Cabin

Authentic Retreat w/ Private Dock on Coosa River!

Photo gallery for Authentic Retreat w/ Private Dock on Coosa River!

Shelby Vacation Rental | 4BR | 2BA | 2 Stories | 2,284 Sq Ft
Cabin Exterior | Screened Porch w/ River Views
Cabin Exterior | Front Porch w/ Gas Grill | 2 Steps Required to Access
Living Room | 1st Floor
Living Room | Wood-Burning Fireplace

Reviews

7.2 out of 10
Good
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 1002284 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View in a map
Shelby, AL
  • Place, Lay Lake
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Beeswax Creek Park
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Place, Wilsonville Town Hall
    ‪17 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 100)

Additional Sleeping (Loft)

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Full Bathroom

Full Bathroom

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden

About this property

Authentic Retreat w/ Private Dock on Coosa River!

Get away from the noise of the city and escape to this riverside retreat in Shelby! With 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a screened porch with a lovely view of the Coosa River, this vacation rental will meet all your needs and more. Explore the area with boating trips from the private dock, hiking excursions through Oak Mountain State Park, vineyard and winery tours, or a journey into the depths of Desoto Caverns! Endless adventure awaits at this inviting cabin.

-- THE PROPERTY --

2,284 Sq Ft | Coosa River Access On-Site | Screened Porch w/ River View

Bedroom 1: Full Bed | Bedroom 2: Full Bed | Bedroom 3: Full Bed | Bedroom 4: 2 Twin Daybeds | Loft: Full Bed | Additional Sleeping: Cot

OUTDOOR LIVING: 2 docking piers, fire pit near pier (wood provided), gas grill, dining table, beach chairs
INDOOR LIVING: Flat-screen TV w/ Amazon Fire Stick, wood-burning fireplace, dining table, ceiling fans, walk-in closet, cathedral ceiling
KITCHEN: Microwave, dishwasher, air fryer, drip coffee maker, blender, toaster oven, Crock-Pot, dishware/flatware, complimentary spices
GENERAL: Free WiFi, washer/dryer, linens/towels, central heating & air conditioning, cleaning essentials, built in 1965
SUITABILITY: 2 steps required for access, bedroom & bathroom on the first floor, complimentary toiletries & paper products not provided
PARKING: Driveway (4 vehicles), RV/trailer parking available, additional street parking (first-come, first-served)

-- THE LOCATION --

THE GREAT OUTDOORS: Coosa River Access (on-site), Okomo Campground and Boat Launch (1.5 miles), Beeswax Creek Park (7.4 miles), Magnolia Meadows Golf Course (9.7 miles), Oak Mountain State Park (36.8 miles), Peavine Falls (40.8 miles)
FAMILY ATTRACTIONS: Harrison Museum-G Washington (10.5 miles), Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum (17.7 miles), Old Baker Farm (21.0 miles), The American Village (23.0 miles), Desoto Caverns (27.6 miles)
WINERIES: Lewis Lakes Vineyards (12.3 miles), Ozan Winery & YH Distillery (16.0 miles), Morgan Creek Vineyards (21.3 miles), Hidden Meadow Vineyard & Winery (22.1 miles), Corbin Farms Winery (22.6 miles)
LOCAL FOOD: VJ's Restaurant (3.4 miles), Shelby Sandwich Shop (5.6 miles), The Point Grill & Bar (7.9 miles), Tin Top Bar-B-Que 2 (10.3 miles), Fat Johnny's Comfort & Soul (10.3 miles), The Local Kitchen & Ale (10.9 miles), The Pizza Star (11.0 miles), PITA Meditteranean Street Food (11.2 miles)
NEARBY TOWNS: Columbiana (10.3 miles), Calera (17.6 miles), Clanton (23.2 miles), Birmingham (49.9 miles), Montgomery (60.7 miles)
AIRPORT: Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (55.2 miles)

-- REST EASY WITH US --

Evolve makes it easy to find and book properties you'll never want to leave. You can relax knowing that our properties will always be ready for you and that we'll answer the phone 24/7. Even better, if anything is off about your stay, we'll make it right. You can count on our homes and our people to make you feel welcome — because we know what vacation means to you.

