Rustic Stevenson Hideaway with View on the Gorge!

Reviews

• Things to Know Before You Go

  3/5

  Our rustic hideaway in Stevenson was not quite what we expected. I booked this vacation rental in January of 2022 and the previous reviews up to that point were good. I had not checked back before our stay in September of 2022 and wish that I had. I would have to agree with some of the other reviews in both the positive and negatives of this trip.

  The positives are that the location is very convenient to touring the Gorge and surrounding areas, the view is gorgeous and that the hosts were kind in accommodating our group with a last minute change.

  The drawbacks are that this rental is right off a main road and the traffic is loud, at least in summer, throughout the day and even during the night. The trains which run throughout the day and night sound like they are going to come through the house, but by the third night we had adjusted to those sounds.

  I would say one of the most disappointing aspects of the rental is the overall feeling of a place that has not been kept up in comparison to the other vacation homes I have visited over the years. There is an odor in the main room, probably dog, as there is dog hair on the rug and sofa. Also, we had an intimidating encounter with the two dogs on property one morning while accessing our car.

  I truly hate to write a poor review, especially knowing that good-intentioned folks count on rental income. But I also want to spare other paying guests from feeling the disappointment we did. Perhaps with a little TLC, this rental could be an affordable and comfortable option for future travelers.

  Manager's Response:

  Hi Kristin, the right vacation home is everything, and we're disappointed if this wasn't the one for you. We followed up with the homeowner after reading your feedback, and they wanted to share the following:
  - We're glad to hear you enjoyed the location and the views
  - Our dogs do not go upstairs to the apartment. We're sorry to hear your stay did not meet expectations.
  Thanks for leaving a review, as we look forward to hosting many satisfied guests!

• Good

  4/5

  Everything about this rental was fine. Not outstanding, but not terrible. Beds were comfortable and it was mostly clean. I’m not super picky, and I didn’t complain. There was some animal hair on the couches, slow drain in the tub, a few of the silverware weren’t cleaned properly (most likely from previous guests). Two big ole spiders I killed in the bathtub. And a train that runs very close to the property. I am sure if I had said something they would have taken care of the drain. I chose not, to do so. As I said. It was fine for a single person that used it as a landing pad for the beautiful area around it.

  *This review was originally posted on Vrbo

• Peaceful and relaxing

  5/5

  I stayed with my kids over the weekend and the cabin had everything we needed to relax after a day of sight-seen in the beautiful Columbia river area. Chris is a great host and I would pick this location 10/10 times

• Rustic

  3/5

  I am ok with rustic and simple accommodations, however, I do expect clean. It was not the deep clean that I have come to expect from a vacation rental. The sheets, towels, and hard surfaces were all nice and clean, but there was dust, dirt and grime in the corners and on some of the fixtures creating a feeling of neglect. Additionally the outside was not what was pictured in the images of the posting. Again, there was a feeling of neglect to the deck space provided as well as the grounds surrounding the apartment.

  Manager's Response:

  Hi Mary, the homeowners were disappointed to read your review, as they are accustomed to providing 5-star experiences, and would like to clarify the following: We are unsure of the odor you are referring to as we take cleanliness seriously and use a cleaning service to have the home professionally cleaned before each guest's arrival. Pets have not recently been in the unit to cause any issues. We wish you had reached out to the Guest Contact during your stay if there were any issues you needed to be addressed. We would have done everything we could to resolve them immediately so that you could enjoy the home. We truly go above and beyond for our guests, and we are confident that future guests will have excellent stays.

• Great location, affordable price

  3/5

  This was a nice spot to stay while exploring the Columbia river. Centrally located near the bridge of the gods, this was an easy jet to Carson, Hood River and Eagle Creek. It is an affordable option for two bedrooms and a small kitchen. There were enough utensils etc for limited meal prep but we wouldn't have been able to cook an elaborate meal. Be aware that this spot is (as shown on the map) right off the highway and train tracks, so you will hear traffic noise.

  *This review was originally posted on Vrbo

  Manager's Response:

  Hi Julia, thanks for taking the time to leave a review. After reading your feedback, the homeowner wanted to share the following:
  We're glad you enjoyed the location and price! The house is above the road but not right on the highway. Vehicles are rare, but loud traffic such as that from emergency responders can be heard occasionally. Otherwise, it is a quiet place in the mornings and evenings.
  Thanks again for reviewing your stay!