Vacation Rentals by Owner

Skip This House and Keep Looking

Guest: Frustrated Customer (Tx)
Date of Stay: 08/09/11 Review Submitted: 09/06/11

Dealing with the owners is not worth the amenties in the house. Many things advertised on this site are false. Air conditioning: a noisy window unit only in the master bedroom. Dishwasher: It was broken during our entire stay. Disappointing to wash dishes every day instead of playing games with the kids. Cleaning included: Apparently not! We left the house as we have all of the other VRBO houses we've rented with the beds unmade, towels on the floor, catsup and mustard bottles and ice still in the refrigerator, and trash gathered in the trash bags we had to buy, because there was only one supplied, and put by the front door. The only thing I don't normally do is I left the breakfast dishes in the sink on the last day, because the dishwasher was supposed to be repaired that day. Well the owner kept my entire deposit, because he said I left it a mess. When I called to discuss it with him, I was yelled at, told there was no talking about it, and hung up on! So, I paid the entire deposit to have the beds made, the towels washed and put away, bottles in the refrigerator thrown out, a few dishes cleaned, and floors swept. So, I'm not sure what is meant by cleaning included! I'm sure the owner will respond to this post describing the pig sty we left (a flat out lie) with many words in ALL CAPS, because that is the way he spoke to me on the phone. So, again, my advice is find another house.

Owner response:In the 4 years I have been renting my 2 holmes, I have never had it left in such a mess. The garbage is supposed to be removed and taken to the compactors. 3 bags of garbage left in house, another full bag for the food left. Pots and dishes left in sink & on counter. display items all over the floor. cleaning crew charged me double to clean house. It was just a mess. Had to pay to have 4 garbage bags removed. DO NOT COME BACK. Future renters read my other reviews. DO NOT be fooled by this persons review. Dick Rubin Owner

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Awesome July 4th!

Guest: Brian (Bayside, NY)
Date of Stay: 07/01/11 Review Submitted: 07/09/11

My friends and I wanted to rent a house in Poconos for 4th of July weekend and we definitely weren't disappointed. I'm very big on basing my decisions on reviews and I'm glad all the reviews were accurate. The pictures provided on VRBO does not do the house justice. Not only did I feel the house was modern and up to date, there are tons of miscellaneous items throughout the house that astounded us New Yorkers. Also, the house was fully supplied from cooking utensils to bath towels. My group of friends are in the age group of 25-27 and the house was great for all of us. All I can say about the hot-tub is wow! Richard was very easy to work with and I wouldn't mind renting this house again. Thanks.

Owner response:Brian, Glad you had a great time. Hope you will return soon. Regards, Dick & Lois Rubin

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

Honeymoon Couple (Phila, PA)

Guest: Pat and Monica (Phiadelphia)
Date of Stay: 05/15/11 Review Submitted: 05/21/11

It was a joy to spend our honeymoon at this magnificent house. We were blown away from the time we showed up until the time we left. The house was beautiful and clean. The pool table and hot tub were the perfect amenities as they more than made up for the rainy weather. We still managed to enjoy the outdoors as we visited Boulder Field and Bushkill Falls which were both super close by. I can definitely say we will be returning to this getaway to enjoy the peace and beauty (and deer!!) of this fantastic vacation home. Thanks Dick and Lois!!

Owner response:Glad to hear you had a great time, even though it rained all week. We look forward to your return. Lois & Dick Rubin

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

Cozy house; 10 minutes from Big Boulder

Guest: Tee (Pine Beach, NJ)
Date of Stay: 01/21/11 Review Submitted: 01/30/11

Enjoyed our weekend in this lovely home. Very clean, cozy and charming. Short ten minute drive to Big Boulder for skiing. Owners were great to work with and our security deposit was returned promptly. Our only complaint is our weekend went too fast! Definately needed more to time to enjoy ourselves. Wished we could've had more time to explore the area. Well, there's always next time.......

Owner response:Glad you had a wonderful stay and the snow cooperated. You are welcome back anytime since the area truly has 4 season activities. Hoping to have you enjoy Rubins' Retreat in the future. Lois and Richard

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

Excellent fall vacation location!