-- POLICIES --

- No smoking
- No pets allowed
- No events, parties, or large gatherings
- Additional fees and taxes may apply
- Photo ID may be required upon check-in
- NOTE: The property requires 2 steps to access and may be difficult for guests with limited mobility
- NOTE: Complimentary toiletries and paper products are not provided at this property. It is recommended that guests bring their own
- NOTE: This property was built in 1965 and has a rustic feel. Although the property has been cleaned for guests there may be a spider web or two

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

Frequently asked questions

Is Authentic Retreat w/ Private Dock on Coosa River! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Authentic Retreat w/ Private Dock on Coosa River!?

As of 2 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Authentic Retreat w/ Private Dock on Coosa River! on 26 Jun, 2026 start from S$350, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Authentic Retreat w/ Private Dock on Coosa River!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Authentic Retreat w/ Private Dock on Coosa River!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Authentic Retreat w/ Private Dock on Coosa River!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Authentic Retreat w/ Private Dock on Coosa River! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is 2 mi (3.1 km) from Lay Lake and within 12 miles (20 km) of Beeswax Creek Park and Shelby County Historic Museum. Columbiana City Park and Museum of George Washington are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

7.2

Good

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 10 out of 20 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 20 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 20 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 20 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 20 reviews

6.2/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Check-in

9.0/10

Communication

8.4/10

Location

7.0/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Teresa D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin on the lake is rustic, with older furnishings, but warm and inviting which is exactly what we were looking for. Loved our visit with friends. I hope to go back one day.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Brian

Weekend Getaway

Cabin in rural Alabama was perfect for our trip. The scenery leading up to the cabin and the property was beautiful. Reminded me of my grandpas hunting cabin growing up. It was everything we needed for our trip and would love to visit again. Love the uniqueness of the cabin and how peaceful the area was. The river and shoreline was picturesque.
Verified

8/10 Good

Amanda S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice getaway

A good place for a little get away. Loved the big porch with a nice view of the water.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

CelestieA. wz

4th of July trip

We loved the rustic feel of the home and the unique decorations throughout the home.Beautiful front porch overlooking the river.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Tony

Awesome house!

This is the perfect get-away place. I wish I brought a boat. The lake, the fire pit, the grounds THE HOUSE....were all awesome. We'll come back. Thank you!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Chill Family Vacation Vibe

It's a beautiful, secluded place that has everything we were looking for in a vacation spot. Even though it rained most of the weekend, it didn't dampen our stay. The privacy and ease of access to the fishing and swimming area gave us peace of mind and we were able to relax and have a good time. As an added bonus, we went looking around and found some amazing historical sites that we had no idea was there. Everyone had a wonderful weekend and we all want to come back to this cabin again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
From a partner site

2/10 Terrible

Joshua Cortez

DONT RESERVE HERE

So I am currently staying here for a work trip for three weeks and this place is outdated!! The owners of the house DO NOT ANSWER their phones it’s flea invested and roaches and it’s not worth the price! They need to clean it immediately!
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jul, 2022
Hi Joshua, we want all of our guests to rest easy when they stay with us, and we're sorry that you experienced some issues during your trip. We followed up with the homeowner after reading your feedback, and they wanted to share the following: -We're sorry you weren't 100% satisfied with your stay -We have pests sprayed on schedule twice a month to keep the area maintained to ensure a clean, comfortable, and great environment -The home is always cleaned before each check-in, including steam cleaning the floors. We do a thorough walk-through before your arrival and didn't see any cleanliness issues -We send a welcome text three to five days before check-in to our guests that include cabin update, activities, restaurants, and shopping within the surrounding area. We provide guests with great hospitality and are responsive to your requests and questions -Regarding the response times and communication, the guest's contact information is listed in the pre-stay information to address any concerns quickly for a most comfortable stay. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, we were at a funeral and were unable to respond promptly to your concerns. We apologize that the communication fell short We go above and beyond for our guests and we are confident future guests will have excellent stays! Thanks again for letting us know about your stay!
Verified

