Reviews of Property: Aruba - Want-a-be !! Waterfront, In & Outdoor Pools, & Fun!

Description Condo, 1500 sq. ft.,
3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8, 2 Bathrooms
Amenities beach, lake, garden, terrace, balcony, fitness room
Rates per property (USD)
$1,200/week 
James Rybaski
+1 616-677-3334
+1 616-677-1411
Speaks: English, Spanish

10 Reviews of Property 322771 in Grand Haven, Michigan

Rating
5 out of 5

Great Time With the Kids

Brian and Jo Cleveland, Ohio
Review Submitted: September 10, 2009 Date of Stay: August 2009
First things first, the owner was very easy to work with. James was willing to spend a good amount of time when he called me about the property giving me information on the condo and the area. We had never been to Grand Haven before so it was very helpful. Upon arrival my wife commented how nice it was to rent a place that was actually clean upon arrival, we didn't have to clean anything! The amenities are great as well. With the property you get rights to the Holiday Inn which has both indoor and outdoor heated pools and an indoor hot tub. The condo is right on the marina so we were able to walk along the marina and under the bridge to a nice restaurant and brewery. The condo is right on the border of Silver Lake and Grand Haven which makes for quick access to everything. We were only a 5 minute drive from Grand Haven beach, although we found that Silver Lake has a very nice beach as well that is much smaller, but great if you have kids. The water is only about 2 feet deep about 20' into the water and a lifeguard is on duty. We have a 2 year old that we could let play in the water with the knowledge that the water was so shallow there was nothing to worry about. If you have young kids and are looking for a low key getaway I would highly recommend. I can't say enough about how easy it was to work with an owner and how clean the condo was. Thanks again James!
Owner's Response: Dear Brian and Jo, thank you for the wonderful things you have stated. Vacations are supposed to be pleasant, relaxing and enjoyable, I am glad I could make all three aspects of your vacation happen for you and your family especially on your first trip to this area. I am always trying harder to have our guests totally enjoy themselves in our condo and area, it saves them the flight to Aruba !!!!
Always my best, Jim
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Rating
4 out of 5

Our 2009 vacation

cath09 Zionsville, In
Review Submitted: August 4, 2009 Date of Stay: July 2009
This was our second year for a week long trip to Michigan. We are very happy that we chose this condo. The week we were there the weather was alittle cool, so the indoor pool at the Holiday Inn came in very handy. It was a comfortable place to stay, and as others have already noted, Jim is a wonderful host. He makes you feel as if you are friends, and staying at his condo. He is very accomadating, and available if you need him. In this day and age of so much competition, and so many choices, customer service is key. We would recommend this condo as a vacation spot for others.

Thanks, Jim, for getting me the cookie sheets, new kitchen towels, and being very friendly. I am just sorry that I didn't leave you any cookies.
Owner's Response: Thank you Cathy, all those cookies would have probably ruined my excerise program anyway. Glad you had a wonderful vacation in this great Grand Haven-Spring Lake area. I promise to be a better host to you and your family next year, in the hope I can taste your wonderful baking.
All my best, as always, Jim
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Rating
5 out of 5

Great Vacation Getaway

Mike, Camille & Kids Zionsville, IN
Review Submitted: July 13, 2009 Date of Stay: June 2009
This was our first vacation in Michigan and we were very pleased with the accomodations and Jim, the owner/manager. Jim is a great communicator and vacation director. Since we had not been to Grand Haven before, Jim was helpful in suggesting places to go, eat or helping us find things to see or do. My kids (pre-teen and teen) enjoyed access to pool for evening swims. The condo is close to everything so you can either take a walk or ride a bike to something fun. The condo was clean and well maintained. We were also impressed with all that was included with the condo. I have already recommended Jim to friends who are interested in vacationing there in the future and I am sure we will be back again.
Owner's Response: Well what can I say about the personal thoughts about my great communicator and vacation director skills from these wonderful guests. Only and with great humility, will I accept these wonderful comments. You cannot go wrong visiting the Aruba Wannabe Condos, in such a wonderful water and sun filled area. All the other ammenties, the pools, hot tubs, exercise room, tiki bars, restruants, marinas, boats, musical fountains, shopping, are just added in extras, above and beyound my wonderful skills.
I am truely happy that you Mike and Camille and children, enjoyed everything I stated you would enjoy from this condo and the Grand Haven - Spring Lake area. hopefully to see you again,
All my best, Jim
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Rating
5 out of 5

