We had easy access to "the tube" as well as parks and restaurants.

05/11/2013 - We had a had a wonderful time at this bright and beautiful property – the listing and pictures are very accurate. Our experience started off great as the owner, Sara, provided us a detailed description on the property and was always quick to respond to any questions.
After a long day of travel, we were very pleased with how clean and welcoming the property was. The flat is very spacious and the huge window overlooking the courtyard was such a treat. The weather was beautiful and we enjoyed the short walk to Regency Park. The property is very close to Primrose Hill, a 6 minute walk to the Underground and plenty of great places to eat within walking distance. If you want to head in to London to see the sites, hop on the tube and you are there within 15-20 minutes.
The owners did a great job of updating the property, but also keeping the historic feel in the flat. We enjoyed cooking our own meals in the well-equipped kitchen, watching movies on the large flat screen after a long day of sight-seeing, and feeling like we were locals. We would definitely recommend this property and would love to return again!

The VRBO Bear

Ahhhh....beautiful surroundings and a 5 minute walk to the beach!

04/30/2013 - Grand Champions Villas is one of the VRBO Bear’s favorite places to stay when visiting Maui, and this condo made it especially great! Located in beautiful Wailea, we loved exploring all the nearby beaches and taking advantage of the perfect weather. The owner has even provided beach chairs, umbrellas, and boogie boards that we were able to bring with us every day.

The condo itself had everything we could have needed, including luxury towels, comfy beds, and televisions in both bedrooms. The bathrooms are incredibly spacious and have been recently renovated. With A/C units and extra fans in each room, we stayed nice and cool even in the Hawaii sun.

The complex has two pools to choose from and great views of the nearby golf courses. The community itself is bright and cheerful, with tons of nearby restaurants and shops.

I would strongly recommend this condo to anyone looking to visit Maui – we had a beary great time!

The back deck is a perfect place to relax!

04/17/2013 - Just another day in paradise. The bear highly recommends staying at this amazing Hawaiian-style beachfront home with breathtaking views of the ocean. From the front lanai with its porch swing and BBQ to the back yard with its beach access and ocean views, this house is perfect for any group that is looking to get away for a true beach vacation…literally steps away from the beach. We spent 7 nights in this cozy private property secured behind a 700 foot lava rock wall. The kitchen was well stocked and offered all the tools for preparing our meals. Waking up to the amazing sunrise off the back deck and falling asleep to the ocean waves made this a very memorable vacation.

We could not have asked for better weather. The house is within a short luxurious walk in the sand or short ride to a plate lunch at Buzz’s Steak & Fish House or a shave ice. To top it all off, the town of Kailua, a short walk/ride from the house, provided all the shopping and activities we needed to make our stay complete. The people of Kailua are very friendly. What a privilege to stay at this beautiful place.

I love the wonderful view of Paris from the terrace!

04/14/2013 - This is the apartment you’ve seen in movies: French windows opening onto a quiet street, with a view of private hillside gardens, a terrace with the best view in Paris and a completely outfitted kitchen. Alexandra and Olivier have thought of every detail—from the natural wood paneling that artfully hides the toilet room to the beautiful artwork throughout the apartment. Even the dishes and glasses are pretty!

The kitchen has a combo grill/oven/microwave, clothes washer and fridge, but only the glass cooktop gives away that this isn’t an original kitchen from the 18th century since everything else is neatly tucked behind wood or iron doors.

I really appreciated that Alexandre took the time to go through the apartment with me and explain each appliance and gadget. The hospitality is apparent everywhere—well stocked cleaning cabinet, tasteful decor throughout, good quality linens, even soap in the shower. The terrace is the perfect place for morning coffee and evening wine, with a view that includes the Eiffel Tower, Montparnasse, Notre Dame and Pompidou Center. It was easy to plan our days and keep in touch with family and friends with the fast internet connection.

The neighborhood is filled with restaurants, bars and shops. It is also filled with tourists by day, but clears out quite a bit in the evenings for your post-dinner ice cream walk.

I was sad to leave my little home away from home in Paris, but have many fond memories, and am already planning my return!

Enjoying the incredible views in this wonderful area!

04/08/2013 - Our party was trying to locate a cabin very close to the slopes of Heavenly Ski Resort in Lake Tahoe, CA, as we’d purchased 2 and 3 day passes to ski and snowboard. After searching through numerous VRBO listings in the Lake Tahoe area, we narrowed our search down to five listings. The very first picture from Bonnie’s Cabin listing in Lake Tahoe Keys looked fantastic so we dug a little deeper and would soon discover one of the coolest spots in Lake Tahoe; upon arrival, we found that Bonnie’s photos, although grand, simply could not do it justice!
This beautiful 2-story Log Cabin served as a luxurious “home base” for us throughout our Tahoe trip. Located just a few minutes from Heavenly Ski Resort, the Heavenly Gondola, Casinos, and Restaurants, we could not have asked for more. If you step outside the back yard and fence, you can be at the river in seconds; follow the river west for a 15-20 minute hike and you’ll find yourself on a sandy shore looking out over emerald green and deep blue waters of Lake Tahoe which are surrounded by snowy mountain peaks with altitudes of up to 10,000+ feet. The sights alone while in Tahoe were utterly amazing, but the unusually crisp clean, fresh air was something we’ll never forget either.
This enormous cabin is outfitted with very cozy updated furniture in both the great room and bedrooms. The Great Room has 2 couches and a few chairs, all of which are comfortable enough to fall asleep on within minutes (trust me, I know from experience). Also in the Great Room is a Pool Table, Shuffleboard, Ping Pong, Bar, Mini Fridge, Flat Screen TV with Cable, a Projector, Surround Sound System, and an Xbox! The 5 bedrooms in the house are furnished with very comfortable mattresses, warm blankets, and fresh/clean linens. The bathrooms were clean and stocked with toilet paper and hand soap. The cabin has a washer and dryer. There are two back porches: one upstairs with a picnic bench, grill, tall bar table with bar chairs, and a porch downstairs with a relaxing swinging chair that looks out into the wilderness behind the house. The Hot Tub was an awesome “go-to” option with an adult beverage after getting back to the house in the evening.
Our time spent in Tahoe was an amazing experience – one that we won’t ever forget. Bonnie and Kris were so kind and accommodating to any of our needs or questions. We could not have asked for more! I highly recommend contacting Bonnie about availability soon if you plan to stay in Lake Tahoe. You will have a fantastic, refreshing vacation!
The VRBO Bear

Enjoying a few minutes in the livingroom by the fireplace.

04/08/2013 - This beautiful condo was the perfect retreat for my outdoor adventures in Summit County, Colorado. Frisco is near all of the best skiing, snowmobile tours, hiking trails and even a giant tubing hill for my young friends!

Right when you enter this mountain getaway you know you’re going to have a 5-star experience. From the welcome basket and bottle of wine, to all of the toiletry items you’re able to settle right in to your vacation. The condo had everything we needed for our stay including a private hot tub with snow-capped mountain views, two master suites with private bathrooms, a loft area with Xbox and DVDs, and a completely stocked kitchen with everything we needed to cook dinner while enjoying the toasty fireplace and beautiful scenery.

Anyone from a large family to a group of friends would enjoy this condo since there are plenty of spaces for everyone to spread out and relax after a long day outdoors! The best part is that even when you’re indoors there are amazing mountain views everywhere you look!

If you want to wander around Frisco, you’re only one block away from Main Street and all of the charming boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants. You’re also next to the shuttle stop that takes you all around Summit County.

Don’t be surprised if at the end of your vacation you don’t want to leave this amazing home away from home. I know I can’t wait to return!

The VRBO Bear

Relaxing in this beautiful location with lullabies of the ocean waves

03/16/2013 - Three straight cloudless sunny days in a fabulous house with an absolutely fabulous location! Tucked away behind views of lush palm trees and calming lullabies of the ocean waves, there was not a chance that any worldly stresses could interfere. This sweet house packed all the amenities one could ask for; from the heated saltwater pool, full kitchen and comfy queen beds, to the long-stretched tiled viewing porches on every level of this three story gem. There was always something wonderful to gaze upon! The mornings would start nice and slow sipping coffee, enjoying the cool morning breezes and taking in the various sounds of jungle wildlife. In the afternoons, we could laze in the warm pool and grill our meals as the local fisherman would stop in to offer the catch of the day. As fresh as it gets! In the evenings we could enjoy our favorite tunes on the IPOD stereo system in the kitchen/dining area and then open the fully glassed sliding doors to enjoy the sea breezes and cloudless starry nights. Every level had ocean views! The owners, Nils and Denice ever so graciously explained the ropes and some of the impressive elements of this little surf town. They are in the hospitality business so they are a real treat to converse with! It is such a wonderful place to vacation when you want to escape the tourist element and enjoy the overabundance of friendly and cultural atmosphere.

The food was absolutely to die for! The shopping was great and San Pancho is just minutes away from a popular tourist destination, Sayulita, if you wanted to indulge in even more trinkets, surfing and people-watching. On a day excursion we enjoyed snorkeling, which was fantastic and we even got to see Humpback whales in the wild!

