Property grounds

Reviews of Vintage Balboa Village Cottage | Garden Back Patio | 1 House from the Sand!


Reviews

8.2

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 24 out of 57 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 57 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 10 out of 57 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 57 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 4 out of 57 reviews" "

8.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Holly N.

Budget friendly and great location.
Almost all was great except for the backyard. It was very unkept and there was a used dirty old mattress back there!!
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Apr 2024
Thank you, Holly, for taking the time to share your insights. Regarding the mattress, the upstairs tenants moved out and graced us with the presence of the dirty old mattress. We've taken care of it. It was a pleasure hosting you!

10/10 Excellent

Jade W., Newcastle, Australia

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
Such a chill place to stay and in the middle of a really nice area.
Stayed 9 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Nov 2023
Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to review us!

8/10 Good

Michelle O.

As advertised great location
Great location for the beach, also very accommodating of the dogs, had a nice enclosed back yard which was very handy. The propery was clean inside but was covered with what looked like flying ants when we arrived. Everything worked and sitting on the patio watching the world go by was great.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Oct 2023
Hello Michelle! Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us, and we appreciate the care you took in treating the unit as if it were your own during your stay!

10/10 Excellent

Charles B.

Liked: Cleanliness
convenient and roomy
Bargain and great location.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Oct 2023
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us, and we appreciate the care you took in treating the unit as if it were your own during your stay!

6/10 Okay

Cheri H.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Cute house but disappointing :( Photos don't match.
Location just around the corner from sand. House not kept up. Listing photos show new condition; actually shabby & worn. Greasy pots/pans/counters. Cushions need washed. If you're a large person you won't fit in shower. Leather couch/chair peeling badly (couch now has cover). Smudges on walls. Broken floor tiles. Loud street (can't hear tv). Back patio is shared, not private as stated. There are tenants upstairs. Rugs dingy, stained. Mgr kindly offered their cleaning crew to return but the level of grime has built up over time; a single reclean won't fix it. Pay parking is close by.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Oct 2023
Hello Cheri, we're truly sorry to hear that your experience at the property didn't meet your expectations. Your insights about the condition of the home is concerning, and it's definitely not the standard we aim for. We apologize for any inconvenience it caused you. We took note of your concerns and will take necessary actions to ensure future guests have an enjoyable experience. Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback.

8/10 Good

Alex A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent for a small family
Great location.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Sept 2023
Hello Alex! We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed your recent stay with us. We hope you fell in love with Newport during your vacation and had the opportunity to unwind and soak in all the beauty. Thank you for taking the time to review us; it was a pleasure hosting you!

8/10 Good

Melissa W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Super cute
Very clean and cozy! Short walk to the beach and restaurants!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Jul 2023
Hello Melissa! We're glad you enjoyed your recent stay with us and its location. Most of our rentals are in prime location of the dazzling water and all your vacation needs. Thank you for taking the time to review us. It was a pleasure hosting you!

10/10 Excellent

Katherine S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Adorable Cottage in the heart of Balboa
My friend and I decided to rent this place for my birthday weekend this year and loved the space. You get the entire first floor of the cottage, and it's been updated in all the right ways. I will say that the couch set-up (in regards to the orientation to the tv) was a bit strange. I imagine with more people, they would all struggle to watch something. But overall loved how bright and beachy the place felt.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Claudia C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Loved this perfect home
Love this house, just steps away from the beach. Everything my kids and I needed. I wish they had a parking spot but luckily we were able to find parking.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Jul 2023
Hello There! We're delighted to hear that our vacation rental's location provided the perfect getaway for your family. We hope you were able to create many magical/precious memories. We also appreciate your patience regarding the parking. We know it can be a little tricky sometimes, but the dazzling beach is so worth it! Thanks for your support and we hope to hear from you in the future!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
50th Birthday Getaway
Property was perfect for having friends join us on the beach for a BBQ at the built-in fire pits 2 short blocks away. Affordable Parking in Lot B made it easy to unload/load, and for friends to find us on the beach. Perfect kite weather, and a charming and sunny kitchen made it an ideal place. It is a bit run rustic and well-used, but the price and location totally make up for it. No one was in the unit above us during our stay, so it was very quiet at night.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jun 2023
You know how to do Newport Beach right!

