Dear Mary: I am so glad to hear you and your family enjoyed your stay at my Folly Beach house. I am glad to hear you had amazing weather and that you enjoyed the location. The amazing proximity to the 6th block beach access is certainly one of the most exciting features of my home.
I would like to please take this opportunity to note that, of 30 reviews from past travelers on this platform alone, yours is one of the only reviews that did not receive a 5-star rating. I do make every effort before every single check-in to ensure guests will be astounded by the beauty, tranquility, quaintness, and the beautiful interior and exterior design of my home. This is certainly a 5-star property.
As past guests have overwhelmingly emphasized, the website paints an extremely accurate picture of my home; many past guests claim the pictures do not do my home justice because it is even more beautiful in person. Every photo on the listing is an actual photo of the house itself; there are no camera tricks, wide angles, or exaggerations of any kind in my listing; it is 100% accurate. Every single wall within the interior of the house has been freshly painted within the past year and a half. While my Folly Beach home does feature some rare and unique antique furniture, most of the furnishings are from Pottery Barn, West Elm, and various other high-end retailers.
I tried to review our messaging history to better understand your concerns and what I could have done better to suit your needs. I realize now, however, that you did not contact me at any point whatsoever with regards to anything you found to be unsuitable from the time of booking, the time leading up to your stay, during your stay, or thereafter. I did provide my cell phone number both on the listing itself as well as on the Welcome Letter you received when you checked in. I did politely request that you please contact me if you have any issues, questions, or concerns. You did not contact me once, so I was hopeful you and your group were simply pleased with the property and enjoying your stay.
The combination locks to the bicycles is exactly the same combination as the front door keypad code. This was clearly stated in the Welcome Letter as well as on the check-in instructions. If you were not able to unlock the bikes, you certainly could have called me or sent me a message, and I would have gladly assisted you in your efforts to unlock them.
I find it unfortunate that you expected there would be a golf cart available for your use; I do not know, however, where you got that impression aside from a single photo on the listing with a golf cart in it. I do not advertise a golf cart as being available for guest use; additionally, you did not ask me at any point if a golf cart would be available for you to use during your stay. Had you asked me the question, I would have told you no, a golf cart is not available. Additionally, I would have provided a recommendation for a golf cart rental company on the island so you could reserve one in advance.
To any potential guests, please know that a golf cart is NOT provided for guest use. There are, however, multiple golf cart rental locations on the island where you may rent a golf cart for your use during your stay. I strongly recommend this to any guests who require the use of a golf cart during their stay; please reserve one in advance from one of the many rental companies, especially during the busy summer months.
Additionally, please note that you were not “charged” for more than you agreed; I did not submit any reimbursement requests, and you were aware of the cost for the rental before you booked it. Accordingly, you were not “charged too much $$$$ for what you actually received”. You chose to rent my home for the listed price, and I accepted your booking request. You were not “charged” any more than the amount to which you agreed. Had you made your concerns clear prior to posting your review, I would have certainly made every effort to offer a credit back for any inconveniences you may have experienced, but you did not communicate any concerns whatsoever, so I was not aware you were displeased until I read your review.
I am strongly sympathetic to the concerns you outlined in your review, however, please know I would have remedied all your concerns promptly had you communicated them to me. Rentals on Folly Beach are beach houses; the charm of Folly Beach is the rustic nature of anything and everything on the island. My home is a classic example of a well-maintained, highly appointed beach house, and all other guests who have stayed at my home tend to appreciate the charm and hospitality I provide.
Thank you for your notes; I’ve taken each one into consideration and I will adjust accordingly as needed. I do think that you may be better suited to staying at the Ritz Carlton rather than at my beautiful Folly Beach home. Kindest Regards, - Mike C.