Getting to the house is easy as it is one main highway straight from the airport to the town. The home is gated and has its own yard so you can be as private as you would like. Everything was stress free! Whether you are looking for a place to relax or go adventuring, you can do it all here. Don’t miss out on this little slice of Mexican heaven!

Having fun with Gus the baby donkey.

03/15/2013 - I needed a vacation to ease me out of a long winter of hibernation. I was looking for a place with lots of access to nature, near a lake full of fish and geese; a place where I could relax and ease into spring. Boy, did I find the perfect place in Southeast Tennessee at the House on Lakeshore. I was impressed by the information I found on line for this VRBO listing.

When I got there, I was even more impressed. I was greeted with a basket full of fresh baked blueberry and poppy seed muffins, a breakfast starter kit, and some bathing essentials. The blueberry muffins were made with blueberries that came from the property and were delicious.

After settling in the very spacious two story lake house, I noticed there were incredible views of the lake from the master bedroom, kitchen, and an expansive back porch. The front porch has a great view of the fenced in goats and donkeys that reside on the property. Every bed was comfortable and relaxing. We enjoyed sleeping in every morning and waking to the calls of geese as they swooped in to land in the lake each morning.

I spent several mornings fishing off the pier on the property and then ventured into the lake on one of two paddle boats. Exploring the lake was a blast and also good exercise. Several days were spent doing nature hikes in the area. There were falls and creeks to explore as well as cliffs to climb, and photos to take of the amazing geography. Every evening I took advantage of the warm hot tub on the back deck as well as grilling up some choice entrees for dinner on the outdoor grill.

When I wanted to play games, I had my choice of ping pong, foosball, corn hole, various board games, and checkers. When I wanted to kick back and relax, I had a hammock, porch swing, a nice selection of movies and several TVs to choose from. I also had access to a fully equipped kitchen and the nearby towns had nice restaurants and grocery stores to make this feel like home.

I was so refreshed after my time here and would highly recommend this place to anyone wanting to relax and get away. It is especially good for reunions, family vacations, couples getaway, etc. I would love to come back and visit again one day and finish seeing the rest of the surrounding countryside in this beautiful part of the Cumberland Plateau.

The VRBO Bear

You’ll find this home as charming as the VRBO Bear himself!

03/09/2013 - My friends and I arrived via the Muni at 22nd Ave and Taraval Street on a Saturday afternoon in mid-March, honey pots bought from a nearby Trader Joe’s in tow. Next to the Muni stop is a playground and public library where families and children were gathered. We headed towards our den away from home, which was only a short two-block walk through a lovely neighborhood of pastel-colored stucco houses.

The house itself is one of the most charming on the street. Unlike most of the surrounding two-story homes, it has only a few steps to the front door, easy when carrying luggage! Once inside, we were amazed at the details that make this home exceptionally inviting; from how spotlessly clean it was, to the chocolates left for us on the pillows, the color-coded towels, and to the lamp that was left on to welcome our arrival. We appreciated the well-organized and fully-stocked kitchen, as well as the private deck and picnic table in the backyard for al fresco dining. The entire house is filled with natural light during the day, making it feel even more spacious and warm. We were glad to come home to this cozy house after our long adventures around the city.

With public transportation less than a 10 minute walk away, this house is an ideal home base for exploring San Francisco without a car. My friends and I went to Chinatown, Fisherman’s Wharf, The Fillmore, Golden Gate Park, and many other unique places. There are numerous restaurants within walking distance of the house (we were in dumpling heaven on Taraval Street!), several grocery stores, and lots of public green space.

We truly felt at home in this wonderful vacation rental. Eric, the owner, gets a round of a-paws for being a very kind and exceptional host. The pride and care he takes in his rental business is evident in the details and our memories of San Francisco will always include the time we spent in this slice of paradise.

Just wait until you see the amazing views from peaceful retreat!

03/08/2013 - Our party stayed at this house for a weekend and it was perfect! We needed a big place and wanted to be near all of the action in Sonoma, and we definitely got that - but we couldn't have expected the amazing views!! We enjoyed every sunrise & sunset.

The square is just a few minutes away, and we easily found grocery stores and restaurants nearby.

The neighborhood is quite nice. After we pulled into the driveway and up the hill, we immediately we noticed the breathtaking views for miles all around! The home was a peaceful retreat for any group, very private and park-like.
The views could also be seen from the living room & dining room. We made our way out to the lawn pretty quickly, which was easy to do with all the outdoor furniture where our group could relax and enjoy the view. Several of my friends live in NYC and other large cities, and they LOVED the wide open space and the deer grazing on the lawn.

The owners really have thought of everything. The large bathrooms were well stocked with hair dryers and other inconvenient-to-pack items, including a curling iron. There were emergency items like sunscreen, toothpaste/toothbrush, and hairspray. The kitchen was very large, and it had all of the utensils, pots & pans and dishes that we needed. We were pleased to find a basket of fresh fruit and tea available as well. We made dinner one night and several of the girls could be prepping veggies and cooking at the same time in the kitchen. And of course, everything was clean & tidy.

You might not expect a vacation rental to have good beds, but these were very comfortable - you will get a very good sleep here, guaranteed.

It wasn't just the wine and general activity during the weekend - very friendly owners, too!

I loved being sooooo close to everything!

02/27/2013 - After looking at photos of the studio, we were pleasantly surprised to see how much larger it appeared when we actually stepped inside. The apartment is decorated in warm colors, and all of the mirrors help make the space feel quite spacious but cozy. The bathroom is huge with a great walk-in shower, and the pull-out sofa bed is quite comfortable. There is a fully equipped kitchen with really every amenity that you would require. However the best part of this apartment is definitely the location. The train from the airport drops you off no more than a 5 minute walk away, and you are perfectly placed to visit every neighborhood of Paris. Ile Saint Louis has a number of cute restaurants and shops, and the Marais is just a quick walk across the bridge and provides access to a great area full of unique and fun restaurants. Our favorite part was that we could walk to pretty much everything! Even though the weather was chilly, we were able to walk to the Notre Dame, the Louvre, and the Pompidou Centre. Many other places are walkable, or at a minimum a quick metro ride away if you don’t feel like walking! Nicolas is a great host, as he provides tons of information and is readily available on his cell phone. Any questions you have, he’s happy to answer for you and gives great advice.

The VRBO Bear

Lots of room for a bear to kick back and relax.

02/27/2013 - This apartment is absolutely beautiful, and very large for Paris! It is in a charming old building, but has been completely remodeled so that it possesses the best of both worlds. Its large windows provide warm lighting, and high ceilings display wonderful exposed hardwood beams. It has a nice sized bedroom and a large living room that has both a couch and a chair that fold out to provide room for another 3 people. There is storage everywhere for clothing and anything else you can imagine. The bathroom has all new hardware and an amazing walk-in shower. A great kitchen is equipped with new appliances and all the amenities if you feel like staying in and cooking. However the location is absolutely perfect, with tons of excellent restaurants and brasseries within walking distance for those who prefer to dine out. Many other places of interest are walkable, or at a minimum a quick metro ride away if you don’t feel like walking. The apartment is on a nice quiet street, so you won’t be bothered if you decide to sleep late, but is close to all sorts of nightlife if you decide that you want to stay out late. Overall the apartment and location are ideal, with everything you could ask for to provide an amazing Paris getaway.

The VRBO Bear

Six bedrooms plus the loft for me and my friends.

02/24/2013 - Our unbelievable experience started even before we arrived. The owner of this cabin, Pennie, made our getaway an easy and enjoyable one. After speaking to us and going over logistics of our stay, she found out that my sister in-law would be celebrating her birthday, and we were also celebrating 2 soon-to-be wedded couples in the party. She advised there would be something special waiting for us when we arrived.

As we drove into the Roslyn Ridge community, we saw a group of breathtaking cabins. It was obvious that this community takes pride in their homes. We turned onto Tiger Lily Lane, and there it was, “Cabin Near Suncadia”. As we entered, the first thing we noticed was a very large wooden slab dining table, enough to seat about 12 comfortably! On the dining table were trays of gifts including branded champagne glasses, pens, Frisbees, coffee mugs, and an adorable mini stuffed moose. In the living room were high ceilings with 2 rustic chandeliers, and a gorgeous stone fireplace, surrounded by orchids and flowers. To the left of the fireplace was an enormous stuffed moose waiting for us to arrive. Bear and Moose were instant friends, of course. We set our bags down and made our way upstairs to the loft and 2 bedrooms. Here the VRBO Bear found another stuffed friend, Reindeer. There was a set of bunks in the loft with an adorable wooden checkers table.

All together this cabin has 6 bedrooms, 2 kitchens and 2 living rooms. The master bedroom has a comfortable king size bed and an en-suite bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub. There was a gigantic pool table, and a kitchen with a round dining table great for playing board games or cards. There was also a foosball table.

The living room had comfortable couches and a flat screen TV with a Wii, perfect for streaming Netflix movies or playing some virtual Wii bowling. This place couldn’t get any better! And then it did….we opened the back door and found a glorious 8 person hot tub just waiting for the Bear to jump in. This was the best weekend getaway ever!