Guest: Joel (Accokeek)
Date of Stay: 10/16/10 Review Submitted: 11/01/10

This was a wonderful place to spend our annual 'fall getaway' vacation. The Rubin's have provided all of the comforts, as well as the necessities for a great retreat. We had fun seeing the local wildlife, turkeys, deer, etc. The home was warm and comfortable, and the view out of the many windows and off the porches was fine. Hot tub was perfect, and relaxing. The location is within a few miles of all the things we like to do in the mountains in the fall! We will very likely stay here again next year! Joel and Barbara

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

Fantastic holiday at Rubins Retreat

Guest: Radleys (UK)
Date of Stay: 07/30/10 Review Submitted: 08/16/10

We had a fantastic holiday in the Poconos and Rubens Retreat was everything we hoped for and more!!. The rental is gorgeous and has a real home from home feel as soon as you enter the property. The standard of the furnishings is really high and the location is great, not too far from the clubhouse but enough to enjoy a peaceful break. We would return at a drop of a hat and hope to holiday there again soon. Thank you Dick and Lois for sharing your lovely home and ringing to see how we all were.

Owner response:We are glad you enjoyed your stay. We hope you will return soon. Thanks for staying with us. Regards, Lois & Dick

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

Renter Beware

Guest: cutechic (Malvern, PA)
Date of Stay: 06/10/10 Review Submitted: 10/01/10

The owner wrongfully withheld our security deposit from us, claiming we broke a closet door that was in perfect condition when we left. It soured our entire vacation, and we will not be staying here again.

Owner response:Door was OK when they arrived and broken when they left. What does that tell you?? Read the other comments from reasonable people. Thanks Dick & Lois Rubin

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Winter Wonderland

Guest: kiama (Wollongong Australia)
Date of Stay: 01/21/10 Review Submitted: 01/27/11

I wish to share my experience of my family stay, 3.5 weeks in the middle of winter in this beautiful cabin in the Pocono Mountains. I, with my partner travelled from our warm climate of Australia to visit our children in the USA and made Richard's cabin our home. The area the cabin is located, at first, seems away from the entire world, yes, with snow on the ground, we had daily visits from deer, watched groups of giant wild turkeys walking through the woods near the lake. We saw squirrels and finches (no bears they were in hibernation). We found ourselves living near 2 ski resorts and close to many amenities, including great restaurants and cafes, there was so much to explore and we were only 2 hours from New York. The cabin itself, is not done justice by the photos above- it is awesomely airy, roomy, homey and decorated with lots of obvious love and care. Before our visit, I was concerned about the snow and the roads, However, we had our own snow-plow gentleman who came and plowed the driveway each time it snowed, the roads were regularly plowed, so despite 2 snow storms, we were never 'snowed in'. The Cabin was as warm as we wished! a lit gas-log fire was on and warmed the cabin on our 10:30pm arrival and there was individual heating in every room, we were literally as snug as a bug in a rug :) Not knowing anything about snow, I rang and asked Richard the owner if we should turn off the hot tub which was bubbling and steaming away on the porch. Richard declared 'no, it stays on all year'- my partner and family enjoyed the warmth of that! Any slight issue or question was always answered and cared for extremely promptly and politely. Dave, the property manager was a gem and gave great service, thanks Dave. We will be back as soon as able, hopelfully within a couple of years. Thanks Richard and Louise for helping give us an unforgettable holiday :) Sheila & Don oxo

Owner response:So glad Rubins' Retreat made for a memorable winter vacation. Traveling around half the world, and selecting our home in the Poconos for your exploration was certainly an honor. You are the second guests who came from Australia and vacationed at one of our homes. They, too were delighted with their stay. I hope you utilized the nearby ski resorts since the snow certainly cooperated with your stay. Seeing the animals in their natural habitat is something to marvel at considering the cold weather and amount of snow. Hope you quickly get over jet lag, and you are most welcome back as guests again in our retreat in the woods. Lois and Richard

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

Guest: gail oneill (north arlington nj)
Date of Stay: 12/02/09 Review Submitted: 12/02/09

we stayed at Rubins retreat for the second time thid=s October for four nights. It is a relaxing vacation. The hoouse is very clean the beds are comfortable everything you need is there. Restuarants are nearby. We used the pool table for hours at a time. Looking forward to returning again next October

Owner response:Thanks for returning, we look forward to your return. Regards, Lois & Dick

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Guest: Beth Cooper-McHale (New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 11/10/09 Review Submitted: 11/10/09

Thank You Again to The Rubin's!! Great time as usual. And don't forget Tom (the peppers were great) Looking forward again soon. Ed & Beth

Owner response:Ed & Beth, Thanks, we look forward to your return. Dick & Lois

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Guest: Pegge (Apopka, Florida)
Date of Stay: 10/07/09 Review Submitted: 10/07/09

My friends and I spent a wonderful vacation the week of 9/19/09 enjoying great weather and a relaxing time at Rubin's Retreat. The house is everything described and more. It is well equipped and exremely comfortable. We highly recommend Rubin's Retreat for your vacation in the Poconos.

