything is as presented or better, very clean, full of extra surprises like a washer/dryer that make you feel like you are on top of the world. We had five people, two couples and one teen ager and had more than enough room, plenty of towels, dishes, etc., and a very excellent time was had by all. The parking is very spacious and you can walk many places. We only had one vehicle but no one missed out on doing what they wanted because you could always walk (scuba, Hooks Hut, casino, etc.) The pool is very nice. I suggest you pay attention to everything the owner has to share regarding access to the property. It's secure but requires many keys which really aren't a problem but just advice. Best Regards, Sandy and Derek Brown

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