The VRBO Bear

Six bedrooms plus the loft for me and my friends.

02/24/2013 - Our unbelievable experience started even before we arrived. The owner of this cabin, Pennie, made our getaway an easy and enjoyable one. After speaking to us and going over logistics of our stay, she found out that my sister in-law would be celebrating her birthday, and we were also celebrating 2 soon-to-be wedded couples in the party. She advised there would be something special waiting for us when we arrived.

As we drove into the Roslyn Ridge community, we saw a group of breathtaking cabins. It was obvious that this community takes pride in their homes. We turned onto Tiger Lily Lane, and there it was, “Cabin Near Suncadia”. As we entered, the first thing we noticed was a very large wooden slab dining table, enough to seat about 12 comfortably! On the dining table were trays of gifts including branded champagne glasses, pens, Frisbees, coffee mugs, and an adorable mini stuffed moose. In the living room were high ceilings with 2 rustic chandeliers, and a gorgeous stone fireplace, surrounded by orchids and flowers. To the left of the fireplace was an enormous stuffed moose waiting for us to arrive. Bear and Moose were instant friends, of course. We set our bags down and made our way upstairs to the loft and 2 bedrooms. Here the VRBO Bear found another stuffed friend, Reindeer. There was a set of bunks in the loft with an adorable wooden checkers table.

All together this cabin has 6 bedrooms, 2 kitchens and 2 living rooms. The master bedroom has a comfortable king size bed and an en-suite bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub. There was a gigantic pool table, and a kitchen with a round dining table great for playing board games or cards. There was also a foosball table.

The living room had comfortable couches and a flat screen TV with a Wii, perfect for streaming Netflix movies or playing some virtual Wii bowling. This place couldn’t get any better! And then it did….we opened the back door and found a glorious 8 person hot tub just waiting for the Bear to jump in. This was the best weekend getaway ever!

The VRBO Bear

Six bedrooms plus the loft for me and my friends.

02/24/2013 - Our unbelievable experience started even before we arrived. The owner of this cabin, Pennie, made our getaway an easy and enjoyable one. After speaking to us and going over logistics of our stay, she found out that my sister in-law would be celebrating her birthday, and we were also celebrating 2 soon-to-be wedded couples in the party. She advised there would be something special waiting for us when we arrived.

As we drove into the Roslyn Ridge community, we saw a group of breathtaking cabins. It was obvious that this community takes pride in their homes. We turned onto Tiger Lily Lane, and there it was, “Cabin Near Suncadia”. As we entered, the first thing we noticed was a very large wooden slab dining table, enough to seat about 12 comfortably! On the dining table were trays of gifts including branded champagne glasses, pens, Frisbees, coffee mugs, and an adorable mini stuffed moose. In the living room were high ceilings with 2 rustic chandeliers, and a gorgeous stone fireplace, surrounded by orchids and flowers. To the left of the fireplace was an enormous stuffed moose waiting for us to arrive. Bear and Moose were instant friends, of course. We set our bags down and made our way upstairs to the loft and 2 bedrooms. Here the VRBO Bear found another stuffed friend, Reindeer. There was a set of bunks in the loft with an adorable wooden checkers table.

All together this cabin has 6 bedrooms, 2 kitchens and 2 living rooms. The master bedroom has a comfortable king size bed and an en-suite bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub. There was a gigantic pool table, and a kitchen with a round dining table great for playing board games or cards. There was also a foosball table.

The living room had comfortable couches and a flat screen TV with a Wii, perfect for streaming Netflix movies or playing some virtual Wii bowling. This place couldn’t get any better! And then it did….we opened the back door and found a glorious 8 person hot tub just waiting for the Bear to jump in. This was the best weekend getaway ever!

The VRBO Bear

A very relaxing time at the Madre Bay House,

02/19/2013 - The whole bear clan gathered for a road trip to Corpus Christi. It was an overcast morning when we arrived, but you would never guess it when you stepped into the Madre Bay House! Natural light poured in through multiple facets of windows facing the bay from floor to ceiling, providing a warm glow. The décor was a wonderful mixture of tasteful nautical with hints of antique.

We all settled in quite easily – our elder grandbears were pleased to find that even with their physical challenges, they could easily navigate the lower living quarters and bay-facing deck. Mr. Bear and I took the bedroom upstairs in the loft. When we opened our eyes in the morning, we were in awe at the ocean view from the bed. It was a gorgeous sight to behold.

During the day, we relaxed, cooked local seafood in the well-appointed kitchen, played board games, and lingered on the deck. The 5yr old cub was entertained for hours with the plastic bowling pins and toys she found in the garage, which was attached to the house and allowed for ease of supervision. In the evenings, while the grandbears watched a movie from the selection of DVDs, Mr. Bear and I utilized the available fishing equipment at the house to try our luck off the deck. Aside from a trip to the beach to make sand-castles, and a quick trip to the nearby bait shop, we found very little reason to depart from the comforts of the Madre Bay House and the company of our family. It was truly the perfect den away from home!

Comfortable rooms to relax in after a great day sightseeing.

02/13/2013 - My husband and our two boys went to visit my family in the Washington, D.C. area. After extensive searching, we came across this lovely little house in Old Town Alexandria. We knew we loved the place as soon as we saw it. It has its own driveway, helpful because the area has limited parking available. The backyard/courtyard is currently under construction, but looks like it's going to be beautiful. The entrance has a mud room, with the other rooms all upstairs. In this mudroom, they have a cute little chalkboard that welcomes the family. I grew up in the area and the old house reminded me of my youth. It's very old and has a lot of the lovely original fixtures, including hardwood floors.

Going up the stairs, on the right is a wonderful parlor with a TV and chess table. It is warm and inviting, with an eclectic style. On the left is a hallway where the bedrooms and kitchen are located. The first room is the master room where we found fresh cut flowers, a charming personal touch. The next room is a wonderful kid room with two twin beds. The boys took an instant liking to the home, especially when they found home-made cookies on the bed! The last room is the kitchen and then the sunroom, which was the biggest hit!

The sun shines into the sunroom in the mornings, making it warm and inviting. It also has a lovely view of the homes of Old Town along with a view of the Potomac River. When we were in the house, we stayed primarily in the sunroom. It was a great area where we could connect as a family.

The house is in a perfect location. Within a short walking distance are tons of restaurants, shopping, the Potomac River and the wonderful Torpedo Factory, where you can see local artists at work. It’s a quick hop, skip and a jump to D.C. itself.

We were all pleased with the house and would definitely stay there again when we go back.

You'll have a mountain of fun here!

02/06/2013 - The Bear broke out his snow gear for a fabulous stay at this GREAT East Vail mountain home. As if the beauty of Vail’s wintery wonderland was not enough, the Bear was VERY impressed with many aspects of this home, particularly the open kitchen and living areas which made both early morning pre-ski and early evening après-ski time together so much fun. Each unique bedroom with its own bathroom, two of which have loft spaces, provided adequate sleeping and bathing privacy for the Bear and his friends. The Bear loved walking out the front door, walking less than 3 minutes to the bus and riding 10-15 minutes to Vail Village, exploring Vail mountain on his snowboard, and partaking in Vail’s nightlife including dinners at Game Creek and La Bottega and watching music legend Roy over at the Marriott lounge sing his favorite tunes. When the Bear took a day off from hitting the slopes, he read his book in the living area gazing at the beautiful white mountains, played chess with friends, sat in the hot tub to rest his Bear paws, and cooked his favorite dish of turkey tacos. The owners made the Bear feel so welcome with all of their suggestions and by ensuring that all amenities were just right for their guests. The Bear was even greeted by the neighborhood fox Cleo and they became great friends over leftover bacon! Many many thanks to Richard and Emily for a great stay!

Great location at a great price! You will love your stay.

01/07/2013 - “This property is the top of the line in the French Quarter! The pictures and video are just as fabulous as the rental itself. I would really recommend this property to any guests who have a large group and want that extra space to spread out after a crazy night out on Bourbon Street. Everything from the fresh clean linens, convenience of the washer/dryer, and disposable toothbrushes all came in handy on my late night out in the Big Easy. The condo has great security from the front door of the building to the front door of the rental and makes any guest feel safe. Beautifully located across from the House of Blues and within walking distance of everything cool in the Quarters. A must-stay for anyone who likes to live large for a great price!”

The VRBO Bear

Enjoy the beautiful white sand beach!

12/29/2012 - The moment we walked into what we call “The Rocking Chair House”, we were amazed at how well maintained, nice and spacious the house was. Many properties say beachfront or near the beach but this house is right on a large stretch of a gorgeous white sand beach! You can take in the views from two full length covered porches with eight plus relaxing rocking chairs.

One of the best part of any beach stay is a bonfire and at this house it’s completely legal and fun to do. Just clean up the area in the morning. There’s a trash can right at the entrance so this is easy to do. We enjoyed making s’mores and telling stories by the fire a couple of the evenings.