Owner response:Glad you and your friends had a relaxing vacation at Rubin's Retreat. Thank you for the wonderful recommendation and hope many other Floridians escape to the beautiful Poconos and our wonderful house to escape the heat of Florida.

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Guest: Gary and Jill Bond (Johnson City, TN)
Date of Stay: 09/30/09 Review Submitted: 09/30/09

We had the most wonderful vacation! Beautiful home with all the extras!! TV's in each room, ceiling fans throughout, and the hottub was such a treat! Really enjoyed Jim Thorpe just a few miles away. Thanks again for great vacation! You met our every need and the correspondence was great! You obviously want to make sure your guest are well taken care of!

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Guest: Heather McCann (Boston, MA)
Date of Stay: 12/05/08 Review Submitted: 12/05/08

We spent the Thanksgiving holiday at Rubins Retreat. What a lovely home... We didn't want to leave! It is beautifully decorated, and had everything we needed (and then some!). We're hoping to stay again next year!

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Guest: MCCANN
Date of Stay: 12/05/08 Review Submitted: 12/04/08

I am so glad that you and your family had a most memorable Thanksgiving at Rubins' Retreat. You are most welcome to return next year and as return guests there will be no need for a security deposit as you treated our home as your very own. Thank you. The Rubins

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/14/08 Review Submitted: 08/14/08

We enjoyed our stay at Rubin's Retreat. The place was comfortable, trouble-free and well maintained. We especially enjoyed the hot tub and the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. There were many deer and wild turkey/pheasant sightings in the area. Rubin's Retreat is a good value.

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Guest: Bunny and JP Guido (Fairmont, WV)
Date of Stay: 07/14/08 Review Submitted: 07/14/08

We just recentley spent our vacation at this wonderful retreat. Our son and daughter-in-law came from Boston, we had a wonderful time. The house was beautiful, very clean, and had everything you would need. The hot tub, pool table and deck were wonderful. The beds were great we all slept well. We enjoyed the pool and beach area, and all the wild life. We all would love to go back and stay again. Oh we highly recommend the spa at the Mount Airy Casino and Resort. Thank you to the Rubins for a wonderful place to go and relax. The Guidos

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Guest: GUIDO
Date of Stay: 07/14/08 Review Submitted: 07/13/08

Thank you for being wonderful guests. We welcome you back anytime to share our unique chalet in the Poconos

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Guest: Valerie J. Sanders (Ocala, Fl)
Date of Stay: 06/17/08 Review Submitted: 06/17/08

We had a wonderful time - the first few days were warmer then we had hoped for (coming from Fla. we were looking forward to a temperature break) but it worked out perfectly with getting to normal temps and evenings being nice and cool. We so enjoyed the wildlife and the house was just perfect. Hopefully we will be back in the future.

Owner response:Valerie: Glad you enjoyed Rubins' Retreat and the Poconos proved to be a great vacation spot. You were perfect tenants and hope to welcome you back.The Rubins'

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Guest: Marj and Bill (Lodi,New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/01/08

We just returned from a wonderful relaxing week at Rubin's retreat. We want to thank the Rubin's for sharing their beautiful home with us.It has everything and more that you could possibly want in a home,not just a rental unit. The care the Rubin's take in decorating the home and supplying everything you could need, made for a carefree vcacation.We had the pleasure of meeting Dick and Lois, and also touring their new home Rubins retreat 2. We hope to return soon to enjoy more of the fabulous views and activities in the surrouding areas.

Owner response:So glad you had a great time and we were able to share our home that we have delighted in decorating. We welcome you back anytime. Lois and Richard Rubin

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Guest: Tim & Mary Jenkins (Morton, Pa)
Date of Stay: 04/28/08 Review Submitted: 04/28/08

The place is really beautiful and well kept. The owners are really nice people. You couldn't ask for a nicer place!

Owner response:Glad you enjoyed your stay and so nice to meet you personally at Rubins' Retreat2.

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Guest: The Joyals (Belchertown, MA)
Date of Stay: 01/10/08 Review Submitted: 01/10/08

Well, this note is long overdue! We spent a wonderful week at Rubin's Retreat last October. We go to the Poconos every fall, and for the first time I found myself completely over-packed, because the Rubins provided everything that I'm used to having to bring for myself...towels, sheets, hand soap, dish soap, paper towels, scissors, laundry detergent, salt & pepper, trash bags, dish sponges, etc. All of those things that us seasoned renters learned the hard way not to leave home without! In fact, we had a whole tote of our usual rental "provisions" that we didn't need! The house is fantastic...a perfect combination of rustic and contemporary. If you want the cozy feeling you get when you imagine curling up in front of a big stone fireplace with a cup of cocoa and an afghan and deer in the yard, with every modern convenience (well-equipped granite kitchen, high speed internet, etc.), then this is the Poconos home for you! I said "home" instead of "rental" because that's really what it is... it's a home. Throw in luxurious bedding, fluffy pillows, comfortable overstuffed furniture, a pool table, hot tub under the stars, and about 8,000 other amenities, and you've got Rubin's Retreat. This is a place we'll go back to again and again, and we're looking forward to trying out their Retreat #2!

