Honest Review
Submitted: January 8, 2013
Stayed: December 2012
My family and I just returned home yesterday, we had a great time on Oahu but stayed out of the home as much as possible. I planned this trip for my daughters 16th birthday, and wanted it to be extra special.... unfortunately It just didn't go that way. The first day was horrible, I received 6 or 7 texts and calls from the property manager telling me all the rules of the house, the texts and calls continued.... The property manager lives ON the property and will just pop up at your back door at any given moment....During breakfast, when your in the spa, having dinner or trying to rest. There are no window coverings, so she can see you at any given time. She will come over to tell you when the spa cover is on the wrong side of the spa, or where you kids can or cant play on the yard.
The covered parking was not available for us so we had to park on the street outside of a gate with the trash cans the whole week. We were told the gate was broken, but the property manager was using the gate and the covered parking? Air conditioning is pretty important to us, we are from California....there is only one small wall unit in the far bedroom, so the living room, dining room, and the two other bedrooms don't have any air. The house smells pretty bad, especially the bathrooms. Im pretty tolerant of certain conditions but could not deal with the old moldy shower and shower curtains. I had my kids shower in the backyard shower. The bedrooms smell pretty bad as well, the kids closet smells like pee....... If you visit Wiamanalo on any big holiday just note that this area of Oahu will blast loud illegal fireworks, and loud music until 4am, so if you are traveling with small kids it is not recommended. The pictures on this posting just don't give you a realistic idea of the home. I didn't post this review to bash the home or owner, I posted it but because I would of appreciated an honest review. I did contact the owner at one point so that he could call off the pesky property manager, and he did respond thats why I still gave him a fair rating. It is very expensive to travel with my kids during the holidays so this was definitely disappointing to all of us. This home is not what was advertised!
Owner's Response: I am sad to hear you had such a bad experience. We have never had someone have an experience as the one you describe. There is a caretaker on-site who lives in a cottage and she does check people in and attend to their needs. She has a lot of aloha for all people and always wants to make sure tenants have what they need, i apologize is this was an over bearing experience for you. As a note to others, she is not always available as she travels to the South Pacific frequently. Unfortunately for your trip, the front mechanical gate did break (it has since been repaired) - it was a judgement call to make your stay easier to park outside and be able to come and go. Regarding the air conditioning, i am sorry that you thought the house had air conditioning throughout - it is a Hawaiian Style home that is very open and has a great breeze through it when everything is opened up. Regarding house smells - i just stayed out there this past weekend (approx. 1 week after you left) for a paintball tournament at Bellows. i did not encounter any foul or bad smells.
Regarding the fireworks - i always tell people who come during New Years the following: Get Ready, it is the culture of Hawaii - we celebrate Chinese New Year and the fireworks go off for a long time. this is usually a major "eye-opener" for people coming from the mainland and elsewhere who have not experienced this. i spoke with you and your group the day after and i was under the impression that you liked it, especially since the neighbors invited you to come over for their party.
i do know it is very expensive for people to come to Hawaii and vacation - we always try to make sure that your experience at our home is very relaxing and peaceful.
Lastly, i wish you and your group had experienced better weather during your stay - i believe it would have made your stay more enjoyable.
Aloha always,
CRL
Helpful votes: 4/5
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