The WIFI reaches out towards the beach and on the patios so you can enjoy browsing your iPad, checking emails and sending real time photos that will make your family jealous :)

The house is very spacious compared to many we have stayed at and has a very efficient layout. Each bedroom has two sinks, one in the shower area and one right in each of the master bedroom(s). This allows two people to get ready at the same time and have some extra space.

The kids had a blast going up and down the spiral staircase which makes the upstairs feel like their private hideaway. There are other doors upstairs leading to the second “full length” deck which they used a bit, but they really enjoyed the spiral staircases.

We had some great meals at Joe Mama’s Pizza and several of the local oyster bars. Even during the off season, this area is a blast and offers many great things to do. One of our favorite adventures was driving out to the Indian Pass oyster bar which is near a park out on a peninsula.

This property is basically two symmetrical fully equipped 3 bedroom houses split by a rolling door. You can rent both or one side during non summer months. Due to the flexibility of this layout, you can have a family reunion with multiple families or book it for yourself.

The hosts were very kind, helpful and knowledgeable about the area. One morning we had a wind storm and they called us to make sure everything was alright. This house was so solid and quiet, we barely even noticed but appreciated the call.

The VRBO Bear

Enjoy the beautiful white sand beach!

12/29/2012 - The moment we walked into what we call “The Rocking Chair House”, we were amazed at how well maintained, nice and spacious the house was. Many properties say beachfront or near the beach but this house is right on a large stretch of a gorgeous white sand beach! You can take in the views from two full length covered porches with eight plus relaxing rocking chairs.

One of the best part of any beach stay is a bonfire and at this house it’s completely legal and fun to do. Just clean up the area in the morning. There’s a trash can right at the entrance so this is easy to do. We enjoyed making s’mores and telling stories by the fire a couple of the evenings.

The WIFI reaches out towards the beach and on the patios so you can enjoy browsing your iPad, checking emails and sending real time photos that will make your family jealous :)

The house is very spacious compared to many we have stayed at and has a very efficient layout. Each bedroom has two sinks, one in the shower area and one right in each of the master bedroom(s). This allows two people to get ready at the same time and have some extra space.

The kids had a blast going up and down the spiral staircase which makes the upstairs feel like their private hideaway. There are other doors upstairs leading to the second “full length” deck which they used a bit, but they really enjoyed the spiral staircases.

We had some great meals at Joe Mama’s Pizza and several of the local oyster bars. Even during the off season, this area is a blast and offers many great things to do. One of our favorite adventures was driving out to the Indian Pass oyster bar which is near a park out on a peninsula.

This property is basically two symmetrical fully equipped 3 bedroom houses split by a rolling door. You can rent both or one side during non summer months. Due to the flexibility of this layout, you can have a family reunion with multiple families or book it for yourself.

The hosts were very kind, helpful and knowledgeable about the area. One morning we had a wind storm and they called us to make sure everything was alright. This house was so solid and quiet, we barely even noticed but appreciated the call.

The VRBO Bear

The Gorgeous Indoor Atrium

11/02/2012 - The moment we drove up to Casa Maganda we were amazed at how meticulously maintained and beautiful the area was, especially since it was right in the middle of a rainforest! As soon as we drove up to the house and pulled into the gate we saw a protected port that was perfect for our rental car. We were greeted shortly after our arrival by Buck who made sure fresh, local fruit was there for us and even brought a pound cake that his wife had made. Buck answered all of our questions about the property and Tarcoles and made sure to let us know about all the wonderful things we should do. Everyone in Tarcoles knows Buck and will sometimes offer you a discount on a tour if you mention his name. He was kind enough to book a fishing, hiking and snorkeling adventure for us!

As soon as you walk into the house you’ll see a gorgeous atrium with a huge sky-lit roof and calming fountain. The whole house is built around this beautiful room. Behind the atrium is a cozy TV room and media center that is attached to the kitchen. The TV was big enough for all of us to watch and the media center had a monitor for the security cameras around the property. The kitchen had everything we needed and even included a really neat pineapple slicer that made coring and slicing pineapples a snap. We were able to keep the outside of our pineapples and use them as cups! The granite countertops, modern appliances and beautiful wooden cabinets allowed us to prepare all sorts of wonderful meals. We also used the outdoor grill to prepare fresh fish and chicken tacos.

There are plenty of seating areas around the house where we could relax with our laptops and Kindles using the WiFi connection. We were even able to stream music outside from our favorite internet stations while lounging by the pool. If you continue walking down the backyard you can see a river behind the property called the “Tarcolitos”. There are steps that lead down from the backyard and you can stick your feet in if you’d like. We were able to hike to the waterfall that feeds this river by driving up the road a few kilometers.

The bedrooms in the house were super comfy. There’s a maid that comes every day to tidy up and make the beds, plus she can do special chores such as laundry if you leave a nice tip. Each room had its own AC unit which made sure everyone was comfortable. The two double bedrooms were perfect for my friends and were connected by a large bathroom with its own shower and double sinks. There was enough privacy and space for everyone. I chose the master bedroom with a King Size bed, Jacuzzi tub, huge shower and double sinks. This bed was so comfortable and luxurious, only the smell of amazing Costa Rican coffee could get me out! I also really enjoyed the Jacuzzi tub, especially after the 4 hour hike we took to see the waterfalls. There’s a shorter way to view the waterfalls through the entrance of Pura Vida gardens without going on the big hike we did.

This was the perfect place to experience Pura Vida and indulge in everything Costa Rica has to offer.

Kick back and relax in this comfy living room after a fun day in the area

10/23/2012 - For a bear like me in a new city, location is of utmost importance. This charming apartment has a great location in the heart of Paris. “Point zero” or “kilometre zero” from where all distances are measured in France is literally 10 minutes walk. You don’t get more central than that. The closest subway station has only yellow line or line #1, but it takes you straight to many sites in Paris, including the Louvre, Champs Elysee and the Eiffel tower.

Before I arrived, I had an idea of how central the apartment is. That is why we were very surprised to see how spacious the apartment is given its location. It can accommodate 4 people easily and even has a separate naturally-lit dining room.

While the apartment is central, it is definitely not touristy. Stepping out the door, you will find yourself surrounded by Parisians grocery shopping, sipping coffee and carrying loaves of baguette. We quickly shopped and ate like Parisians and really enjoyed it.

Our host during the stay, Barbara and Gomez, the owner, helped us settle in quickly and remained extremely helpful during our stay. They were very quick in responding to all of our inquiries and in general very pleasant to work with. The apartment even has a table full of 2012 tour books for Paris. While we came prepared, these little details show that the owners care about travelers and their stays.

After a day on the beach, you can enjoy all the comforts of home.

10/16/2012 - Come stay at this beautiful beachfront home that can be enjoyed year-round! This house is perfect for any group that is looking to get away for a true beach vacation…literally steps away from the beach.

The location of this house is perfect. It is located in Pointe West Resort which is about 15 miles from downtown Galveston. The home is perfectly situated on the beach with 2 stories of decks that look out over the beautiful beach and ocean. The decks are perfect for enjoying dinner outside with the night breeze or your morning coffee as you watch the sun rise over the ocean. It also offers quick beach access with a walkover just steps away. The bottom level under the house has two large picnic tables which are great for group gatherings and an outdoor shower for rinsing off after a day at the beach.

The inside of the house is quite spacious and comfortable with an open floor plan for enjoying time together. We traveled with our family of four along with my brother’s family of three and had lots of space to enjoy each other’s company, while still having our own privacy. There is a fireplace in the living room and master bedroom which would make a cold weather getaway quite enjoyable and relaxing!

Pointe West Resort has 2 separate pool areas – one with an infinity pool and kids pool overlooking the ocean and another with a small lazy river overlooking the bay. They are perfect spots for breaking up the beach time with the kids or just going to cool off from the ocean water.
I highly recommend this home for any and group looking for a comfortable and relaxing beach getaway on the gulf coast of Texas.

The VRBO Bear

Ahhhh, sun, surf and amazing views!!!!

10/13/2012 - You Betta Belize It! From the start we were treated with kindness and luxury. My family and friends were greeted at the boat dock and welcomed by the owner with tropical flowers for the ladies. They helped us carry our luggage to the house and showed us around this beautiful designer home.

It is true; Casa Rana is a living-breathing piece of art, dancing with energy twenty four hours a day. The owners have furnished the home with every last detail to make your vacation a true experience. The kitchen is filled with all the cooking needs of a chef and is adjacent to the beautiful dining room with amazing views. The living room is plush and well-lit to read your favorite book or share your day’s stories with your family. All three bedrooms have unobscured panoramic views of the ocean, top of the line bedding, beautiful art, private bathrooms with walk in showers, and doors that open to the patios.

If you are looking for privacy and a vacation rental tucked away from the hustle and bustle, you can have just that. This private lot has a wonderful hammock tucked away in the trees with great views of the ocean and beautiful tropical flowers. The property has a wonderful BBQ area to cook out, leading to a wonderful 10’ x 14’ Plunge Pool perfect for cooling off and hanging out. The patios have wonderful Adirondack style cushioned chairs to relax on, as well as two large lounge chairs. We spent every morning watching the amazing sun rise either from the patio or the dock while discovering dolphins and sea rays as they often come by for a visit. There is a wonderfully put together Zen Garden on the back side of the house for your relaxation, yoga, or just to contemplate life. No matter where you were, every evening was filled with listening to the wonderful sound of frogs from the pond behind the house as they filled the night air with a glorious sound!