2/10 Terrible

anne j.

Disliked: Cleanliness
I did not stay here after I viewed the property!!
Upon arriving I was greeted with MAJOR construction which I was not notified of. The roads were all blocked with many big construction machines blocking access to the home. Upon entering there was a terrible smell and the place was of the early 1900’s with nothing upgraded. Pictures are very deceiving and so are the staff that run this place (Beachwalk) I requested my money back to be told no. I walked away and lost $1500!!! Never again! This was a nightmare. Stay far far away from this rental.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 9 May 2023
Hi Anne, we are very sorry that this rental did not meet your expectations. We don't refund guests when everything that's advertised is provided. We do disclose in the listing that this home has its original 1910 construction, which is why this unit is best for the "budget-minded traveler." We thank you for your understanding. Our best, Beachview Realty

8/10 Good

Heather M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice getaway
Just a warning, the windows in the front bedroom and main living room are slatted windows, so they don't block out sounds from the street or cold temperatures. I could literally hear every conversation of people walking by. I had to keep the heat on (early March) every time I was inside and wear a sweatshirt. Shower space is small/narrow.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Apr 2023
Hi Heather, thank you for your feedback. For folks looking to book, please note that this home maintains its 1910 construction, so some features, like the small shower space, are vintage and outdated for some travelers' aesthetic. We thank you for considering these details before booking. Our best, Beachview Realty

6/10 Okay

David W.

Liked: Cleanliness
A little more "rustic" than anticipated
A little older, and rougher than the pictures appeared, but in a great location. Initially seemed to be a good rate, but all of the added fees were as much as the advertised price. So in reality the real nightly rate was double the listed price after the fees. The beds were clean and comfortable and plenty of towels were provided, but only one roll of toilet paper.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Nov 2022
Hi David, thank you for your feedback. We're delighted you enjoyed this home's central location but are sorry to hear that the interior did not meet your expectations. We hold our homes to a high standard of cleanliness and functionality so we take your feedback very seriously. As for our pricing, we choose to not bundle our nightly rate for greater transparency to our guests and to the home owners we represent. We thank you for your understanding and we hope to have the pleasure of hosting you again in one of our beach rentals on your next trip to the coast. Our best, Beachview Realty

8/10 Good

Shelby M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cute little house
The house was nice and well equipped. Should be noted it's on quite a busy street and has no dishwasher. Also, the pet policy is rather strict, which I learned after the fact.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Nov 2022
Hi Shelby, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're delighted you enjoyed the home and its amenities. We are sorry, however, if some of the features of the home were unclear to you before booking. Our listing description does state that there is no dishwasher. However, we will reassess how to disclose our $250 refundable pet deposit. Thank you for bringing this to our attention. It was a pleasure hosting you and we hope to see you again on your next beach getaway! -Beachview Realty

8/10 Good

Mary S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Weather
The weather was so hot and humid. No air conditioning, there were fans in every room but insufficient. My husband and myself did not sleep all night. The dogs werel listless. All and all the property was ok. We had to leave the next morning.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Sept 2022
Hi Mary, thank you for your review. We are sorry you could not enjoy your vacation to the fullest due to the September heat wave. We hope we can have the opportunity to host you again when we are not experiencing such unprecedented weather. Our best to you, Beachview Realty

10/10 Excellent

patty p.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great view
Loved hearing the ocean at night,the great big grass area right in front of the house was wonderful for walking the dogs. With in walking distance to the pier.the off site parking was a little bit far but it was free,if you pay parking is a lot closer
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Sept 2022
Hi Patty, we're so glad you enjoyed your stay in your beach cottage. And thank you very much for sharing these helpful insights with us and the VRBO community! It was our pleasure hosting you - come back any time! -Beachview Realty