Relaxing

Trenton, MI Trenton, Mi
Review Submitted: July 9, 2009 Date of Stay: June 2009
Very nice place. My family and I had a great time. It was a little chilly but the kids still had a good time swimming in the pools at the Holiday Inn and fishing under the bridge on the trail next to the hotel. Some pretty big catfish in there!. Close to everything you would need. The condo is roomy and clean with a nice view of the marina.
Owner's Response: Dear guests, thank you for your review. Future guests will be thankful for your kind statements. Really, I had nothing to do about the weather, sombody bigger then me had that responsibility. It's really nice to know that you had the use of our indoor & outdoor pools & hot tubs up to 11PM each and every night, to relax, in addition to all the other benifits the Grand Haven area has to offer. As far as the big catfish, I will have to enter that into our information for those that like to fish. Myself, I rather enjoy relaxing in the sun, thinking about those who like to catch fish.
All ways my best, Hope to see you again. Jim
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Rating
5 out of 5

Warm & Cozy in the dead of winter...

Holiday Visitors Grand Haven, Michigan
Review Submitted: January 13, 2009 Date of Stay: December 2008
I rented this condo for my parents (and their dog) during a visit with the grandchildren in December. The views from the condo towards the lake and the docks (think frigid, icy and frozen) were not as breathtaking as they would have been during the summer but, inside the condo, the accomodations could not have been any nicer. CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN! Everything was well maintained and just as described and shown in the photos.

The owner, Jim, answered all of my emails promptly and was a pleasure to deal with. He called me personally prior to the visit to make sure that I had all of the information I needed to make sure that my parents had a wonderful experience with this rental.

I would highly recommend that if you plan to visit the Grand Haven/Spring Lake area to enjoy its beautiful waterfront and attractions that you opt for this condo over a hotel -- you will not be disappointed.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes No Helpful votes: 2/2
Rating
5 out of 5

Outstanding Condo & Manager!!!

Dave&Lee Katy, TX
Review Submitted: June 23, 2008 Date of Stay: June 2008
We were so impressed with Aruba-Want-A-Be and Jim, the owner/manager. Both were so much fun! The condo is extra clean, well appointed, homey, and great location for Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Holland and Muskegon. There is so much to do --at the condo, pool, marina, and the very quaint downtown Grand Haven with its excellent beach, boardwalk, light house, and pier jetting into Lake Michigan.
Our purpose for visiting was a Memorial to a very dear and much loved Grand Mother, Mom, and Sister--thats where Jim Rubaski really showed his extra special treatment for my family--so thoughtful and now he is a friend whom we intend to see again and again! We whole heartedly reccomend Jim and his great Aruba-Want-To-Be Condo.
Don"t forget to visit Grand Haven's Fricano's Pizza-it's our top 5 picks in the US-as is Jim Rybaski's service and condo!
We are heartedly reccommending it to our friends!
They're gonna love it!!
Dave
Owner's Response: Dear Dave and family, during your stay, I am very pleased you enjoyed this wonderful port and excellant vacation destination. I was very pleased to hear you enjoyed all that the Grand Haven - Spring Lake area has to offer. The reason for your visit was not so much as a vacation, but a very special time in your families life to spend, reflect, and enjoy your time together. I am very proud you had chosen our Aruba Wannabe condo for your injoyment and relaxation. As they say, Mi Casa es Su Casa !!!!

All my best, from one Corvette owner to another, James Rybaski, Aruba Wannabe Condos
Did you find this review helpful? Yes No Helpful votes: 3/3
Rating
5 out of 5

Great time despite rain!

dennip60 West Chester, Ohio
Review Submitted: June 19, 2008 Date of Stay: June 2008
We travel to Michigan frequently, but this was our first trip to Grand Haven.Directions were great,we found the condo very easily, and everything was as stated in the ad. We had one small issue and it was taken care of quickly and personally! The weather was rainy, off and on, so we were able to do quite a bit of sightseeing in the Grand Haven and Muskegon area. We also took the kids to the movies($4 for new releases at11am) and to the mall. We visited great restaurants, and there was still a few good days on the beach. We ate at Porta Bella's(real Italian), Kirby's, Rosebud(great sandwiches), Snug Harbor(on the lake and good food), and Brann's Steakhouse(great food, great prices, great margaritas!).Because we have two kids, it was great to have the room in the condo, plus be able to use the indoor and outdoor pools at the next door Holiday Inn! You are also able to fish under the bridge next to the hotel, and I could not believe the the size of the catfish the guys were pulling out of the water. Next time, we have decided to head north a little later in the month!
Thanks so much!
Owner's Response: You had told us that was the biggest cat fish you ever caught !!! We hope that was not a fish story (:

Although it did rain quite a bit, we are truely happy you and your family could enjoy all our indoor & outdoor pools & hot tubs, at the Holiday Inn right next to your condo. In addition, all that the Grand Haven - Spring Lake area has to offer. You were great guests, Hope to see you again soon. All our best from the Aruba Wannabe Condos.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes No Helpful votes: 3/3
Rating
5 out of 5