If you want to get out and explore the town of San Pedro there are shuttles which can pick you up for a small fee and take you into town. If you want to go Diving, Snorkeling, Fishing, Cave Tubing, Zip Lining, Visiting Mayan Ruins, Kayaking, Swimming, Spa or Spa Treatments, you are just a phone call away. Diana has many trusted guides and she can help direct you. We took a suggested day trip snorkeling aboard EL GATO with Captain Geraldo Badillo and 1st Mate Justo as they took us to Hol Chan Reef. They were great guides as they pointed out eagle rays, huge turtles, and dolphins playing. They then took us on to Caye Caulker for a few hours of shopping and lunch before heading back out to snorkel Shark Ray Alley to swim with the sharks. Our Captain made us the most delicious fresh salsa for us to enjoy on our trip back to San Pedro. From there we did a little shopping before catching the Tropical Ferry back to the house for the evening.

We truly enjoyed our stay at Casa Rana and know you will too! May the frogs always be with us!

The VRBO Bear

You can enjoy this house both inside and outside.

10/12/2012 - Kay’s Cottage is absolutely fabulous and should be at the top of anyone’s list visiting Rosemary Beach! It is perfect for groups and families and all I can say is location, location, location!!!

Unbeatable location. Rosemary beach is already convenient but Kay’s Cottage can’t be compared – it is less than 100 steps to the beach, the main town street with restaurants, and a green perfect to play with kids – I promise, we counted them! In less than 2 minutes, you can be on the beach, picking up breakfast at Cowgirl Kitchen, or playing baseball on the green. The patio off the front of the house provides an ocean view fantastic to experience with coffee and a town view fun to watch at night.

Fabulous courtyard. As you enter the property through gorgeous wrought iron gates, there is a fantastic courtyard with a huge table, grill, and water fountain all perfect for entertaining. My brother-in-law brought a TV and we grilled oysters and watched football in the courtyard one afternoon.

Spacious living. We traveled with two other families and there was plenty of sleeping and lounging room for everyone! Every room was decorated wonderfully and each of the 5 bedrooms had a private bathroom which was fantastic. The owners graciously provided plenty of bath towels to last our entire party the whole week without having to do laundry. Our favorite bedroom was the kids bunkroom which had 2 bunk beds and was very playfully decorated complete with a game table. With younger kids, it was conveniently located right off the main den on the second floor which made it easy for the adults to have fun and to check on the kids easily.

Plentiful amenities. The kitchen was fully stocked, there were plenty of TVs in the common areas and bedrooms, and there were great local guide books/menus left throughout the house to help us make restaurant choices. There was also a grill available for cooking which made it easy to cook for a big group as well.

This is the best family friendly home and vacation we’ve ever been on thanks to Kay’s Cottage. I would recommend it to anyone traveling to the Florida Panhandle or Rosemary Beach.

The VRBO Bear

I enjoyed this Mediterranean view from my own balcony.

10/11/2012 - Villa Scarpariello is heaven on earth. From the sweeping views of the Mediterranean, to the evening breezes lulling you to sleep through open windows, all your cares are whisked away.
October turned out to be the perfect time to visit this amazing property. We were greeted at the door by Dominic, our on-site host. He graciously showed us to our rooms. The steps wound down to the double room, and then down and down again past the outdoor breakfast veranda, through lush gardens, to the apartment Regina.
Apartment Regina boasts views of the Mediterranean from two huge bedroom windows, and through double doors in the living/dining area that lead to the balcony. There was also a small kitchen with a veritable smorgasbord awaiting us after our 24 hours of traveling! Our reservations manager, Emiliano, had arranged a meal of homemade sundried tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, just-baked bread, marinated mushrooms, prosciutto, and 3 little slices of cake. We ate like kings! And then we slept like babies.
Villa Scarpariello really is a great place from which to embark on daily adventures and truly take in the Amalfi Coast. After a lovely breakfast of fresh breads, yogurt, fruit, coffee and juices, we went down to the local town (Minori). It was Sunday and there just happened to be a wedding at the local basilica. Beautiful!
Another day, we took a drive down to Amalfi to catch the ferry over to Capri. There’s nothing like a boat ride with the sea air blowing through your hair! The island was beautiful, and the shopping divine. We took a long lunch and then the ferry back home. We had plenty of time to visit Positano and lie on the beach, hike to the top of the crater at Mount Vesuvius and take in Herculaneum and Pompeii, explore the extensive gardens of Villa Cimbrone, and we even spent a day in Rome on the way home.
If you’re more the stay-at-home type, you really could spend all your time at the Villa and in its gardens. There are tons of little nooks where you can read and relax, a beautiful salt-water pool and tanning deck, and even a place to jump into the sea!
Pier Paulo, Dominic, and Emiliano really made our stay memorable and comfortable by recommending all the best restaurants, shops, and little hidden gems.
Planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast? Make Villa Scarpariello your home base!


The VRBO Bear

You will love every inch of this beautiful home.

10/07/2012 - Welcome to Rancho Del Mar, a home away from home. This is a beautiful place to stay with everything we needed and beyond; and the perfect place to stay while exploring the Oregon Coast. It is ideal for families and extended families but has lots to offer the grownups too.

The owners of Rancho Del Mar have taken great pride in their home and give extra care to their visitors. The home is not only beautifully decorated, comfortable and very clean but is stocked with what you will need for your stay; with games, puzzles, firewood, sand toys and a well-appointed kitchen. The owners were also delightful to work with, answering all of our questions and providing us with a list of activities to do in the area. They were one of our favorite owners that we have had the pleasure to vacation with.

Rancho Del Mar sits 4 homes back from the beach. It has a side yard with trees, flowers, chairs, a sand box for the cubs. The expansive back deck is off of the family room and master suite and features great ocean views, perfect for lounging in the sun, relaxing, listening to the surf, and enjoying family meals too. Inside the newly renovated and beautifully decorated home is a big log fireplace, perfect for cozy evenings or enjoying the view when the weather is less than perfect. The kitchen has new cabinets, granite counters, a beautiful tile back splash and everything that a chef would need including coastal colored Fiesta-ware and stainless steel appliances. The beds and bedding are high quality and very comfortable. The kids’ bunk rooms are a dream, as well as the kids’ game and TV room. There is an outdoor shower off of the laundry room that is perfect for rinsing off after a day at the beach. There are games, movies, puzzles, books, toys, a wagon and sand toys for the kids or the inner bear in all of us.

Arch Cape is a small community of homes between the highway and the pristine Arch Cape beach. It is only 4-6 houses wide between the highway and the ocean. It is a quiet community with an easily accessible beach. There are various pathways to the rock barrier and then the soft sand. The beach is perfect for taking long walks, sea-shelling, making sand castles and just relaxing. You can walk a mile up the beach to Hug Point and explore the caves and tide pools or the waterfall at low tide, or walk south towards Oswald State Park and its gorgeous hiking trails. Arch Cape is very close to nearby towns, sights to see, mountains for hiking and many other beaches to explore. Our bear family enjoyed exploring the beaches, Cannon Beach and its lovely shops and divine restaurants, hiking at Oswald State Park and Short Sands Beach, building a beach bonfire, touring the Tillamook lighthouse and the yummy cheese factory, riding beach bikes, crabbing at Nehalem Bay and even just enjoying Rancho Del Mar was its own slice of heaven. There are so many fun things to see and do in the northern Oregon coast.

Rancho Del Mar was a perfect home for the VRBO Bear and our cubs. The bear highly recommends that you choose to stay here and explore the Oregon coast.

The VRBO Bear

After a fun day in Paris, you can relax and soak in this nice big tub!

10/07/2012 - The Ben Franklin Hideaway was in the perfect location in Paris. I had a terrific time starting all my excursions from this quaint little apartment. The apartment is conveniently located near a wonderful grocery store that allowed me to buy a few meals. As a traveling bear, I prefer to cook my own food when traveling - having a grocery store nearby where I could buy all the ingredients made this rather easy. In a city like Paris, public transportation is the best way to get around, and the location of Ben Franklin Hideaway provided very easy access to a couple of the most useful metro stops. Being the culture buff that I am, I truly appreciated living so near the Louvre. It was a treat to be able to take a ten minute walk to the museum and hang out there.
After a long day, I was able to have a comfortable sleep at the Ben Franklin Hideaway. The bathroom was also terrific, with a huge bathtub where I could relax after an action packed day.
As for the inside of the Hideaway, there certainly were a few things which could have used improvement, and the owner and I discussed opportunities to make the apartment itself as wonderful as its location. I am confident that when the next traveler stays here, the amenities will be in perfect working order with detailed instructions on their use, along with some advice on good restaurants and the construction outside of the window will have been completed.
If you love exploring cities by foot and want to stay at the perfect location for this, the Ben Franklin Hideaway is your place to stay.

