I would recommend to stay AWAY from this owner. When we where leaving we forgot to put 2 plates in the dishwasher and his big kayak apparently fell off the hooks after we left. Owner saw an opportunity and charged us 300 deposit claiming we smoked in the house, because he could not charge us for any damages. Non of us are smokers and did not smoke inside or outside of his property. I had to dispute claim with VRBO. Now about this property. House is very outdated, basically falling apart, there is a message on the kitchen warning you not to place heavy items on the countertop b/c the edges are breaking/falling off, doors to bedroom won't stay closed, shower curtain falls down all the time, sliding door locker is broken, carpet is disgusting and floors are dirty. House is clattered with staff and smells like a smoke and mildew.
We were surprised at the age of the home and musty feel but location location location! You are right on the canal. We didnât have any bugs but we did have problems with areas being dusty. I looked behind the bedroom lamp for an outlet and it was very dusty, also the small fan in the bedroom was covered in dust so I cleaned it thoroughly before we used it. We arrived in hot weather and left in cold weather so we know both a/c and furnace work great. The bedding was from the 70's and my sheet had a burn hole in it. My washcloth in the bathroom had a huge tear. There were plenty of washcloths so it should have been tossed instead right on the top of the pile.Ample cooking pans and utensils, air fryer, coffee maker Keurig so pick up some pods, there wasn't any. Lots of ice trays and cubes.Only 2 dishwasher tabs so we had to go out shopping because when we pulled out glasses they were dirty and food crumbs in the silverware tray. I put all plus the tray in the dishwasher so there went one tab but I knew they were clean. No shampoo or conditioner but there was tiny hotel soap bars so be prepared to bring everything. Having a washing machine was great, we took advantage of the 2 washer tabs.The bed out in the new bedroom had an issue because it was a sheet on top of a plastic covered mattress. I can see why someone would have plastic on it but an actual mattress cover wouldn't make you sweat all night. We did rent a boat from the local guy, Weeki Wachee boat
The minute we opened the door, we were hit with a strong odor of cigarette smoke. This was supposed to be a non-smoking home, however, it was obvious that there had been a lot of smoking inside. Thankfully, we were only there for 2 nights, as the smoke odor made for an unpleasant stay. It lingered on our belongings even after we got home. There was also no hot water, or I should say, it was barely lukewarm at best. No hot showers for us. But, the price was cheap, so I guess you get what you pay for. The location was great, but we will not be returning to this place.
Comfortable, homey house in a quiet neighborhood.
It was a relaxing stay.
The hosts were very helpful and quick to respond to all our questions!
We had a great stay!
I want to preface this review by saying the owners made it right and had quick communication. But, I cannot in good conscience leave a positive review for this rental.
Owners allowed us to check in early and upon arrival a friend was "checking the water" and let us in and gave us the code.
The manatee hideaway 1 is older which I anticipated and had no problem with. The outdoor space is great and it's where we spent most of our time. Plenty of life vests, kayaks, a paddle board, and a conoe (we did not use). We did run into several issues though. Bikes are advertised and none (including the ones at hideaway 2) are operable. Response from owner was that they can't guarantee bike operation or pay for maintenance for them. In my opinion, they should not be advertised then; just remove them. We realized around dinner that we had no hot water. I contacted the owner, who replied quickly that they would have someone come out to check it, understandably difficult due to recent hurricane. She gave us access to Manatee hideaway 2 for showers. Nice to offer, but I do think that she was aware of the issue since she already had her friend checking the water prior to our arrival and we should have been moved at check-in. Owner said reason was their pet policy. Hot water was't restored and we were eventually relocated 2 doors down. Between both we had a nice stay. Hideaway 1 has better outside, dirty odorous inside, needs an update. Hideaway 2 just ok outside, with a cleaner, newer inside.