4/10 Poor

Cynthia A.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

House

House was not clean - spider webs and wasps throughout. Kitchen cabinets were dirty. Door knobs didn’t work. Boards on deck need replacing.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Jan, 2024
Cynthia, thank you for providing your feedback on your Thanksgiving stay at our rustic lakefront cabin. We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts, and I'd like to address some of the points you raised: I was personally at the cabin that morning for the final check and everything seemed to be in order. We had completed a thorough cleaning days before your arrival, including floors, windows, and appliances. However, I understand that expectations may vary, and I apologize if the cabin did not meet your anticipated standards. Regarding the presence of insects, especially during November, it's not uncommon for flying insects to seek warmth. We strive to manage doors effectively, but occasional intrusions can occur. Our heating bill for that month was unusually high, and we appreciate your understanding of the efforts to maintain a comfortable temperature. I also want to highlight that we were not made aware of these issues during your stay. We encourage guests to reach out to our designated contact for prompt assistance with any concerns. Your comfort is important to us, and we regret any inconvenience you may have experienced. I'm aware of the deck plank you mentioned, and we plan to address this issue during our scheduled maintenance in Spring. The doorknobs, being antique, are meant to be opened without twisting, and we will work on better communication to avoid any inconvenience for future guests. We value your feedback and take it seriously as we plan to perform a deep cleaning and assessment during Spring Break to ensure the cabin is in top condition for the upcoming season. We appreciate your understanding and patience. Thank you for choosing to stay with us, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future.
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Jimmy C.

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, location, listing accuracy

Do Not Recommend

From the pictures on the website, we were excited about the property specifically the screened in porch, location and access to the lake. Upon arrival, we immediately noticed spiders and ants inside the house. The house also had a damp, musky smell. The screened in porch had most of the screen missing with holes in the screen that was still attached. The back door from the house to the porch required much effort to open and close with a sign saying not to turn the knob because it might lock. The knob was antiquated, loose and felt like it would pull off every time you used it. The grounds of the property had many "antique" items such as old tires, rims, kitchen appliances, etc. laying around in the yard. There was also a nice crop of poison ivy growing all around the property. The pier was weathered with several old, loose boards but nice. The pier also had a two-boat storage area, but it was not available for guests. As the evening progressed, it became evident of a significant bug infestation... German Cockroaches. The later it got, the more they came out. Due to the unsanitary conditions, we packed up and checked into a hotel for our 10-day VACATION ON THE LAKE.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

4/10 Poor

Sheneka S.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in

Very underwhelming and a pest control problem

When I saw this property online, I absolutely fell in love with it. From the pictures, I thought it was absolutely stunning and would be perfect for my family! However, I was quite disappointed when we got there. The home was perfect for my family size and the lake was amazing… That’s the only positives we had. There were bugs and spiders everywhere inside the home, both alive and dead. There was also a terrible ant problem in the kitchen. The property owner warned me that I may see a few dead critters around because pest control had just come out to spray, but it didn’t seem that way. It actually seemed like the home had been sitting for quite sometime without anyone having cleaned or visited it. The home had an extremely stale smell to it. It was so bad that we literally had to spray Lysol and febreeze everywhere and air the home out. The linens and towels were clean, but the bathrooms had old cleaning liquid in them. There was old food in the refrigerator and freezer and the refrigerators were rusted. We were not even comfortable cooking in the kitchen or using the appliances and dishes that were there. All in all, our family trip was nice due to our time on the lake at the dock and relaxing on the porch (which we did actually love). But the pictures give off a much different feel than how dated the property actually is.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Sept, 2021
Hi Sheneka, we want all our guests to rest easy when they stay with us and we're sorry to hear that your stay fell short of expectations. The homeowner would like to share the following: - As the home is located on the lake, insects can be prevalent in the area and occasionally enter if doors or windows are left open. We have ongoing pest control that manages and protects the home from these issues. - The home is a craftsman cabin built in the 20th century, so the antique furniture and special character is part of its charm. We use professional photographers so we can be sure that our images accurately reflect each property and guests can decide before booking if the decor meets their expectations. - The home is professionally cleaned between guests, including the bathroom and all appliances. However, we have addressed your cleanliness concerns with our cleaning team to ensure that our high standards of cleanliness continue to be met. - There is no rust on the inside of the refrigerators, but they do have a few knicks on the outside. They are clean and work well. Thanks for your valuable feedback as we continue to improve for future guests!
Verified

8/10 Good

Kevin M.