The VRBO Bear

Fun in the sun!!!

09/24/2012 - What a perfect beach vacation I had at The Plantation House! This house was ultra luxurious, with beautiful furniture and decor in every room spanning 3 floors, with views of the ocean from 2 balconies!
Waking up on the 3rd floor loft style suite was a real highlight, sunlight streaming in from all the windows with the morning ocean in view. It is just across a non-busy street from the ocean, and you can still hear the waves! We drove to many beaches in the area during our week-long stay, but the beach in front of the house was just as gorgeous and lovely. The whitest, sugary sand, and the water was always clear, blue-green and just the right temperature, even at the end of September. Some days the ocean was glassy like a giant pool with many kinds of fish swimming around, and other days there were waves for me to jump in! Flags on the beach let you know how strong the current is that day.

The house had everything we needed all week - beach chairs and umbrellas, multiple coolers to picnic down on the beach, floats, beach towels and even a beach bag and mats to use. When the sun was at its strongest, we would come back to the house, shower off in the outdoor shower, and hang out in the pool. The house has a super-nice sound system that pipes to every floor and to the pool and deck areas. It was all controlled with an iPad mounted in the wall that let you choose where the music played. Very fun! The pool was heated, which made it great at night under the moon. There is even a rolling cooler in the kitchen that we could wheel out to the poolside with our drinks! Most nights, we went to the local fish market and bought freshly caught fish and grilled on the pool patio grill. What a treat! I can't imagine having a better beach vacation, thanks Plantation House!

The VRBO Bear.

You can't beat the breathtaking views!

09/15/2012 - Villa Intimasea is the ideal location for a relaxing and secluded vacation away from it all. This villa has everything you need to kick back and relax with the most breathtaking ocean views around.

When we arrived on St. John, we were immediately greeted with a hug from Martha, the property manager. She drove us to the villa (a short 10 minute drive), pointing out important places around town that we’d need to know during our stay. From the beginning, both the owner and Martha made us feel so comfortable and excited for our trip, offering us travel advice and recommendations for things to do during our stay, and even stocking our fridge with the necessary groceries!

When we arrived at Villa Intimasea, there were fresh cut flowers on the table and Martha gave us a tour of the property. Unfortunately it was night time, so we didn’t get a glimpse of the views we would wake up to. The next morning, as I opened the doors of our bedroom onto the wrap-around balcony, my jaw literally dropped. This villa has the most breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean I have ever seen! Located on top of a hill, you can see for miles out over the bays and inlets of water. We couldn’t help but spend most of our time on one of the patios, just enjoying the view. The flowers are bright and colorful, the hills are green and lush, and the water is a piercing blue. At night, you are greeted with the warm ocean breeze and the chirping of tree frogs as you sit in one of the comfy lounge chairs on the patio - the best seat in the house for star gazing!

The bedrooms are beautifully decorated, with comfy queen beds, Wi-Fi, and flat screen TV’s in each room. Each bedroom has its own stylish bathroom, and includes individual shampoo and soaps for each guest. Two of the bedrooms even have their own kitchenettes – just in case you’re craving a midnight snack!

The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need to cook meals just like you do back home. You’ll find all the essentials and then some. Or you could head outside to the gas grill by the pool to whip up some tasty BBQ.

Heading out to the beach for the day? Villa Intimasea has beach chairs, towels and a cooler to help you make the most of your trip! Spent the day on the beach and still craving the water? Take a dip in the pool or Jacuzzi to finish out your day, and watch the sunset from the balcony.

All-in-all this villa is the absolute package. You get all the comforts of home, with a view that is unbelievable. It is conveniently located close to Cruz Bay, yet far enough away to let you completely relax and soak up island life. I would highly recommend Villa Intimasea in a heartbeat to any one visiting St. John.

Relax and enjoy the views from the deck overlooking the beautiful Pacific ocean

09/06/2012 - Welcome to Marty’s Beach House! This place is not only beautiful inside, but UNBELIEVABLE outside. We have never in all our years of traveling seen a view this breathtaking from our very own balcony. The owner & manager are wonderful to deal with; very responsive throughout the entire process. They even provided a fine California wine on arrival to welcome us!

Enjoy the warm ocean breeze from every room in the house, along with breathtaking views the moment you walk in the door!

Large COMFORTABLE beds with plenty of space. The amazing showerheads in each bathroom felt more like a spa than a home.

The kitchen is completely stocked. Every detail from an assortment of spices down to champagne glasses were included. All modern appliances in the completely updated kitchen made cooking easy and enjoyable. Really no need to ever eat out if you’d prefer!

Laundry machines are large and reliable, making it easy to quickly wash and dry everyone’s clothes. Detergent is supplied for your stay (not always the case so it’s a nice touch). The owner supplied beach towels, another nice touch since that’s usually a last minute detail everyone seems to forget.

The balcony is quite large with new patio furniture, making it easy to eat or lounge outside at all times. In the evenings we enjoyed a nice glass of wine while watching the sunset. What a gorgeous view! I can’t say enough about this condo. Truly one of the most incredible places we’ve had the privilege of staying at!

Everything you will need is provided in this beautiful kitchen

08/21/2012 - Beautiful Princeville home tucked away in a serene Kauai neighborhood.

Welcome to Hale Pakele for a home away from home! This place is beautiful and offers all of your creature comforts in a fabulous location. We highly recommend you choose this place for your next Hawaiian vacation:

The owner is amazing. John was super nice, helpful, and easy to reach before, during, and after our stay.

Enjoy walks or runs along a scenic paved trail bordering a nearby golf course.

Bunk beds offer plenty of space for up to four children to sleep comfortably. Our two children had ample space to play in the early morning while we slept downstairs. What a treat! (especially in those first few days adjusting to the time difference)

Kitchen is completely stocked. Nice ceramic plates for dining contrasted by casual sets for kids or eating outside. Enough oil, salt, tea, coffee, etc. to get you through the first few days (although we recommend a stop at Walmart and Costco after leaving the Lihue airport). Walk in pantry neatly organized. All modern stainless steel appliances. Sharp knives. Great wine glasses. Try the built-in griddle for pancakes and grilled cheese. Décor is beautiful.

Laundry machines are large and reliable. Easy to quickly wash and dry everyone’s clothes. Detergent is supplied for your stay (not always the case so it’s a nice touch).

The owners don’t supply Beach trip accessories, but we found previous renters had supplied them! We found a wide selection of tools to build sand castles, beach chairs, snorkeling gear, aqua socks, and clean beach towels (which the owners do provide) in good condition. There was also a nice cooler!

There are three outdoor patios, or lanais, to enjoy this luscious scenery and cool breeze in their comfy furniture.

Outdoor barbeque and bar with patio chairs and table where everyone can grill, drink, and eat together.

Enjoy the open spaces downstairs where you can see everyone cooking in the kitchen, sitting at the dining table, and relaxing in the large comfy sofa and chairs watching cable on the flat screen HDTV. You can do your thing and stay together at the same time. Easy to talk across the rooms, watch kids while you cook, or just do your thing.

There are three rooms that could all qualify as master bedrooms! They are awesome. The bed in the true master bedroom downstairs, where we slept, was super comfy and the giant extended shower was spa-like.

There is a desk and table upstairs fit for a computer if you need to work while you’re here. Fast, free Internet. Easy to work, upload pictures, etc.

What else can we say about this property, except that you probably aren’t staying long enough! To that point, if you are planning an extended stay in Hawaii, Hale Pakele is a great choice.

Enjoy the ocean breeze as the sun sets!

08/19/2012 - Our large sleuth of thirteen bears had a vacation to remember at this beautiful town house. It was the perfect home base for our beach outings, but the house itself rivaled the beach as the star of the vacation. After a morning at the beach, the cubs stayed entertained at the house while the adults relaxed.

This home is every bit as luxurious in real life as it appears in the listing photos. Even with our large group, it felt roomy. The kitchen is well equipped with modern appliances, granite countertops, and all the pots and pans we needed to cook a full meal. It is open to the living and dining rooms and has a big island with bar stools so we could all hang out together at meal times.

The game room was a huge hit with the cubs. With air hockey, ping pong, and a pool table, there was something for everyone. The younger ones played board games in the loft above the game room and pretended it was their tree house.

In the evenings we enjoyed sitting on the deck and watching the sun set over the bay. What a gorgeous view! If you are looking for the perfect place to vacation with your family or large group, you will find it here.

All the comforts of home and steps from the ocean! Who could want more?

07/28/2012 - This beautiful beachfront condo was the perfect getaway for me and my family this summer! The property is well-appointed with lovely furnishings, granite counters throughout, comfortable beds, and more. A large unit at 2000 square feet, we all had plenty of space to relax and enjoy.
The owners of this condo really do make their travelers feel at home, providing amenities that many condos do not have. The kitchen has top-of-the-line appliances, and we had everything we needed to cook together all week. They also supplied us with plenty of activities to do indoors: movies, puzzles, games, and a computer with complimentary internet access. The “little things” were there for us as well – even a small cooler, perfect size for taking down to the beach. The VRBO Bear
Speaking of the beach, this condo was right on the sand! A few steps past the pool and we were there. It was not crowded at all. The pool was so much fun when we wanted a break from the salt water and we met many new friends there as well. We enjoyed spending time on the large balcony that overlooks the pool and ate many meals “al fresco” there.
The location couldn’t be better. Navarre Beach is a bit off the beaten path and not overcrowded with touristy attractions…but still close enough to larger Pensacola Beach and Ft. Walton Beach that we made a few smaller day trips in for some shopping.
We could not have enjoyed our stay at Belle Mer more, and highly recommend this condo to anyone looking for a relaxing beach holiday!