This is our second stay at the Manatee Hideaway and it wonât be our last. The home is comfortable and has everything you need. The living room furniture has been updated since the photos and is very nice. The best part is the backyard. Definitely the best yard on the canal. Easy kayak trip to the main river. Fully fenced yard if you have dogs, which was a plus for us. The hosts were amazing and very quick to respond with any questions we had. On our way home we were already talking about our next stay at the Manatee Hideaway.
Second time staying at this location. Had a great time as always. Perfect location close to multiple springs. Great family getaway! Owners quick to respond with any concers/questions. Thank you for allowing us to enjoy ypur property again!!
Was a great stay everyone had fun only thing that sucked is they changed the law on the river you cant just chill on river anymore and thats what we like to do we tried it a couble time cops ran us off
My son and I stayed at the Manatee Hideaway for a couple of days in May. Great location on a canal not far from the main river and the most reasonably priced rental available. Host was response, we would book this property again.
We were lucky enough to catch a last minute getaway here. To find a home with three bedrooms, and two bathrooms at that rate is hard- especially at a very reasonable rate. The inside was very comfortable and clean, the outside space is really well thought out with spectacular decking and a great location.
Fantastic back yard.
Dead and live roaches seen inside during our stay. House is showing signs of age, floors creak and shake when walking. Some cosmetic upgrades are evident, but it feels like lipstick on a pig.
Kayaks in disrepair; but we fixed them.
Toilet handle broken; we fixed that too.
The main door to the outside locks automatically every time it closes. Gets annoying, especially when the keypad is worn, making the numbers invisible.
Tons of junk, especially in the kitchen, stuffed into shelves and obviously not clean.
No spare trash bags, and only 2 dishwasher pods.
Lots of fun if you stay outside, which we do. If you have any standards for cleanliness and organization, you may want to skip this place.
We've stayed in this neighborhood multiple times, and there are much nicer options!
Easy to get too. Nice area. Many things to do and see close to property. Nice outside area. Bring insect repellant. No seeums bad on deck area. Living area has all we needed. Overall was a great experience. đ
We had a great trip! The listing could have better pictures of the inside! Itâs way better than the pictures, if youâre looking for cozy getaway this is your home!
I loved my stay here. Place was clean and fully stocked. The outside area was the best. The first deck has some nice furniture and a TV. We watched the baseball playoffs outside with the fish jumping in the background. So cool. The lower deck has a large dining table. Both decks had your choice of shade or sun. We fished off the deck. There is even a fish cleaning station. It was fun to watch the mullet jump across the water. It was a short paddle to the clear water Weeki river. If the owners ever want to sell the place, call me first! It's a super fun place to be!
i had to call owners for access code to get in since i left earlier in month to do virginia, south carolina st augustine then to weeki watchie gardens she was a great help and enjoyed our stay very nice place
We have been vacationing in Weeki Wachee for years. My wife grew up on Sebring Street and brought me down here to enjoy the Nature Coast. When it dawned on me that I truly loved it here more than other vacation locations (after several years of vacations), we decided to purchase our own home here. In turn, we would like to share what we love with you and your family! We see manatees EVERY time we visit. Manatees are gentle and majestic creatures. Just watching them swim is quite relaxing. We love our experiences every time we come to Weeki Wachee.
Alot of the reasons are listed in the "about you" paragraph, but I will elaborate further..... The neighborhood our house is in is quiet and relaxing. We really enjoy eating dinner right on the water courtesy of the glass table on the lower deck/dock as the sun sets and goes down. We get almost daily visits at our dock from the manatees. You can fish right from the dock, and bring your boat!
We chose this property because of the decks and the dock. Easy access to the gulf for some really good fishing! Another amenity was the exterior third bedroom with a front door and a rear entrance to the decks via french doors. The spacious living room was another thing that caught my attention. Our entire family could sit comfortably. Also the dining room has a built in bar....seating for all. Crystal and I truly appreciate you looking at our Manatee Hideaway and considering our little slice of paradise for your next vacation!