UN BR * 2 MINUTI SPIAGGIA * RIMODELLATO * BAGNO MARMO * PIANO BAMBÙ * MAUNA VISTA KEA +

1. The previous oven failed and was not repairable. I've ordered a replacement, which is on its way but sadly had to come from the mainland and will be here in a few weeks. I immediately put in a counter top convection oven, which this guest used, and which has been easy and fully satisfactory for other guests to use. It will not accommodate a 15 plus pound turkey but can easily handle a roast to serve four people.

2. The top of the line Sealy mattress is about three years old. Initially guests thought it was too firm so I added a mattress topper, which then satisfied subsequent guests. These guests thought it was too soft for them. Had they told me during their stay the mattress topper could have been easily removed to satisfy their particular concern.

3. The furniture, which is clearly visible in the condo photos, is traditional Hawaiian bamboo and wicker furniture, about 5 to 6 years old. The same style can be bought today in almost any furniture store in Hawaii. Most guests have appreciated that style of furniture along with the many Hawaii prints with which the condo is decorated. The chairs all have seat and back pillows, which were recovered with new material about two years ago, and are very comfortable. There are also other throw pillows, which can also be used if desired. The guest did not say what was uncomfortable and has not responded to my phone and E mail inquiries. I did not meet them but perhaps they were larger people and needed larger chairs and more padding. I don't know.

I chose the sofa bed because it is very comfortable to sleep on for a couple's child or for one of the adults. It is also easily adjustable and can be reclined to different positions, like a Barcalounger, according to the preference of the guest. That it reclines is obvious and instructions to adjust the sofa are in the desk. Again had the guests said something I could have told them how or would have gone there myself to adjust the sofa to their liking.

4. The guest did say he could not get the radio to work. I went there and it appears that he was just pushing the wrong buttons.

5. The guests were offered a late checkout through the end of the afternoon of their departure. Sadly despite the extra time the cleaning women needed an extra hour beyond what is normal to prepare the condo for the next guests.

I'm pleased that Len and Heather enjoyed their stay and will be back to stay on their next visit to the Big Island. The oven: The oven died in early January and was not repairable. Those who have experienced Hawaii know that appliance replacements, especially built ins, except for the basic, are not readily available so they are ordered from the mainland and have to wait for the dealer's container, whether for Lowes, HomeDepot or a local business, to be filled before starting the sea journey here. That takes about six to eight weeks. Then installation has to be scheduled. The new oven will require some carpentry to modify the existing cabinet space for the new oven and I did not want to disturb guests who are already booked with cabinet construction, painting and installation so I quickly bought the counter top convection oven, which has since worked well for all my guests. Given the barge sailing schedule I am hoping that the new oven will be installed during an open week at the end of April. Other than that all is as good as ever in my condo. Aloha, A. J.

I've had a warm and appreciative message from this guest saying they had a wonderful time during their stay. She explained that they enjoyed sitting out on the lanai early in the morning and during the cool of the evening but when the early afternoon sun was hitting that area they would go to the close by pool, which they enjoyed, or to the beach, which is just a couple of minutes away. I believe they will return for a future visit.