Liked: Check-in, communication

nice

old school house pretty neat the pictures on line miss lead a little bit but i would got back we were there headed to nascar so didnt plan on fishing but looks like a great place for that and hanging out on lake
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great River Retreat

Exactly as expected - a lovely house on the Coosa with gorgeous views and lots of areas to gather and enjoy great company. Excellent visit, would stay again.
Stayed 13 nights in Nov 2021
From a partner site

2/10 Terrible

David

Do Not Recommend Until Property is Cleaned Up

From the pictures on the website, we were excited about the property specifically the screened in porch, location, and access to the lake. Upon arrival, we immediately noticed spiders and ants inside the house. The house also had a damp, musky smell. The screened in porch had most of the screen missing with holes in the screen that was still attached. The back door from the house to the porch required much effort to open and close with a sign saying not to turn the knob because it might lock. The knob was antiquated, loose and felt like it would pull off every time you used it. The grounds of the property had many "antique" items such as old tires, rims, kitchen appliances, etc. laying around in the yard. There was also a nice crop of poison ivy growing all around the property. The pier was weathered with several old, loose boards but nice. The pier also had a two-boat storage area, but it was not available for guests. As the evening progressed, it became evident of a significant bug infestation... German Cockroaches. The later it got, the more they came out. Due to the unsanitary conditions, we packed up and checked into a hotel for our 10-day VACATION ON THE LAKE. We are currently working with Evolve to get our money refunded.
Response from VrboOwner on 10 May, 2022
Hi David, we want to make vacation rental easy for everyone, and we're sorry that you experienced some issues during your stay. We followed up with the homeowner after reading your feedback, and they wanted to share the following: - Insects enter the cabin at night when the lights are on and doors are left open. Roaches tend to come out later in the night, and we are very sorry you experienced so many during your stay. - We are using a professional pest control company, and I have personally cleaned out every cabinet and drawer in the kitchen, as well as refinishing them to ensure they are clean. - We have removed some kitchen supplies like sugar and spices that might have attracted some insects. We also clean the grill after each guest. - There has been an increase in rain, heat, and humidity this summer, and when the air conditioner is left on after guests leave, it can cause the windows to sweat. We also ask guests to not bring food into the rooms, and we found a stain under a bed. These two factors might have caused the musty smell. - We have cleaned the stains, replaced the bedding and pillows with brand new ones, and try to arrive quickly after guests to prevent any smells. - The floors are steam cleaned, windows are washed, and the door has been repaired. - Our boathouse is private and unavailable to guests. Guests are welcome to dock their boat at either of our two piers, which also has seating and loungers, as does the beach. - We have kayaks, paddles, and swim noodles for guests to use, as well as clean life jackets in the main cabin. - The piers are weather-worn from age, and we plan to re-deck the older pier after the rental season slows down. - The tires and rims nearby belonged to a neighbor and have been removed. - We have a well-kept lawn with no poison ivy, but there is some poison oak in the woods around the property. We do not plan to underbrush the woods, but we advise avoiding the area. We hope that the measures taken by Evolve and the owner make up for the inconvenience, and we would love the opportunity to travel with you again the next time you book a vacation rental!
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Diane T.

Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

Do NOT recommend this rental!

