Trouble at Abbey Springs
Review Submitted: February 19, 2008
Date of Stay: January 2008
We spent two nights of a family reunion (7 adults and 2 children) here. I spent lots of time looking for the perfect place. There were many cheaper (half price) options, but in the end I decided to pay "top dollar" because of the outstanding amenities advertised. We had numerous issues and the price wasn't justified. The following is a summary:
Good:
- House is beautiful; huge rooms, nicely furnished, comfortable beds
- Potential for great amenities
- If everything worked as expected, would have been a wonderful, relaxing experience
- Property manager was responsive to numerous issues
- Would have allowed us to check-in early (didn't work out because of our schedule)
Bad:
- Fireplace didn't work; waited for hours for repairman
- House was very cold at check in; owner keeps temperature low; supposedly, it was turned up 8+ hours before we checked in, but it was 56 degrees
- Has great spa pool (9'x13' pool; 3 feet deep with several whirlpool jets and it's supposed to get very warm, like a hot tub). The water was frigid; kids begged & we went in anyway – big mistake!
- Has great steam room; we tried to use it but regretfully, it, too, didn't work
- One shower didn't work - a pipe had frozen
- Spent much time on the phone with manager & 3-4 hours with repairman (awkward since we wanted to spend time with family we hadn't seen in 6+ months); we didn't get to use any of the facilities the first day, but the next day everything worked
- Driveway is very steep and can be slippery. Since you only get a key to the front door, it's the only way into the house. I fell – very dangerous, especially for older guests
- Mandatory resort amenities fee ($6.33/person/day) for the use of club house, indoor/outdoor pool, private beach & marina; while we were there, everything was being remodeled; we asked for a refund and were only given a 50% discount; don't know what we paid for since none of the resort amenities were operational
- Because of all the trouble, we asked for a discount which was denied; we were told that the rental agreement stipulates that no discounts are given for malfunctions; that's not true
- Be aware that apparently there are frequent problems with air conditioning in the summer and discounts are not given
If everything worked, I would have given the house an excellent rating. However, I can't justify the astronomical rental price because of all the malfunctions, not to mention the resort fee - a deceptive way to make more money.
Owner's Response: We make every effort to ensure all mechanicals work properly in the home prior to check in and throughout our guests stay. We cannot control Mother Nature or acts of God.
A two hour early check in was allowed. They arrived shortly before 2:00 P.M., two hours earlier than the set check in time. Arrangements were made to meet even earlier but they were delayed.
The fireplace did work properly. Fireplace flue was not opened properly so flue needed to be realigned.
Heat was and is turned up the day prior to all check ins. The home was not 56 degrees as stated. Home is never maintained when not in use below 60 degrees.
The pool water is heated and will get warm, but does not get hot like a hot tub; it is a pool spa. The water did heat up to full capacity on Saturday. Subzero temps prior to check in and the night before, will cause the water to cool down considerably and will take a extra time to heat.
The steam shower did work. You do have to give it a few minutes to heat up.
The shower did work, the drain was frozen and was unthawed by 6:30 P.M. This shower is one out of 3 others, plus a bathtub.
There are two driveways for this home. You can park in the upper driveway which is right by the stairway or in the lower drive by the garage.
We cannot cover the areas so they do not get snowed upon, but we do make every effort to have them cleaned and salted often during our guests stay to ensure safety for everyone.
To say there are many problems with the air conditioning, not true, and it wasn't even used during their stay since it was extremely cold the entire week and weekend.
The amenity fees are charged by the association and not homeowners. The fees are for use of amenities, upkeep, and security. Yes,remodeling is going on this winter to be completed by May, 2008.
All concerns and problems were fixed within 5 hours or less of check in and with a two hour early check in, at no additional charge. We did, always have, and will do everything possible to make sure everything is in proper working order during our guests stay.
We at Peaceful Nights provide an elegant home where our guests are able to feel comfortable, relax and enjoy amenities not available in a hotel. The beauty of the house is surpassed only by the picturesque setting of its wooded lot which sits on the Abbey Springs Golf Course. This becomes more apparent during the changes in seasons.
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Helpful votes: 11/12