Panoramic Harbor View, Pool, Hot Tub, Clean!!

iHeartVacations Grand Rapids, MI, USA
Review Submitted: February 29, 2008 Date of Stay: June 2007
My wife and I had such amazing time at this condo in Grand Haven! It's funny, we both agreed that "Aruba Want-a-be" was a fitting name because you get all the same amenities and breathtaking views, but for so much less! The condo was immaculately clean! The maid staff had it looking like a little a million bucks. We got to watch movies on the big screen TV (a major plus - I love movies). The beds were very comfortable. We didn't even know it had a pool and hot tub until we got there, so you can imagine we were quite pleased when we found out. Some of the other fun things we enjoyed at the condo was the close proximity to a beautiful peer and lighthouse, ice cream shops, hot dog stands, fine dinning, musical fountains and more. I would recommend this condo to anyone. After our experience there, my wife and I agreed we'd become regulars! - Thanks to the owner! Let me know if you want to sell! Just kidding!
Did you find this review helpful? Yes No Helpful votes: 9/9
Rating
5 out of 5

Greatest Rental in Grand Haven

LogoManSteve Dayton, Ohio
Review Submitted: February 26, 2008 Date of Stay: August 2007
Our family rents a house or condo nearly every summer in Grand Haven. We have rented this unit each of the last three years for a week. The unit is CLEAN, well maintained and furnished nicely. We like the the availablility of the indoor and outdoor pools right next door, if the weather isn't good for the beach, our kids play in the pool. The condo is located on the bike/walking path between Spring Lake and Grand Haven. It is a short bike ride to enjoy the Grand Haven boardwalk, shopping and restaurants. I highly reccomend this property; your family will thank you! Bring your bicycles!
Did you find this review helpful? Yes No Helpful votes: 8/8
Rating
2 out of 5

Not clean

Review Submitted: December 18, 2007 Date of Stay: August 2007
This property was nicely decorated and furnished but it was NOT clean. There was an inch thick of dust on the ceiling fan that my husband had to clean before he dared turn on the fan. The gas grill on the deck was so disgusting we didnt dare use it. We were told that there was only 9 stairs to get to the condo because my father-in-law recently had a stroke and has a hard time climbing stairs - and there was actually twice that amount. If we vacation in that area again - we will not be returning to the same condo.
Owner's Response: In response to the only party that has complained concerning the Aruba Wannabe condos within the last 7 years, please be advised.

Out maid service is on call 24/7, in immediate response to any of our guests concerns. The maids call number with a welcome greeting, stating the same, is clearly in view and displayed on the greeting table, for all our guests convenience and use. All that we ask from out guests is just call, and our maids will immediately set an appointment to correct any concern that might have been missed. This service is for the guests’ use during the entire vacation.

1. Please do not believe that there was 1 (one) inch of dust on one ceiling fan. This complaint is totally unfounded and is an over exaggerated untruth. We do not supply ladders to our guests to inspect a ceiling fan attached 10 (ten) feet in the air, to inspect for dust, while the entire condo is remains immaculate. Each and everyone of our vacation guests really is excited about their vacation and has an abundance of exciting plans other then looking for dust on a ceiling fan.

2. The second complaint “9 stairs to the condo”. Our office has never stated to any guest that there were only 9 stairs to the entrance. As one can see by our web sight photos, the condo has a balcony, which, in itself should state to all, there are stairs to enter the condo, it is 3 levels. This party NEVER stated her guest had a heart condition. If that ever was mentioned, we would have immediately made other arraignments for them or not accepted their reservation, since we have numerous guests waiting in line.

3. As to the final complaint, the courtesy grills. All of our guests, throughout the vacation season use our balcony grills from one family to the next. Food has been prepared, enjoyed and consumed by all families during each and everyone’s vacation. Never a complaint by any guest and again our maids are at each and everyone’s service, 24/7.

In conclusion, it seems it was our misfortune that we had accepted this guest who has complained, not to us or our maids, about dust ONLY on a ceiling fan (10 feet in the air mind you), a stair issue that was never identified upon booking, and our gas grills that are continually inspected and cleaned, all complaints without the use or consideration of 1 (one) call to our office or our maids, for their pleasure or concerns. There are all types of individuals in this world, but in 7 years, with all our many satisfied vacation guests, one complaint concerning alleged dust on a ceiling fan without contacting the use of our maid, while the entire condo was in immaculate condition, is a pretty excellent track record. Buy the way, the water in the indoor and outdoor pools is wet, and the hot tub is hot. So just bring your bathing suits, some money, relax and enjoy all the Grand Haven area has to offer.

All our best at the Aruba Wannabe Condo, closest to being in Aruba that you can get in Michigan.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes No Helpful votes: 9/12