This was my first VRBO rental, so please read with that in mind. Starting with the basics: mattress quality-awesome. Shower quality- great pressure and plenty of hot water for our group of 4 adults. Air temp- I am usually a big AC person, but with screened windows open at night, it was totally unnecessary, even with the current heat wave. Very comfy all around. The unit was very comfortable for our group of 4 adults. Huge kitchen table. Lovely balcony with convenient grill.
Ease of check in and communication with host was fantastic. Lori was very responsive to all of my questions.
The location of the unit was truly the best part. Walking distance to probably 10 restaurants (all with outside dining, both upscale and great ethnic options on Ski run Blvd), a CVS, 2 grocery stores, marina activities and tons of bike rental shops. On the paved bike trail. We even walked to Heavenly Village (the heart of the resort). It was only a mile down the bike trail. Steps to the gorgeous beach.
The beach was beautiful and mostly empty for the majority of our 2 week stay. We only used it for an hour or two a day, either after our day’s activities, or to launch the kayaks, the location of which was extraordinarily convenient. I should also note, we have kayaks at home and paddle a lot. The single kayaks -the only ones we used- were very high quality and perfect for most of the changing lake conditions. The waves seemed to pick up in the afternoon, but the kayaks were very sea worthy and easy to paddle.
Then came Labor Day weekend and the beach become so crowded, we barely recognized it. Tons of groups “set up camp” with awnings, toys and furniture lined up along the water, most of which remained in place for the duration of the weekend. Of course, we had become spoiled having had the beach all to ourselves for the 10 days prior, so our standards were high. We were also conscious of social distancing, so stayed away from the beach (and most everything else) for the holiday weekend. To be clear, it was not just the beach, but the whole town was transformed for the holiday weekend from the week prior. Also, we had no children in our group. The beach, and complex generally, was very kid friendly, and, during non-Covid times, I’m sure it would be a fun environment for little ones.
All-in-all, it was a fantastic vacation during this unprecedented time. We really needed this one, and it did not disappoint.