Vacation Rentals by Owner

Our New "Hide-away"

Guest: Bob (Essex and Ocean County New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 01/01/12 Review Submitted: 03/05/12

Just got back from the Keys today, and wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed our vacation in your lovely oceanfront condo. You thought of everything, right down to the kayak, which we used almost every day to explore the mangrove islands all around the condo. The oceanfront pool was fabulous. Thanks for all of the suggestions you provided. We felt like locals. Looking for to our next trip to our new "Home away from Home".

Owner response:Bob, So glad you enjoyed your winter vacaton. Next year, you should try to book a few fishing trips with me. The new boat is great, and I had an excellent season. Hope to hear from you soon.

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

We Loved The Keys

Guest: Bob (Tonawanda, NY)
Date of Stay: 11/13/11 Review Submitted: 01/06/12

Thank you for the use of your condo. Enjoyed my time there and I was able to go and explore the Keys. Your personalized info of the area and kayak were great extras. I look forward to returning again next year. The condo was everything we could have asked for. Especially loved sitting on the balcony in the early morning and again at sunset.

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

Thanks for a great vacation

Guest: Colleen (NV)
Date of Stay: 07/16/11 Review Submitted: 08/10/11

Lou, We can't thank you enough. This was the best family vacation we've ever had. It's been years since we've been to the Keys so we followed many of your suggestions and found some things on our own. Not that we were inside a lot, but the condo was clean and neat, and the appliances all looked brand new. We went to the pool everyday, and just enjoyed laying out amongst the beautiful tropical landscaping and looking out at the ocean. We can't wait to come back in November. Thanks again.Colleen

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

Loved the Keys

Guest: Patrick W (Oregon, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/19/11 Review Submitted: 05/15/11

Hi Lou, Back home and back to work. I had a wonderful stay at your condo. Everything worked out great. The place was very comfortable and the kayaks where a big hit! I will send you a few photos from our stay after I edit through them all. You tips were most helpful. Thank You Lou. I will stay there again next year, but at least a week longer. Thanks, Patrick W

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

The Perfect Vacation

Guest: Alice K (Jackson, MO)
Date of Stay: 04/11/11 Review Submitted: 05/11/11

Hello Lou and Jeanette. My daughter and I made it home safely after our wonderful stay last week at your condo. Thank you so much for everything and we had a great time. The condo was great for us and we loved the tropical decor. We both admired the frame on the mirror that we assumed was signed by Jeanette. What talent!. We enjoyed breakfast every day on the balcony and loved seeing the ocean. There were a few La Cross games on the field we found interesting, and enterbothersome. We did leave a note for the housekeepers on just a couple of things we found that I assume they will take care of. One was that we were unable to open the double doors, which was not a problem as we just used the door in the bedroom to go to the balcony. However I noticed that on the left side of the door it was open about a half inch. I was unable to move the door to close this. We also noticed that one of the wheels on the roll out bed was bent. It just needed a little more care to move it. We had a wonderful week down there and used many of your suggestions. We snorkeled at Pennekamp State Park and Bahia Park and loved it. We ate out every night always at outside or open restaurants. We started at the Island Grille when we arrived, getting into the island spirit and had the best Tuna Nachos ever. They bragged on their awards for best tuna recipes in the Keys and we agree. Our favorite Key Lime pie was at Wahoo's and their macadamian crusted fish was great also. Our favorite restaurant was the Islamorada Fish Company. We went there twice and the second time we were sure to make it before sunset to watch them feed the Tarpon and the nurse sharks that came in to their lagoon every sunset to be fed. Their sitting area by the water with palm trees and tropical plants in the sand and tiki torches lit, was so tropical and could be very romantic for a couple. On Friday evening there was live pleasant tropical music and a fire dancer during the music break. We enjoyed a day in Key West. We shopped a little, but since we brought our swim suits, we hit the beach on the edge of town when we got hot. We ended that day watching the sunset at Sunset Pier having delicious fish tacos. Just thought I would share some of the things we enjoyed in case some of your guests would enjoy them also. We had a wonderful mother- daughter week and thank you again for the use of your condo. We. We will have great memories from the week!! Sincerely, Alice K

