Unfulfilled potential.
Review Submitted: January 29, 2008
Date of Stay: December 2007
My husband and I found this rental extremely unsatisfactory. Don't be misled by the caption under beach photo - "private beach/island with views". The view is lovely but there are quite a few locals etc on beach throughout day. Photo of gazebo also misleading - no lounges or kayaks. The caretaker informed us the kayaks had been stolen, not exactly the "privacy and security" advertised, and also confirmed the house had been broken into the week prior to our visit. The kitchen, bathrooms and living area are basic but fine, as for the beds etc. this area has a very unpleasant smell, there are 2 queen mattresses piled ontop of each other which are the worse for wear and the pillows are absolutely disgusting (mouldy/dirty). We slept on the futons in the living area which were filthy also. There is a BBQ as advertised but it hasn't seen daylight in a long time and there was no gas cylinder so couldn't use it anyway. There is a TV and VCR but they didn't seem to attach to an aerial and given that we were travelling from Australia, we didn't have videos with us. So basically there was little to keep you entertained after dark (deck of cards with 47 cards in drawer with a few dirty socks!). The cleanliness left alot to be desired.The town water went off and although tank water kicks in there isn't enough pressure to flush loo, so we had to do that with buckets of water. We only stayed for 2 nights and then booked alternative accommodation which was spotless and much cheaper too. All in all it worked out to be a very expensive holiday, not the 2nd honeymoon we'd hoped for.
Owner's Response: This woman’s complaint came as a shock to us. We have never had such a complaint so we quickly investigated each one of her complaints to determine fact from fiction. First, the “private beach” is not misleading. The beach is not used by the public because of the private homes in the area. However, Fiji does not allow beaches to be owned, so there may be a few local women who fish in the waters or pass by. The claim that the house was broken into prior to their visit is true, but the house was unoccupied at the time. Someone came into the empty house, but nothing was taken or disrupted. This should have no relevance to this guest. The “smell” that this guest complains of is unsubstantiated. The TV is to be used with the VCR. Videos are available to rent in several different shops in town. The water in Savusavu town is sometimes shut off. To address this, we have a back-up system that feeds from our own water tank reserve so there is always a source of water. There is sufficient pressure to flush the toilet & use the taps. The futons in the living room have slip covers on them which are frequently washed. When my husband flew to Savusavu to inspect the house because of this guest’s complaints, he found the futons, beds, and house clean. He did find several older pillows that needed to be replaced, and has done so. We now have all new pillows from the U.S., & new Egyptian cotton linen. Regarding the kayaks: the caretaker did misinform the guest about the kayaks; they were not stolen but were in storage after an annual cleaning. He was at fault for not getting the kayaks for them at their request.
This couple never contacted us or the caretaker w/their concerns. We never heard anything until after the fact.They left unannounced with our keys, only to return on their departure date to use the house one last day. We encourage any guest to let us know immediately if there is a problem so we can help to remedy it. After going to Fiji specifically to investigate these claims, we conclude that this guest befriended a local expat who owns an accommodation in town and wanted to pose an argument that would justify their decision to stay in her place. Other than a few pillows that did need replacement, and kayaks that should have been obtained from the caretaker, the house is very clean & comfortable. It is on an acre of groomed land with a lovely beach in front. References from previous guests can be obtained on request.
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Helpful votes: 8/10