We were not at all satisfied with our stay. The home was filled with bugs, as two other reviews have mentioned. When I read the reviews I dismissed them thinking that the authors of the reviews were likely exaggerating, but I was wrong. The home had ants, cockroaches and many other bugs, both dead and alive, in nearly every room. There were also cobwebs and spiders in every single room. We brought homemade pastries and set them on the counter in a covered container in the kitchen and came back to black ants covering the entire container and all of the pastries. It was absolutely disgusting. Upon arrival, we discovered that one of the windows was broken and there was shattered glass on the window sill and floor. We informed the owner who agreed to come the next day to fix the window only to tell us later that she could no longer come to fix it. The house looked as though an elderly couple had just recently lived there. There were personal items everywhere. What was most disturbing was the fact that they left multiple urns in the home, two of which were on the dressers in the master bedroom. The home was advertised to sleep 12, but it was way too small for 12 people to comfortably reside in. There were only 2 bathrooms and the owner even informed me 30 minutes before my arrival that the showers only worked properly if they were not run at the same time. The tub in the master bathroom filled up nearly full every time someone tried to take a shower in it. The house was extremely unpleasant to stay in, and I honestly can't believe the owners thought that it would be okay to charge someone over $450 a night to stay there. After contacting VRBO and explaining the situation, they only suggested that we contact the owners directly for a partial refund and did not offer to step in and resolve the issue on our behalf. The entire total for the two night stay with all the taxes and fees was over $1,350 for a place that was bug-invested, was not truly suitable for 12 guests and was filled with personal items including urns. I do not at all recommend this home.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Oct, 2021
Hi Diane, we want all of our guests to rest easy when they stay with us, and we're sorry that you experienced some issues during your trip. We followed up with the homeowner after reading your feedback, and they wanted to share the following: - We are sorry this was your experience with the bugs. The property was sprayed the week before you came and this can cause issues with dead bugs inside the house shortly afterward. While the lakehouse wildlife is outside of our control we know it can affect your stay. - We are sorry for any misunderstanding about the showers, the showers can be run at the same time however for 12 guests the water heater can not always keep up with all of the guests showering back to back. - We are sorry if you were caught off guard by the size, we use professional photography for the home, so the features you see on the listing are accurately advertised. - The urns in the house are completely decorative and are not personal items, we are sorry these caught you off guard. - We are sorry about our inability to fix the window during your stay, the Homeowners experienced a personal emergency and were unable to solve the issue until two days later. Thank you for taking the time to let us know about your stay.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Jaye B P.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Team retreat

We booked the cabin for a team retreat. The team had a great time together. However, cabin needs a little decluttering of trinkets and the appliance need an upgrade. The water access was very enjoyable.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
From a partner site

6/10 Okay

Bryan

Lots of potential

The lake was gorgeous and the fishing was great. We had everything we needed for a great vacation. It was a very quiet area. The beds were super comfortable and there was more than enough room for our family of 6. We enjoyed using the kayaks and swimming and fishing from the docks. Owners were super responsive and very helpful. The only reason I left a 3 star review was there were a lot of bugs inside house. When we arrived the kitchen window was open just a crack and that was enough for a lot of gnats and other bugs to come in. The house could use a few repairs, like replacing missing screens on the porch.
Response from VrboOwner on 11 May, 2022
Hi Bryan, thanks for your detailed review. We would like to pass along this feedback from the owner about your stay: - Regarding the bugs; lakeside property environments will inevitably include insect life, which is important for the area ecosystem, however, we apologize for the window being open when you arrived. As for any guest, especially at night, we advise that you keep unnecessary lights off near the door and close it as soon as possible after you enter. - As for the "missing" screens, we purposely removed them from the front porch to give a wide opening for better night-time lake viewing. We found that when the whole porch was screened, it felt too closed in at night. We hope that you liked that enhanced view as much as we do! We’re so pleased to hear that you thoroughly enjoyed the home and wonderful outdoor activities we provide because we strive to make everything a perfect lakeside cabin experience, and hope you will come back and see us again soon!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Harrison

A Pleasant Getaway

This cozy cabin provided a wonderful place for 10 friends to bond and spend valuable time together. We enjoyed swimming, kayaking, and being outside in general. The property was large, somewhat secluded, and felt very safe. The owner was Always prompt whenever I had a question or request. Getting back to me via text or phone-call almost sometimes immediately. Overall it was a weekend that I hated to see end, and I would highly recommend the location to anyone else contemplating a Coosa River stay. Thank you so much!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Rich

Great Trip

Our review for our weekend stay was awesome, we had a blast. The home was well stocked, we provided our own foods an drink. The large table on porch was a cool place to eat an fellowship. There was plenty of bedding throughout. The large back porch was perfect as it rained on Sat., we played corn hole an didn’t miss a lick. Two docks made for fishing without being crowded. As far as we-fi why would you want it, we didn’t go to look at our phones. Uncertain as to why such negative comments, the pictures are accurate.no need for white tablecloths an fine China. Place was clean we had a blast, an would recommend it to anyone.
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Rich Lane

Stay

The stay was excellent, we had so much fun. Would recommend to anyone looking for a laid back relaxing time.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brian S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

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