6/10 Okay

Heatherly R., Beaumont, Ca

Could be so much better
The location is excellent and the check in was super easy. But.....Please don't advertise that this house sleeps 6 adults. There are 2 beds and the (old beat up) couch is NOT a sleeper. The count of 6 means 2 people sleep on dirty folding mats on the slanted floor. The bathroom was dirty, water pressure was horrible and since it's set back you don't get much of a breeze leaving the un-air conditioned house hot and sticky. I feel this house could be so much better with some major TLC.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Aug 2022
Hi Heatherly, we are sorry to learn that our beach home did not meet your expectations. We hold our homes to a high standard of cleanliness and functionality, so we take your comments seriously and will be looking into these issues. As for the occupancy count, we do disclose in the listing description that this home accommodates up to 6 people if the last 2 people use our complimentary floor mats. Should rollaway beds be preferred, guests can reserve with our office and we will deliver the beds for an extra nightly fee. Thank you for your understanding. If ever you're looking to stay in Newport again in the future, don't hesitate to reach out to our office and we would be happy to help you find a vacation home that better suits your preferences. Our best, Beachview Realty

8/10 Good

Angela f.

I love this little house and this is our 5th year here. The house is getting gross
I love this little house but I have to say that the furniture and the rug is getting really disgusting. The leather couch is uncomfortable to sit on and requires covering with blankets. Also the McDonald’s table in the backyard is so unacceptable. . Seems like they could do a little better at $550 a night and such a historic house . We love this house though, love the location and Beachview Realty professionalism.Could be so much better and cost little to re- decorate. It’s gone downhill from last year. Disappointing.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Aug 2022
Hi Angela, thank you for the feedback. We are disappointed to learn that this beach home did not live up to its reputation from your previous summer vacations. We have passed along your comments to the homeowner so we can work with them to make the necessary upgrades. We agree that this historic beach cottage is special and deserves the proper TLC. Thank you for bring such terrific guests. As always, it was our pleasure hosting you. -Beachview Realty

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Location
This property was cute and in a great location. The property management company stayed in contact and was upfront about the parking situation. I would highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Jul 2022
Hi Stephanie, thank you for sharing! We're thrilled to know you enjoyed your stay. It was our pleasure hosting you - come back any time! -Beachview Realty

6/10 Okay

Emily N.

Disliked: Cleanliness
The house was not very clean. It smelled like wet dog and the rug was quite dirty.
The property needs to be thoroughly cleaned.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 29 May 2022
Hi Emily, thank you for sharing your feedback with us and the VRBO community. We are deeply sorry that the cleanliness of the home was lacking. We pride ourselves in providing guests with clean and dependable homes, no matter the home's price point. For that reason, we will always offer re-cleans if the home's cleanliness is not to your liking. Because you did not inform us of this matter during your stay and we are just learning about the situation, we will further investigate the issue at this time. Again, we are sorry you were not totally satisfied during your stay. If ever you're looking to stay in Newport again, please don't hesitate to contact us directly and we will happily help you find a vacation home that better suits your preferences. Our best to you, Beachview Realty

10/10 Excellent

Tawnya H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay
Easy and was exactly like pics online
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 May 2022
We're so glad to read this! Your feedback is exactly what we're aiming for! Thank you for the kind review, Tawnya. We hope to have the pleasure of hosting you again soon! -Beachview Realty

2/10 Terrible

stephanie v.