Wonderful stay in San Francisco!

07/26/2012 - My stay in San Francisco was enjoyable, largely due to the fact that I stayed in this lovely 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom home in the Inner Sunset neighborhood. The owner of the home personally left a handwritten note to welcome my housemates and me, and he even came to visit to ensure we had everything we needed! He was very responsive to text messages and phone calls, which made preparations for (and our actual stay) very pleasant.

The home was well equipped with supplies. There were snacks available to munch on, cooking utensils, extra blankets/pillows, toiletries, a safe, internet access, maps, movies, books, and all I would need to wash my clothes and dishes.
We were located very close to wonderful restaurants, which were within a short 3-5 minute drive. We could hop on public transportation within a couple blocks of the house to get downtown and to other parts of the city, which were very convenient. My housemates rented a car, and it was so easy for them to find free street parking within a block of the home.

Overall, this was a great place to stay and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the San Francisco area.

-VRBO Bear

Grill out on the patio or just kick back and relax by the fire.

07/09/2012 - The Retreat in Laguna is not only a fabulous five star ocean front villa, it is a complete vacation experience! From the first communication to every last possible detail, this villa is the perfect place for your Laguna Beach getaway! With its luxurious Italian style, this quaint, cliffside villa is every traveler’s dream for the perfect beach getaway. The Retreat In Laguna is a hidden gem among the oceanfront cliffside of the ever popular and artsy town of Laguna Beach. With direct beach access and amazing ocean views, the waves will lull you into relaxation.

The 1 bedroom villa offers everything you need to feel right at home. Every amenity has been thought through. Even beach towels, chairs, toys and umbrellas are provided for your comfort and fun in the sand! The kitchen is absolutely stunning and fully equipped for any cooking during your stay. The Retreat offers free laundry facilities as well. The common grounds on the property are absolutely stunning and everything is perfectly kept! With the Retreat’s central location, you can literally walk to most anywhere in Laguna!

The staff at the Retreat is second to none! They made us feel like family from the moment we stepped onto the property! We were actually sad to say goodbye.

The evenings were complete with the cool ocean breeze as we sat in front of our private stone fire pit while listening to the waves crashing on the beach. We were surrounded by the most beautiful rose garden as we soaked up the sun on our private patio.

Not only is the villa a fabulous beach getaway, but The Retreat provides an entire vacation experience! From In-Villa Massages and Spa Treatments to Whale Watching Tours, Paddle Board Surfing, Fine Dining, Tide Tours, Yoga Classes, Art Festivals and more! Every care was taken to make sure that we experienced the absolute best that Laguna Beach has to offer! The staff at the Retreat was able to set up absolutely anything we wanted to do!

If you are looking for some fun in the sun, then look no further. This is truly one of the most wonderful places we have ever stayed and one of the most memorable vacation experiences to date!

Enjoying this wonderful beach with a choice of sun or shade

07/08/2012 - Mr. Bear and I decided to spend our long-overdue honeymoon in the relaxed town of Rincon, Puerto Rico. We were pleasantly surprised by the owner of Casa Serena, who took the time to describe the town and property in advance to ensure it met our expectations. She also provided us with maps, a list of restaurants and the necessary instructions to ensure we had a great stay.
Upon arrival, we could not believe the true proximity of the house to the beach – literally steps from the backyard gate! The crashing waves could be heard through the large screened windows – a constant reminder that we were on vacation even when we were indoors!

We feasted on the ripe mangos from the tree in the backyard, swam in the relaxing warm waters, and went snorkeling at the nature reserve just on the other side of town. Rincon and its surrounding areas have a lot to offer, but having Casa Serena as our “den away from home” made all the difference in the enjoyment of our stay.

Located in a residential neighborhood, Casa Serena is ideal for the laid-back bear who wishes to embrace the authentic Puerto Rico experience. (This picture is the almond tree just outside the backyard gate.)

Ahhhhh, all the comforts of home!

07/05/2012 - Downtown Napa-Walk to Everything!

“Villa Murialdo” lived up to its billing! The Bear found Villa Murialdo to be very convenient to downtown Napa with all of its hustle-and-bustle. Located steps from the end of the Napa river walk, the Bear did not feel the need to hibernate after the short walk back from the city.

The kitchen provided everything the Bear needed – coffee filters, coffee, filtered water and various sundries. Even the much-needed bottle opener after a day of touring wine country was included.

A minor glitch in the WiFi was quickly remedied by Sandy, the efficient property owner. The Bear was confident that should any other amenity need attention, Sandy would have quickly resolved it as well. Fortunately, everything at Villa Murialdo worked fine.

The Bear enjoyed his stay and found downtown Napa extremely pleasant.

Loving this wonderful Florida home!

06/08/2012 - The bear had a great time at this beautiful and well stocked vacation home. With 2 families that included kids as well as seniors we were all comfortably accommodated in this spacious 5 bedroom home. An inviting kitchen with a large center island and well stocked cabinets allowed us to cook and serve warm meals.

The children's rooms have walls painted with Disney themes! The couches and beds are all soft and very comfortable. All the bedrooms have large sleek TV's/DVD players, and the family room has a 55" LCD TV with blue-ray and cable setup. All the rooms and bathrooms were clean and very well furnished. The work center in the kitchen was setup with a computer and printer so we could easily look up and print directions to local sites of interest.

The owner has provided lots of amenities like strollers, toys for all ages, board games, books, movies, umbrellas, etc.

There is a large screened, heated swimming pool and poolside lounge chairs all of which we thoroughly enjoyed after our full days at Universal Studios and Disneyworld. The garage houses a pool table for relaxing evenings.

The home is in a great location, just 15 min drive to Disneyworld and the famous International Drive, and about 35 mins to Orlando airport.

This is a great family friendly vacation home. The owner was very professional and efficient throughout the rental process. We highly recommend this vacation home and its owner who was so welcoming and accommodating.....you will not be disappointed!!!

Superb Condo on the sugar white beaches at the luxurious Phoenix West Condo

06/01/2012 - After an amazing week of the most gorgeous ocean views, a gorgeous and comfortable condo, new friends, and the most delicious seafood, the Bear had a very hard time backing his bags and heading home.

After traveling for many hours, arriving at the Phoenix West Resort was refreshing. The highrise itself is stunning with every possible amenity for the entire family to enjoy. There was indoor and out door pools, a zero entry pool, a baby pool, hot tubs, beach entrances, tennis, work rooms, AND cabana boys. Our condo, which I am convinced was the nicest, was a corner unit with what seemed to be a never ending patio, in fact every room had a their own private patio. The condo was amazing, and was furnished like something out of a magazine.

This is the best family friendly vacation we have ever gone on. Next year the bear convinced us to book it for two weeks instead of one. We highly recommend this condo and its amazing owner who was so welcoming and accommodating to large families, groups, couples, absolutely anyone....you will not be disappointed!!!

Relaxing on the porch

05/22/2012 - We just got back from our stay at this fabulous vacation home and we feel so refreshed. Words cannot express how much fun we had and what a nice place this is.

Lynn and Captain Kevin were welcoming and helpful. From the moment I arrived at the home I was amazed at how nice and clean the home was. The kitchen was fully stocked and had everything we needed for our stay. We only had to go to the store to get some groceries and we had fun cooking in the spacious and beautiful kitchen. Everything in this home is top-notch from the granite counter tops in the kitchen to the plush couches and chairs in the living room. All the décor is beautiful and up to date.

Just a few steps away is the beautiful ocean. We enjoyed taking long walks on the clean and beautiful beach, collecting shells and just watching the sea. Our child enjoyed making sand castles with the provided buckets, shovels and castle making tools. Also provided were umbrellas, chairs, and bikes. I loved riding a bike up and down the street and also to the nearby café to grab a drink and snack. Another highlight of the stay was spending time on the porch swing. We could relax on the porch and watch the ocean from a distance. We were also lucky to see fireworks from the porch during the Memorial Day weekend festivities.

While at the house you can curl up on one of the couches and read a book or just relax. For meal time the large, fully equipped gourmet kitchen was wonderful. Everything from durable pots and pans to spices were included. If eating out is your thing, there are many restaurants nearby. When it was time for bed, this bear thought the plush beds were "just right." There were plenty of beds to sleep all of us comfortably and 2 bathrooms, so we didn’t have to fight over shower time. The second bathroom even has a huge walk-in shower.

Whether you are looking to have a relaxing getaway or a fun filled family vacation I would highly recommend this property. I could not have asked for a better vacation, and will definitely be staying at this rental again.