Owner response:It is never too late to hear wonderful things about Rubins' Retreat. Since your visit we have added real wood floors that add to the rustic feel. Rubins' Reatreat #2 should be ready by April and we can not wait to share it with the old friends we have made in the past and the new ones we hope to make,. Thanks again and I hope the snow in Ma. is not getting to you. Lois and Richard Rubin

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Guest: Stacey & Carey (-)
Date of Stay: 12/09/07 Review Submitted: 12/09/07

We go on a Pocono getaway every November with our children and stay in a different rental each year. Rubin's Retreat was BY FAR the best weekend we've had and we will surely be back! The love and care the Rubins put into the decorations and amenities is five star. Thank you, Dick!

Owner response:Dear Stacey, Glad the Retreat, provided a wonderful getaway week-end for you and your family. We loved sharing our home with you and welcome you back at the Retreat1 and Retreat2 which will be completed this Spring. The Rubins

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Guest: Bob Achenbach (Toms River, NJ 08753)
Date of Stay: 10/03/07 Review Submitted: 10/03/07

My vacation during the last week of September 2007 has been one of my best . Rubin's Retreat (VRBO 98354 - Poconos) has made this possible. Thanks to MR. & Mrs. Rubin for their efforts in provideing an exceptably clean, comfortable house with all the conviencences available that can be possibly needed. Mr. Rubin also went one step further by calling early in the week to make sure we were satisfied and to determine if we needed anything else. Normal rentors don't do things like that anymore. The location was great. It was fun eating breakfast with the deer. This house is a prime canditate for Better Homes and Gardens. The internal decour was perfect for the type of house. Thanks I guess to Mrs. Rubin. She has THE GIFT! I WILL definately be back here again. And I mean Rubin's Retreat. I can summarize our week long visit best by quoting Ray Liotta as Shoeless Joe Jackson in the movie Field of Dreams when he stated; "Is this Heaven?"

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Guest: Bob and Tara Achenbach
Date of Stay: 10/03/07 Review Submitted: 10/02/07

Bob: Glad you had a wonderful time and enjoyed the house. So happy that the fish cooperated and were plentiful. Hope you return again and see the "new Wooden Floors" THe Rubins'

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Guest: Yura
Date of Stay: 09/16/07 Review Submitted: 09/15/07

Yura, Glad you and your family enjoyed Rubins' Retreat. We consider the RETREAT a FIVE STAR RESORT and appreciate that renters enjoy all that we have done. We will be adding wood floors shortly and hope you can return to see the updates. The RUBINS

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Guest: Yura (Brooklyn, NY)
Date of Stay: 09/15/07 Review Submitted: 09/15/07

A lovely place - exactly as described and more. Enjoyed it immensely: well-appointed, Dick is the most responsible and kind man we've ever encountered in this kind of interaction. And Tom is a very good man, who we were lucky to know in person. And a Wi-Fi in the middle of the woods is a nice touch. One small episode: we had a small birthday party on Sunday, and the outdoor grill ran out of gas. And Tom got us a full tank - on Sunday. For some it may be nothing... well, we're from New York and get easily impressed by human kindness. And we're picky too - so we'll be back! Rubin's retreat is the best!

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Guest: khantha (Lawrenceville, NJ)
Date of Stay: 08/20/07 Review Submitted: 08/20/07

We have just returned after spending a lovely week at the Rubin's Retreat! We had a wonderful time and the house is beautiful. Mr. and Mrs. Rubin have great taste and take the utmost care of their guests. The house is bright, roomy and perfect for a family. I enjoyed the morning walks watching deers, wild turkey and an occasional fox at dusk. The pool table and the hot tub provided much needed relaxation. The house is so perfect that everything was a breeze: fixing breakfast or lunch, doing laundry and even cleaning at the end of our stay. We couldn't have asked for more. We are sure to be back soon and want to see the fall colors and the winter snow from this lovely home. We recommend this retreat very highly not only for the beautiful chalet but also for the way the owners treat their guests! Thank you very much, Mr. and Mrs. Rubin. Khantha, Lawrenceville, NJ.

