Décembre Open ... condo de luxe sur la plage!

We rent vacation homes regularly in the Dana Point area and I can tell you: this was a dream! One thing that stands out is the professional grade furnishings (not 'left over' things from Auntie Millie's place!). Everything was so beautifully prepared for our stay - lovely kitchen appliances, upscale and really comfortable 'adult-size' sofas and arm chairs. This is an important point because the large majority of owners DO NOT TAKE THIS INTO CONSIDERATION when purchasing/furnishing! The beds are new and so dreamy to sleep in. And if this isn't enough - the big screen theater-quality electronics are a wonderful surprise. Easy WIFI access from this location - a must when you work from home - and just steps to the most famous beaches on the California Riviera. We are coming back as soon as we can!

Unfortunately, this was the wrong property for us. We (seniors) live in the desert and desired a quiet two months in a much cooler climate near the beach. The climate cooperated.

This property might be ideal for young families but not for us. Located next to the community pool, there were screaming kids from early morning until well after 10PM. The neighbors upstairs/across the walkway had a 2 year old who never stopped crying and hollering. The unit above us was mostly vacant but when it was inhabited, every footstep could be heard; there must not be any noise insulation between the floors and certainly no carpet up there.

Worst of all, there was a continuous construction project to replace the stairwell railings (and rotted steel supports anchored in concrete) of every unit in the complex which lasted a good part of the summer. The work commenced daily at 8:00AM; hammers, chisels, saws, grinders, etc. Gardeners arrived at 7:20 several times a week and didn't finish until almost noon; edgers, mowers, blowers in waves. Once a month they would stand in the planters to clip the bushes back (and look through our windows at us).

The owner attempted to make our stay better by replacing a mattress and other (foam) bedding that had been soaked with pee and sagged in the middle as well as coffee makers that were filthy and still had dirty water in them when we arrived. The toaster did not work but there was a toaster oven which we used instead. The padding on the dining room chairs had to be covered with towels as they were quite soiled. There were some ants in the house and there was rat droppings on the patio (with barbeque). A good cleaning and better pest control will alleviate most of these issues.

Bill and I returned to this condo, Harbour House, season after season. Everything is clean and well decorated, the kitchen had every amenity we could want, and there’s nothing like the cozy den off the living room for watching TV. Betha is sweet and responsive to any question; she even brought us a treat when my fiancé broke his collarbone. Once, when it appeared that a fuse had blown, Betha's husband knew exactly where the fuse box was hidden. The problem turned out to be the microwave oven that had died. Betha brought over a new microwave that very evening. Combined with a beautiful view of the Pacific steps away, Harbour House is a winner of a place. We highly recommend it.

I have rented at least a dozen vacation rentals through VRBO over the years. This experience without a doubt was the most pleasant. Betha makes you feel so welcome, That you instantly relax. Harbor House is so tastefully decorated and well appointed you feel like you are in a 5 star hotel. Pelican Hill Resort is the highest rated resort in North America. We often stay in their villas, it's an amazing experience and obviously not cheap. Harbor House with Betha as a host is like that experience but at a fraction of the price. If you ever get the opportunity to stay here you are very fortunate.

M

We truly enjoyed our stay at the Harbor House! The condo was very clean upon arrival and Betha was a terrific owner and very accommodating. She proactively replaced large appliances and did anything we asked of her! The weather was beautiful, except for a little hot a couple weeks, but the location was great and we enjoyed being so close to the ocean! We highly recommend this property to anyone wishing a close-to-the-beach setting!