Signed, VRBO Bear

Wonderful mountain retreat close to Santa Fe!

04/26/2012 - The Bear had a very hard time leaving this wonderful mountain retreat inside the Santa Fe National Forest! Thoughtfully appointed and extremely relaxing, the property made it hard to even want to venture the short ride to downtown Santa Fe – we could have spent our entire stay at the property and been completely content. We enjoyed wonderful hikes, relaxing soaks in the hot tub, incredible woodland views from the many windows, and restful slumber in the comfortable beds. All day (and night, when we chose to open the windows) we were serenaded by the pleasant babbling sound of the front yard brook – so incredibly peaceful. The very thoughtful owner had all sorts of guide books and hiking maps ready for our stay, and an extremely well-appointed kitchen to make meal prep a breeze. There are great local restaurants a short drive away, dramatic showings of hummingbirds, and a luxurious steam shower to ease away any aches from a busy day of hiking or sightseeing. Three bedrooms make this a great choice for a family or multiple couples. There were even friendly neighbor dogs that came to visit the Bear and offered to accompany us on a daily hike. We are already ready for another visit to Tesuque mountain cabin!

Enjoyed our La Jolla Vacation Property near the beach!

04/26/2012 - This stylish condo with designer touches is just half a block to one of La Jolla’s nice and scenic sandy beaches. It’s a quick, few-blocks drive to the Village of La Jolla, where we enjoyed great restaurants like the Cottage, Brockton Villa (get an outside table if you can; try the Coast Toast!), and Cody’s. Also, we enjoyed treats at our chain favorites-- Cold Stone and Starbucks. With Von’s close by, you can get the groceries you need for your stay. You’ll find the granite and stainless kitchen just right to enjoy eating in once in a while too.

Our fun Sunday-morning-after-church outing was the La Jolla Farmer’s Market (Girard and Genter St). Take some great local produce back to the condo, as well as the Cravory cookies! You may want to skip the expensive brunch and come here for crepes and fresh fruit. It was one of the best farmer’s markets we’ve been to. We also rented bikes near La Jolla Shores and took the scenic route through La Jolla and down the Pacific Beach Boardwalk. This was one of our favorite days spent in La Jolla, and highly recommended!

With two master bedroom suites upstairs, this is really ideal for two couples. One master has a large flat screen TV, gas fireplace and a nice tiled shower with a very nice ocean view! The other master bedroom and bath are just as private and the bed just as comfortable. The main level has a sofa sleeper in its own room that would be great for the kids…with a bathroom close by. We loved hearing the sound of the ocean waves from the condo.

VRBO Stayed Here and thoroughly enjoyed every minute!

Enjoy a great Bachelor Gulch getaway!

03/19/2012 - I spent four days in Colorado at the Bear Paw Lodge at Bachelor Gulch Resort which is part of Beaver Creek. When we saw that it was named Bear Paw, we knew we were in the right place.

When we got there, we had a bunch of information waiting for us on Beaver Creek, and all the extra services included with the rental. Also included in our welcome pack were tasty snacks that we appreciated after a long day of travel. This place is a skier and snowboarder paradise. The property is on the mountain, for a true ski-in/ski-out experience.

Just steps away from our patio were three outdoor oversized hot tubs, and a swimming pool, perfect for the after-ski soak. Sitting in the tub and looking up at the Rocky Mountains and stars at night was so relaxing! As much as snow is a great thing for a skier, it can be a hassle to clean off your car. Not in this place. Covered, underground parking was included with the rental which helped, as we had over 18 inches of new snow during our stay! There was also a free ski locker, so we could leave our skis and snowboards out of sight and out of the way at the end of the day. One day we also had a cookout using the unit’s outdoor grill. How cool to take a break from the mountain and to have a nice lunch under the Colorado sun!

The condominium is very spacious, and comfortably accommodated 7 adults during our stay. A large dining area adjacent to the kitchen made it a great place for my group of seven to interact as we all sat around the dining room table. When we weren’t eating (which wasn’t that often) we had plenty of space to hang out and talk, while having a fire in the fireplace, another opportunity to talk about how much we enjoyed the fantastic ski conditions and fresh powder! During the day, the owners even provided a maid service, so we came home to a clean condominium every day (Bears and grown-ups aren’t always the cleanest ?).

In the end we had a wonderful visit at the Bear Paw Lodge, and only wished we could have stayed longer!

Austin Vacation Rental with Great Views!

02/29/2012 - I arrived in Austin, Texas and found a great musical oasis.   This is a fun spot. The condo is on Sixth Street so live music, bars, and restaurants are just blocks away. After a night out make a snack in the kitchen, cuddle up on the couch, and find recordings of Austin City Limits on the TV!

If you are a musician you may be interested in playing the guitars or the fully weighted keyboard.  Unfortunately the guitars were a little too big for me, but I was able to work out chopsticks on the keys and a jig on the mandolin and ukelele!!!

I wish I had this place for South By South West this year.  I would be in the middle of all the SXSW action.  There are 5 venues within a two block radius.

If you are interested in exploring the Austin night life and live music you will probably love this place as much as me!

The VRBO Bear

Great Grand Lake Vacation House!

02/28/2012 - I was so excited to be heading back to Grand Lake this year again! It is like being home again among the mountains, pine trees, and snow.

This home was very cozy with more than enough space for me and my companions. The 4 bedrooms gave us several sleeping options along with the additional blow up beds to help make everyone comfortable. Everything was well kept and up-to-date with hardwood and tile flooring, great fixtures, leather couches, and lovely cabinetry. We also had plenty of room to park 4 vehicles (3 trucks and 1 SUV).

For dining in, the kitchen was more than accommodating – The gourmet kitchen made it as “easy as home” to cook up a good supper for the crew.

The breathtaking view of the mountains with a short walk to Columbine Lake made this home that much more appealing. The quiet serene community and friendly neighbors were like the cherry on top of the sundae. The porch made it easy to enjoy the fantastic mountain and lake views – not too mention the awesome pictures we took from this porch.

After a bit of sledding (which the kids and I did in the neighborhood on the great hilly snow covered streets) and snowmobiling (only 10 minutes away) in the scenic Grand Lake area, we enjoyed relaxing by the fireplace in the cozy living room. We hunkered around the dining table for card and board games.

The drive to town was only a few minutes (perfect for those that want to be out-of-town but not too far from civilization) which made it convenient for an afternoon of bowling at the quaint 8 lane bowling alley. Plenty of shopping and dining options were available – the barbeque at Sagebrush was great!

For those that need to be “plugged-in”, Dish Network service keeps you in tune to the world (especially events like the Daytona 500, depending on the day).

This Bear Highly recommends you stay here during your visit to Grand Lake.

The VRBO Bear!

Ski in Ski Out BreckenridgeVacationCondo

02/21/2012 - Huge condo, fabulous views, perfect location!

This condo is everything you could want in a mountain getaway! With 3 bedrooms and two pullout couches, there is plenty of room for a large family or a bunch of friends. The pictures do not do a justice to just how close you are to the slopes and downtown Breckenridge! It was an easy walk to the heart of the slopes and the lifts, as well as many restaurants and shops downtown.

This condo was recently remodeled with an updated kitchen, flat screen TV, a gas grill, and very comfortable beds. The owners definitely thought ahead by providing towels, toiletries, and extra blankets. The addition of the heated ski locker at the bottom of the stairs is a wonderful convenience as we could leave everything downstairs and not clutter up the condo with skis, poles, and ski boots. The condo also has a heated pool and several hot tubs to help your body recover after a long day of skiing.

We cannot wait to come back and stay in this condo next year!

The VRBO Bear

Nice Colorado Vacation Home Golf Front!

02/15/2012 - Large and beautiful home in Silverthorne

We spent 7 nights in this beautiful home with breathtaking views of the mountains as well as the city of Silverthorne. It is very comfortable and offers plenty of room to relax, even with a group of 14. There are plenty of things to entertain, the pool table, hot tub, small slide for the kids and the sandbox are just a few. The kitchen was very large, stocked well and offered all the tools for preparing our meals. The bedrooms were very spacious and comfortable and offered plenty of extra pillows, blankets, etc. 3 of the 5 bedrooms have fireplaces. The bathrooms were very nice, with one shower having a built in sauna. Great after a long day of skiing. The large TV and the media library were great for having a movie night or playing music throughout the home. The pictures and description were as accurate as you can get. This home is amazing both inside and out.

Florida VacationVilla w/pool nearDisney!

01/30/2012 - My family of 9, including three generations of grandparents, kids and grandkids, stayed at the Sunshine Villa and were delighted by the spaciousness of the one-story house, the great layout of all the rooms, the incredibly comfortable beds, and the good-sized pool. The proximity to Disney, Universal and Celebration was great. And the days that we didn’t go the attractions, we were so grateful for all of the amenities of the house. We enjoyed swimming in the heated pool, playing at the nearby tennis courts and playgrounds, working out in the yard, watching movies on the large flat screen TV, having large meals in the dining room, playing foosball and pool, and playing our own games! It really provided the perfect setting for our family reunion and we highly recommend it for others!