Disliked: Cleanliness
warped floors; electrical outlets not working dimmed light in kitchen
The property did not smell refreshing even after "cleaning." Should use scented cleaning products - it felt like it was just tidied up. The television went bust.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Feb 2022
Hi Stephanie, we're sorry to hear you were unsatisfied with your stay. We pride ourselves on providing clean and dependable vacation homes for our guests, and it sounds like we missed the mark with your stay. If ever you vacation with us again, please know that we offer free re-cleans if ever you are unsatisfied with the level of cleanliness. In fact, our customer service, maintenance, and cleaning teams are on the ground 7 days a week to address any issues that may arise for a guest during their stay. We thank you in advance for your understanding. Our best, Beachview Realty

10/10 Excellent

Molly M., Henderson

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect location and space
Me, my friend and my dog stayed here for a 3 day weekend and have no complaints. The location is awesome as it’s next to the Balboa pier and ferry. The house is spacious compared to some other beach rentals. For anyone with a dog, you have access to the back patio so you can easily let your dog out. There’s also a giant grass area out front next to the beach for your dog to enjoy. The hosts were incredibly responsive and attentive when we had questions. I would stay here again for sure.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Feb 2022
We're so glad to hear you (and your pup!) enjoyed your stay! Thank you for sharing a bit about your trip - you are welcome back any time! -Beachview Realty

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
Wonderful, would stay again
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Sept 2021
We hope you DO stay here again! It was our pleasure to host you, Kimberly. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with the VRBO community. It means a great deal to us. See you next time you're in Newport! -Beachview Realty

6/10 Okay

Stephanie N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location, house is old
This house is in the perfect location and proximity to the beach. We enjoyed our stay so much. There is no parking available so be prepared to pay for parking your entire stay. The house is also very old, and while it is very well kept, it’s kind of falling apart. Backyard is fantastic.
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Aug 2021
Thank you, Stephanie, for your insights. We appreciate you taking the time to share with the VRBO community! We're so glad you enjoyed your stay and found the home to be central and accommodating. We have explicitly included details about the condition of the home in the property's description. We don't want the thinner walls, slanted floors, and lack of designated parking to come as a surprise to anyone. We also feel like we have priced the nightly rate appropriately. With that said, we do ensure that the home is clean, well-kept/ outfitted, and perfect for families traveling on a budget! -Beachview Realty

8/10 Good

Ginni A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Old “vintage “ But Just Enough
Yes, this place was older so slightly dilapidated BUT it had everything we needed and it was comfy & clean. Super close to the boardwalk and activities, yet far away enough to feel away from the hustle and bustle . Just understand going into it that it is vintage, and you will enjoy your stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 26 May 2021
Thank you for sharing your insights, Ginni! We are so glad you enjoyed your time at this vintage beach cottage and we hope to be able to host you again the next time you're looking to escape to the beach! -Beachview Realty

10/10 Excellent

Christal P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Spring break getaway
We had a blast! This house is in the middle of many things to do on Bilboa Peninsula. Walking to the beach daily was so nice. Shopping, food, and entertainment is all nearby. We managed to grab parking on the street and didn't move our vehicle since we were able to walk everywhere. It was a bit noisy in the front bedroom but things quiet down well around 10 pm. The house was equipped with all we needed. The upstairs unit gains access through the back yard so don't be alarmed to see a stranger walk through. Thank you for the enjoyable stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Apr 2021
Our pleasure, Christal! Thank you for the kind words and the insightful feedback! :) -Beachview Realty

6/10 Okay

Ralph P.

House lacks "Pride of Ownership".
The house met the online description fine, what we felt missing is what we call Pride of Ownership". Older historic homes are not perfect, and we accept. However, the home had broken blinds, broken electrical conduit, shoddy workmanship on paint and easy to fix trim and details and a cluttered patio with junky stuff laying around. This house has a lot of potential, but lacks love and Pride and made us feel the owner just wanted our money.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Apr 2021
Hi Ralph - thank you for your feedback on this home. We have informed our team of your observations and they will be looking further into the property's upkeep. General maintenance of our vacation homes is something we take seriously. We apologize that it did not reach your expectations. -Beachview Realty

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer B., Phoenix, Arizona

Liked: Cleanliness
Beach escape
Perfectly located and exactly what you would expect for the cost. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Jun 2021
It was our pleasure to host you, Jennifer! Thank you for taking the time to share a bit about your time in this beachside cottage. -Beachview Realty

