We had a lovely weekend once we were checked in. Fantastic location in the heart of Hood River - we only used the car when we went hiking near White Salmon and to tour the Fruit Loop. Unit is very clean and just right for two people.
Note on check in - the property manager apparently runs a B&B down the street. We contacted them to find out how we check in since we never received the normal accessing your rental message on VRBO. Once we heard back from them we swung by a B&B to pick up the keys. Once we got to the complex we realized there was no unit number on the keys or in the reservation. We found a unit with the PM name on it, knocked and tried the key and it worked. Note that there is no instruction book telling you how to work the TV or on check out procedures (take out trash, strip beds, start DW?). So if you are staying at the property, ask for both (and the unit number!).
The location and layout of the condo gets 5 stars. but the property management is where it all falls apart. I should have seen the red flags. When I tried to book the property the request expired because the property manager didn't check their email. Isn't that the most important step, making sure to check for requests to rent.
Once it was finally confirmed, the communication just got worse. I got an email saying check in instructions would be sent Thursday. Called Friday (day of check in) asking where the instructions were. Said he would email them to me. Had to call back 5 hours later since I still hadn't got them. Oh yeah he forgot. Not the end of the world, but not fun to start a vacation stressed out when you are halfway to the place and aren't sure if you can actually check in.
I asked about parking for larger vehicles since the parking is in a garage. Manager said no problem I could use the spots they had for another condo. I thought this is great, very helpful. That is until I got an angry phone call from the owner of that place wanting to tow my truck parked in their space. I had to talk him off a ledge and explain who gave me permission. Thank god I had a work truck with my number on it or it may have just been towed. In the end the owner was ok with me parking there, but was upset no one from the management company had asked him if that was ok.
Ok now we actually get to the condo. At first it looks great, good views of the river, high ceilings with lots of light. But you could tell the same attention to detail the management company had is what the cleaning crew had. The coffee filter hadn't been changed in I don't know when, but there was white mold growing in it. The dish sponge was pretty foul too and just left out. Not sure I would eat off dishes that were cleaned with it. I ended up eating out. Just generally disappointed with the cleanliness, especially for a management company that runs a hotel. They should be very well equipped to clean a vacation rental.
Overall the rest of the condo was ok, but not great. There is not a comfortable place to sit. Couch is hard as a rock and the chairs are worse. It has a video game box but the owner took the power cable. So now I get to stare at a video game console that I can't play like a cruel joke. Just take the whole unit if you don't want guests to have fun while they stay. Oh and there is no wifi.
Lovely property with unbeatable access to downtown Hood River. Apartment was clean and well-appointed with an excellent view. Check-in was a little convoluted, but staff were extremely helpful and friendly.
Well located, modern loft style condo in Hood River
The condo is centrally located in downtown Hood River, with coffee shops, restaurants, shopping and breweries steps from your front door. We really enjoyed having everything so close during our stay. The unit is modern and the decor and style were to our liking. It also has wonderful views of the river, and a small balcony to enjoy if the weather permits. It was very quiet and we did not hear any neighbors during our stay which was wonderful.
A few cons: Check in was not as listed in our directions. It said keys would be in the lock box at the hotel, when they were not there we had to go track someone down in the lobby of the hotel to get the keys. Not a big deal, but would have been nice to know this was how it would work. Also, Hood River was experiencing an extreme heat wave while we were in town. After our first night, a passcode had been put on our thermostat and we could not lower the temperature enough to make it comfortable while we slept. For what you pay to stay here, we should be able to lower the air-conditioning at our discretion. When I tried to contact someone regarding this, I was not able to get in touch with anyone and my email was not returned.
The photos don't do the view justice! We had a wonderful stay here. The place is extremely clean and quiet, yet you can be out at all of the local breweries and restaurants within minutes of your door. The check-in process wasn't 100% clear but we quickly got that sorted. It was also nice to have dedicated parking.
Our story in hospitality began in 1986 with a career in real estate. In 2001 we started Gorge Rentals, and then in 2002 we opened the Oak Street Hotel.
Gorge Rentals is a full service property management company with a team of Gorge-based professionals who oversee our portfolio of single family homes, apartments, and condos. Since 2001, we've served Oregon and Washington, connecting people with homes they love and offering homeowners trustworthy property management services. Experience is everything, and we are always ready to go the extra mile for you.
Each of our businesses reflect our desire to enjoy and share the beauty of the Gorge with locals and travelers alike. We take our responsibility of service to you seriously. At the same time, we have fun with our work. Always up for a lemonade on the front porch of our 1909 historic office, we look forward to serving you.