Owner response:Dear Khantha, Glad you enjoyed your stay at The Retreat and hoping to have you share our home in the near future as you were wonderful guests. THe RUbins

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Guest: Christine Gwaltney (palm harbor, Fl)
Date of Stay: 07/18/07 Review Submitted: 07/18/07

Thank you for sharing your home with us! It was very warm and inviting! We accomodated our families for the 4th of July, and having an extra propane tank was very thoughtful. We grilled alot! I also found the kitchen to be very equipped for my cooking needs! The jacuzzi, at night, looking up at the stars was wonderful! We got alot of compliments on your custom headboards...They are one of kind, and a wonderful touch to your cozy chalet!

Owner response:Christine, Glad you enjoyed Rubins' Retreat and our home made a Blowout 4th for you and your family. Hope we can serve the future vacation needs of you and family. Lois and Richard

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Guest: Seth Gwaltney (Palm Harbor, Fl)
Date of Stay: 07/10/07 Review Submitted: 07/10/07

My family and I had a magnificent time. The house is exceptionally cared for, and has literally EVERYTHING you could think to need. The hot tub and pool table are the icing on the Rubin's cake. We area already planning a return in the fall.

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 07/10/07 Review Submitted: 07/09/07

Seth, Glad you enjoyed your stay at Rubins' Retreat. It was a pleasure to share our home with you. We hope we can accommodate you in the Fall and add to more great memories in the Poconos. The Rubins'

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Guest: Theresa Bryant (Cullman, AL)
Date of Stay: 06/26/07 Review Submitted: 06/26/07

We greatly enjoyed our stay at Rubins Retreat. The cabin was gorgeous and comfy all at the same time. It was wonderful to be able to come home after a long day of sightseeing and relax in the hot tub or shoot a game of pool. I couldn't have asked for a better vacation! Thank you!

Owner response:THERESA: Glad you had a great time at Rubins' Retreat. Hope coming from Alabama, the Pocono Mountains met all your expectations. You were great renters and are welcome back anytime. LOIS AND RICHARD

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Guest: Kate7 (Monroe, NY)
Date of Stay: 06/06/07 Review Submitted: 06/06/07

We had such a great time! We used the house for a girl's weekend. One of the girls rents cabins frequently in the summer in the Poconos, and she kept remarking on how nice this one is... beautifully kept. I highly recommend this place to anyone for a nice relaxing and fun weekend.

Owner response:Kate,Glad you and the girls had a great week-end. You are welcome ack anytime to enjoy our home. Lois and Richard

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Guest: Mayra1 (Bronx, New York)
Date of Stay: 02/21/07 Review Submitted: 02/21/07

The house was so comfortable we never left. We had everything peace and quiet entertainment and a beutiful home. The Rubins house is the best. I will highly recomended.

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Guest: Anne10 (Philadelphia)
Date of Stay: 02/13/07 Review Submitted: 02/13/07

The cabin was wonderful. Great homey feel. Loved the pool table and hot tub. We almost didn't make it to the mtn because everything we needed was at Rubins Retreat. Highly recommended.

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Guest: Anna9 (New York, NY)
Date of Stay: 01/09/07 Review Submitted: 01/09/07

When my friends and I arrived at Rubin’s Retreat we couldn’t believe how cozy and neat it was, the fireplace was already on and very inviting. Everything in the house was exactly as pictured on the website, the pool table and hot tub outside were a big plus. The kitchen was well stocked with every utensil needed, we only left the house to stock up on some more food. Would love to come back in the summer and spend a few days there.

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Guest: Mike & Karen2 (Cranbury, NJ)
Date of Stay: 09/22/06 Review Submitted: 09/22/06

We LOVED the house and would definetly come back. The Rubin's are great people and made us feel very comfortable. The house was very cozy and it was even more then we expected. The area is very nice and it is a great place to get away to relax. There are lots of things to do, every thing was great. Thanks again for the friendly stay and we look foward to coming back in the winter.

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Guest: The Halfpenny's (Oakdale, New York)
Date of Stay: 08/14/06 Review Submitted: 08/14/06

My family and I had a wonderful stay at Rubins Retreat. The accomodations were clean, warm and cozy. It had everything you could possibly want or need while on vacation. The hot tub and pool table were extra bonuses. The clubhouse, lake, pool, tennis courts and marina were just perfect for our family vacation. It was very peaceful and relaxing. We went to Camelbeach and The Crossings Outlets which was 25 minutes away. The wildlife of deer and wild turkey visited the yard every morning and early evening. My children were ready every time with the camera and binoculars. We will definitely recommend this retreat to others. We will be returning in the winter to experience ski season here as well.

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