8/10 Good

Thomas C., GARLAND

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderfully located beach bungalow
We had a great month’s stay at this historic bungalow. All I can say is location, location, location. It’s a short walk to the beach, Balboa peer, Funzone, bars and restaurants, the ferry to Balboa Island, everything you ever need. I have to say, however, parking is a real challenge, particularly on weekends. And that was in winter during the Covid pandemic, I can only imagine how difficult it will be in the summer. I often had to park 1/3 of a mile down Balboa Peninsula. But it’s a nice walk back if you use the boardwalk along the beach. The bathroom and shower are also a bit small. But other than that we loved it! We hope to return next year.
Stayed 27 nights in Jan 2021

10/10 Excellent

Teresa D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Old Charm
This property is an older house with a lot of charm.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Noisy
Hands-down the noisiest place I have ever stayed, and I lived in New York City for 10 years! I also have lived in Newport and I mistakenly assumed since this was down by the two way part of Newport Boulevard that it would be less noisy. I was very wrong. This place is right on the road, one bedroom just feet from the road. Cars zoom past even faster than compared to further down the boulevard due to no stoplights. At 2 am, 3 am, a crazy roadster or motorcycle would feel the need to kick in in gear... I guess people are cruising. They would go back and forth. I did not sleep for four nights. The other bedroom in the back was quieter. But overall, just a noisy place! Every time the neighbor on the one side would pass through outside, the slamming gate would make me and my mother jump while seated in the living room. On the other side was a large vacation rental. People staying there had three infants and a puppy. Nap time they would be put them in third level so all of their screeching would come down directly into our courtyard. Basically, everyone is living on top of everyone. There is a quiet neighbor living above, but he needed to pass through the courtyard from time to time. This just is not a place to have peace and quiet. If the noise does not bother you, it’s a decent location very close to the beach. Regarding the parking, here is how it went down: Monday is limited parking due to street cleaning, therefore had to park in the paid public parking when we checked in. Lots of trips back and forth with the bags and luggage. Lucky enough that night, a car was parking in front of our place, begged him to move up so I could park there too since it’s big enough for two cars. Score! Until I look up and see that Tuesday morning was street cleaning on THIS side of the street now. So the victory was short lived. Moved the car early Tuesday morning, found a spot further down the road on the other side. Oops! Now on Wednesday morning they clean that part of the street. Wednesday morning had to move car again. On Thursday just difficult in general to find parking (this was in the September, well past the summer season). I shiver to think of how bad the parking is at that time. The back does have a lovely courtyard but shame on whoever is in charge of those plants. Beautiful succulents being neglected, weeds growing in pots, empty pots. Such a shame! Sorry, would not stay at this place again. ESP for this $
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Dec 2020
We appreciate all our guest’s feedback and would love the opportunity to respond for any people considering booking this property, or others managed by our company. Our guest’s satisfaction is our top priority, which is why we strive to manage expectations by providing as much information as possible, beforehand. If you read through any of our property descriptions, you will find almost every detail is accounted for. This property is located on Balboa Blvd, which is one of the two main roads on and off the Newport Beach Peninsula. So, depending on the season or time of day, it can be rather busy. Unfortunately, we cannot control the noise from outside traffic (although we sure wish we could!). However, we understand that some people may not be used to the hustle and bustle of such a densely populated area. Therefore, we strongly encourage guests to look at the maps under all property descriptions, so you can see exactly where a property is located. Additionally, you may want to take into consideration the time of year you are booking your reservation. Generally, you can expect less crowds and noise during the off seasons. Furthermore, this property does not come with a designated parking space which is also stated in the description. The Newport Peninsula can be very difficult at times to find street parking. It is highly recommended to take this amenity into consideration prior to making a booking in this area. All of our listings detail the parking available for the specific home. Our customer service staff is well versed in all aspects of each rental we manage, so feel free to contact us 7 days a week with any questions prior to arrival or booking. Regarding the courtyard, we just finished the landscaping yesterday so now it’s in great shape! We’ve also adjusted our system for maintaining the outdoor plants to ensure the watering does not get missed in the future!