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

A Wonderful Time

Guest: Big Mike (Pomona NJ)
Date of Stay: 02/11/11 Review Submitted: 03/02/11

Dear Lou and Jeanette, I have been coming to your condos in Islamorada for many years now and i have never been disappointed. They are well kept and always clean. The keys are one of my favorite places to vacation, the warm weather, beautiful blue waters, and so many great places to eat, what could be better. In my eyes there is only one thing better than that; it waking up in the morning with a fresh cup of coffee, stepping out on to your balcony and watching the sunrise over the ocean as a cool morning breeze brushes calmly past my face. But that is not all, after my morning coffee the day is full of events and never boring. If it isn't kayaking right off meditation point with a fishing pole in hand or heading down to whale harbor and hopping on a charter boat, its driving down to key west for the sunset celebration and dinner, or just hanging out by the pool grilling up some hot dogs and hamburgers, either way I always have something to do. Thanks for all the great memories.

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

Guest: Deb & Ray
Date of Stay: 01/22/11 Review Submitted: 02/09/11

Lou, thanks again for renting your unit to us. We had a great time! The keys were sent to you today via priority mail. My apologies for the delay. We came back to blizzard conditions this week and I was unable to get them shipped off as quickly as planned. Please let me know when they arrive. I assume you'll be returning the deposit as soon as you receive the keys. Let me know if you need anything else from us. Thanks again! Deb

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Guest: Florie
Date of Stay: 01/22/11 Review Submitted: 02/08/11

Lou, Really enjoyed our second stay at your condo. Although it was windy, we did get out on the water in your kayak a few times. Loved exploring the mangrove islands and fishing from it. The views and other arrangements were just the ticket for our winter respite. The barbecues on the beach, by the pool came in handy. Tell Jeannette she did a beautiful job on the mirror in the living room. Thanks again! Florie & Joe

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We Had a Great Stay

Guest: Lynn (Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 01/01/11 Review Submitted: 02/01/11

Just wanted to let you know that we really enjoyed your condo. We loved the view of the ocean from the sliding doors. The kids loved the pool and fishing from the Meditation Point. We found everything to be clean and in good order. Two weeks wasn't enough time, can't wait to come back. See you next January.Thanks for sharing your place with us.

Owner response:Lynne, Thanks for choosing to stay with us. Glad you enjoyed, and look forward to seeing you next year.

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway.

Guest: Bill & Anne
Date of Stay: 01/01/11 Review Submitted: 02/01/11

We had a wonderful time. Everything was perfect, including the weather. Really loved the balcony overlooking the ocean and your kayak. We found the condo met and exceeded our expectations. We're coming back again next year. Thanks, Bill & Anne

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Guest: Jan
Date of Stay: 12/25/10 Review Submitted: 02/18/11

We had a wonderful Christmas vacation. Your suggestions were invaluable. The fishing trip you set up for us the best we caought yellowtail, snapper, grouper (which we had to throw back), and some nice spanish mackerel. We loved exploring the mangroves in your kayak. We took some great photos from the balcony. Thanks for the memories.

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Our First Trip to the Keys, but not Our Last

Guest: Maureen (NY, NY)
Date of Stay: 12/18/10 Review Submitted: 02/22/11

This was our first trip to the Keys. We were referred to you by our friends, who have been renting from you for the past six years. We weren't disappointed. We felt that we got great value in your condo. Jeannette has a flair for decorating. We found everything neat and clean. The weather was beutiful. The tennis court was just resurfaced, and played great. Our favorite places to eat were Snappers, Hog Heaven, and Mangrove Mike's (for breakfast). At night we loved sitting out on Meditation Pt. with a fishing pole and a glass of wine. We'll see you again next year.

Owner response:We're so glad you enjoyed yourselves. We work hard to make sure that your vacation is enjoyable and affordable. I spoke to Capt. Harry and he said you had a greta day of fishing. Thanks again, and come back soon.