10/10 Excellent

Cathy G., Albuquerque New Mexico

Liked: Cleanliness
Clean and roomy
My daughter and I stayed for a long weekend and the property was perfect for us. Very clean and roomy. A little rustic and some obvious wear and tear. The small bathroom other reviewers complained about was fine for us. Good comfortable beds. Good shower. Parking in the beach lot behind the unit was very convenient. Not too noisy for us but might be noisier during peak season because the location is close to all the action of the fun zone. Cute little beach house in a great location! Everyone we dealt with at the property management company was very nice. It was overall a positive experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Nov 2020
Hello Cathy, Thank you so much for the wonderful review and for taking the time to share your feedback on your recent stay with us. We are so pleased to hear you loved the property just as much as we do! It was such a pleasure to host you! We hope to see you again soon, Beachview Realty

8/10 Good

Dena A.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beach house in Balboa
Do not like that we had to go to management office to check in and return keys as I flew in from AZ and did not have my own car. Also, only 2 rolls of toilet paper for 3 days.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Oct 2020
Hello Dena, Thank you for sharing your feedback. We are so sorry to hear you did not enjoy our check-in process. Our check-in process averages under 5 minutes in duration. During this time, our goal is to confirm acknowledgement of some general rules, take a copy of a government ID, ensure accuracy of required forms of communication (correct email, and phone # on file), and answer any questions you may have, or recommendations you may need. There are many reasons for this interaction, however, we understand it may not always be convenient for every guest. If that is ever the case, we encourage you to please call our office to discuss your situation, as we would be happy to make special arrangements to accommodate you. Furthermore, we completely understand why one might think toilet paper is included in our rentals. However, we clearly state in all our paperwork that you must bring your own toiletries. We leave two rolls as a courtesy; however, it is not intended to cover your entire stay. We are sorry for any confusion! Thank you again! We hope to see you soon, Beachview Realty

2/10 Terrible

Elena A.

Terrible Street Noise
If you are looking for a relaxing place and a good night’s sleep this is not the place for you. Loud motorcycles, car racing and lots of traffic right outside the bedroom windows all thru the night. The house gets very hot and with no AC in the house, it’s required that the windows stay open even with all the ceiling fans on, and the street sound feels like you’re sleeping on the street. The house is cute and clean and very close to the beach but the nighttime situation was unbearable. The “private patio” needs cleaning and the plants need watering. All the plants are dying. :(
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Oct 2020
We appreciate all our guest’s feedback and would love the opportunity to respond for any people considering booking this property, or others managed by our company. Our guest’s satisfaction is our top priority, which is why we strive to manage expectations by providing as much information as possible, beforehand. If you read through any of our property descriptions, you will find almost every detail is accounted for. This property is located on Balboa Blvd, which is one of the two main roads on and off the Newport Beach Peninsula. So, depending on the season or time of day, it can be rather busy. Unfortunately, we cannot control the noise from outside traffic (although we sure wish we could!). However, we understand that some people may not be used to the hustle and bustle of such a densely populated area. Therefore, we strongly encourage guests to look at the maps under all property descriptions, so you can see exactly where a property is located. Additionally, you may want to take into consideration the time of year you are booking your reservation. Generally, you can expect less crowds and noise during the off seasons. Regarding the condition of the patio, we appreciate this being brought to our attention. We have since updated our system for maintaining the outdoor plants, to ensure the watering does not get missed in the future! This is one of our most popular, budget friendly properties and as stated by the guest- it is cute and clean, and close to the beach! So, if you find those qualities appealing, we think you will enjoy this unit!

8/10 Good

Kathleen M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location, clean, funky house
We enjoyed our stay here, but would definitely make sure people know that it's not a quiet neighborhood. There is a younger crowd that enjoys late night parties, bring earplugs! The house was funky, but very clean and as advertised.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Susan & Bill B., Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Liked: Cleanliness
Fun time in Balboa
The place is in a great location. We were worried about parking (from previous reviews), but both families found free parking in the neighborhood the first night and just left our cars there the entire time. We were concerned about 6 people being in a small house, but it actually was just fine. Overall a wonderful stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

sally d.

Liked: Cleanliness
Pippi beach cottage
Searched for vintage beach cottage and found this one. Its comfortable & yes it has irregular floors, no parking. But I enjoyed Walking ( beach front 1/2 block) and the charm of this Pippi Longstocking cottage.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2020

8/10 Good

Mark H.

Liked: Cleanliness
1
1

8/10 Good

Kelsey K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Good location
Overall, we had a good stay, but I wouldn’t stay in the property again. It’s old and small, and not worth the money in my opinion. The property pictures and description are accurate. The location is great. The only negative to the stay was that you share the backyard with the person who lives above. The neighbor complained about our bikes being in the way of the backyard walkway that leads to the trash cans. Instead of asking us to move them, she called the property managements twice. We are super nice people and would have no problem moving them if she asked. There isn’t a ton of space to keep stuff back there, so we had no idea. Overall, it was fine but I would stay elsewhere next time.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Joyce K.

Liked: Cleanliness
girls get away
cute and clean, great location
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2019

6/10 Okay

Ciji S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Parking and electricity = wasted vacation
When you go on vacation the last thing you want to worry about is moving your car daily or every other day due to restrictions, and that’s if you find one that isn’t a mile away. We were told the fridge was being worked on when we checked in, we arrived and it’s not working and warm. Well.. a trip to the store for ice for our food, as we call the manager. My father in law had to check the breaker box and move a few things to get it to work. This occurred throughout the next few days. The fridge never really got cold, until someone brought an extension cord out for us to plug the fridge into the living room outlet (WHAT?!) We were tripping over the cord the rest of the time. We had to spend one of the days waiting for the electricity guy to come check everything from the rental management company. That was a wasted day. Not to mention the bathroom is smaller than an RV bathroom. It was nearly impossible to even wash your whole body, the only person who fit was our 9 year daughter. So to say the least, we won’t be back there again. The location was amazing and the house had charm and the town of Newport is cute and quaint, but for the hassle not worth it.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Laura C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing and Quaint
This rental was in the perfect location. Close to the Balboa Ferry and the beach. Vintage beach property with lots of character.

10/10 Excellent

Marci B.

Liked: Cleanliness
The Perfect Location
It's a very cute & clean little cottage type home with plenty of space for a family or small group and esp nice to be in such a perfect location to the beach and all the local shops and food places. The only things that would sure be nice is to either add more outlets or relocate the couple that are there to be accessible. This was kind of frustrating & the bathroom is very tiny. My other suggestion would be to add some better fans with larger blades to cool down since there is NO A/C at all & the small fans in both bedrooms made all kinds of noise, which was not very pleasant at night! Parking is a nightmare & if you're not lucky enough to grab an open spot you could be walking a few blocks! Other than that it, was a nice surprise to go out the back patio door and through the rear gate and be at on the boardwalk at the beach! Office staff at the management company were excellent, very friendly & helpful the entire time!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

David J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Beach Vacation
The property was well maintained and clean....Everything worked. Great beach cottage.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

PATRICIA M., Merced California

Liked: Cleanliness
Pleasant stay
Property was exactly what we expected. No surprises, good location and a short walk to some very good restaurants.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Scott D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Quick getawa
Property was spotless and in a great location. Especially liked that it was dog friendly.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2019

6/10 Okay

Kathleen D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Pluses but also minuses
We appreciated proximity to path along beach, pier, ferry, & restaurants. King bed was comfortable. We left a day early bc of traffic noise of Balboa blvd, John Wayne flight path & no A/C. No designated parking curtailed our willingness to give up parking spot in order to drive to other restaurants or points if interest

10/10 Excellent

Drew M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beach Bungalow
Great location

8/10 Good

David L., North Wales, Pa

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice Home in Good Location
Perfect home for a family of four. Well supplied with appliances and utensils. Back porch area was a nice addition. Close to beach and public parking. Would stay there again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019