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

Guest: Renee
Date of Stay: 12/18/10 Review Submitted: 02/12/11

Wanted to let you know everything turned out well for our last minute vacation. We let in the Sears guys who delivered the new stove, no problems. We're sending your keys back tomorrow. Snappers and the Lorelei were the best suggestions you gave us. Sunset at Lorelei, with one of their Pina Coladas in hand is the stuff of dreams.Thanks for "hooking" us up on the fishing charter. Larry caught a big Wahoo, that the mate steaked for us, and the chef at the Hungry Tarpon prepared "Island Style". Fantastic. We'll see you again the second week of June.

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Dirty and needs updates

Guest: Karyn (Usa NJ)
Date of Stay: 11/23/10 Review Submitted: 12/20/10

My family stayed over thanksgiving 2010 and found this condo very dirty .The master bed sheets had little black hairs all over it and the bed has a huge lump in the mattress. The kitchen utensils, dishes,silverware were filthy and had to be washed before use .The pots and pans need to be thrown out .the Teflon is all scratched and gross! .The counter top in kitchen needs to be replaced and it was dirty.We sanitized it.. The toaster is unusable it is falling apart and is a hazard. The dead bolt lock does not open from the inside with out a key .That would be a fire hazard. as you are only given one key.The furniture is all dirty and stained .and smells. All the pillows stink! The view is misrepresented as you are in the front of a high school track . Towels are old, musty and stained . I washed all the towels before use . We definitely overpaid . t

Owner response:I'm sorry you didn't enjoy your stay. Had you simply called me, your issues would have been addressed immediately. I have since conducted some routine replacement of such items as bed, countertop, bar stools, refrigerator, and linenes, and my cleaning service. There is no misrepresentation about the sports filed, as I specifically mention it in the ad.

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Guest: Marie & John
Date of Stay: 08/21/10 Review Submitted: 10/02/10

Lou, Thanks so much for letting us rent from you! We're leaving in the morning (Sunday) and I called and left a message with the number you provided on the side of the fridge. Unsure what to do about the keys since it states to lock the unit, so I'll mail them back to you once we get back to WV. It's been a beautiful 9 days - only 1 day of rain (and a little here and there). The pool was absolutely gorgeous...clean, perfect temperature and almost always empty! We only used the kayak once, but we've really enjoyed ourselves. Meditation Point under a full moon, as well as at sunrise, is a beautiful, peaceful place....perfectly named! If you need anything, we'll be in the condo the rest of the evening, and I'll check my e-mail before bedtime. WVU is getting ready to play LSU on ESPN2 ih 30 minutes, so we'll be glued to the TV! Again, thanks for letting us share a piece of your paradise! Marie and John

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Guest: Steve
Date of Stay: 08/01/10 Review Submitted: 08/14/10

Hello - Just wanted to let you know I mailed the keys to both units off yesterday. We had a great time and the condos were great. Thanks!

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Guest: Jim and Beth
Date of Stay: 06/06/10 Review Submitted: 08/14/10

We had a great time. The view was great. The condo was clean and well apportioned. Thanks, and we'll be back in the winter.

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Guest: Autumn
Date of Stay: 05/01/10 Review Submitted: 08/14/10

Lou, I am putting your keys to unit #601 back in the mail today. Could you please email me and let me know when you receive them so I can insure they safely returned to you? We had an excellent time during our stay in Islamorada! Your condo was wonderful! Thank you again for your suggestions for dining out-we went to several on your list! Hopefully in the future we can return again! Thanks again, Autumn

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Guest: Vicky
Date of Stay: 03/13/10 Review Submitted: 08/14/10

HI Lou, I just wanted to let you know that I mailed your keys back to you yesterday. We had a great stay at your condo. It certainly met our expectations and more. We had great weather although a little cooler than last year but all in all wonderful. Our girls enjoyed the pool and my husband enjoyed fishing in the flats. He didn't catch much, a few barracuda but it was great all the same. I totally forgot about your kayak so we didn't get a chance to use it. Perhaps on a future visit! We never did get the key to work in the lock. We used the one that was in the safe on the door. I returned those keys into that safe when we left. Thanks again and hope to rent from you in the future. Regards, Vicky

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