Name: Rentvillas.com
Address: 1697 NW Precision Ln, Bend
Rating: 4.38

“Overall: The villa is just as we expected. The pictures posted on rentvillas.com were very accurate!Definitely should speak French to get around. Very helpful.I'm the only French-speaking person in the family, so we did OK.A car with GPS is a "must"The English couple, the local managers, are very nice and helpful with nice suggestions for restaurants and places to visitWe had a wonderful time driving around visiting chateaux, Lourdes, Toulouse, and San Sebastian in Spain. Went to the town Pau, a 45 min drive, to watch the Tour de France going by, very exciting! Plenty of things to do in 2 weeks! Brochures of places to visit are available at the villa, very handy. Enjoyed Most: 1. Clean bathrooms and nice bedrooms, mattresses were in good shape plenty of towels.2. Kitchen is sufficient Tupperwares are available for packing food for picnic or leftovers. Plenty of different size dishes, cups and glasses.3. Hair dryer and iron are provided, so less things to pack.4. TV has English Cable so you don't have to watch French TV.5. Phone calls within France are free. Enjoyed Least: TV is very small. But it's better than none.Having a laundry dryer would be nice. Editor's Note: A large flat screen TV and dryer have been installed. September, 2013 Surrounding Area: The front yard is well kept and nice looking.A bit inconvenient to get out of the car to open/close the front gate. But no big deal. Nearby Events or Locales: Vic en Bigorre is the nearest town (15-minute drive), with 3 grocery stores, Intermarche, Leader Price, and Carrefour. They close earlier than U.S. stores, 7:00 pm Mon-Fri, and 1:00 pm on Sat-Sun. Tips or Restaurants: 1. Must have a car with GPS and unlimited mlieage. We used AVIS, and got a Ford Focus using Diesel. Decent car.2. Reusable grocery bags for grocery. They charge for bags.3. Bring/buy laundry detergent, shampoo, etc.4. More restaurants to choose from in Tarbes - 30 min drive. In small town, most restaurants are only open for dinner, but there are always sandwich shops.5. Rent a car with Diesel instead of regular gas, since it is less expensive.6. Bring umbrellas and/or raincoats! It rained quite a bit in July.7. Most American credit/debit cards don't work at Gas Station, stores. However, you can get cash from Some ATMs. It's easier that way. Directions: GPS works. The given directions from the voucher is from Toulouse, and we drove from Paris.”

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(Maison En Pierre) - Posted 13 years ago

“Overall: Amazing!! From the moment we arrived it felt like heaven on earth. The villa is beautiful. We had plenty of room and the facilities were immaculate. The pool was the perfect respite from the Tuscan sun. The weather was amazing. Absolutely perfect!!! Enjoyed Most: The property manager Cecille was super friendly and a font of information. The peace and quiet the villa afforded us was unparalleled. Yet we were minutes drive away from Barberino Val D'Elsa. Location, location, location.... Halfway between Florence and Siena in the heart of the Chianti region. I am still pinching myself to make sure it was not just a dream. Enjoyed Least: The dirt road added an element of anxiety. Especially when navigating it in a rental car. Surrounding Area: Everything!!! The views, the people, the options to tour a town or two or go to a wine tasting or just sit overlooking the vistas at an outdoor cafe. Nearby Events or Locales: Barberino Val D'Elsa. Not exactly walking distance unless you enjoy long walks. Tips or Restaurants: The information RentVillas sent us prior to our trip contained an extensive list of things to bring. She knows her stuff. Don't panic there is a little super market in town for essentials. Directions: You have to enter the local name of the villa to find it using GPS.”

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(Casa Del Grano And Fieno) - Posted 13 years ago

“Overall: FABULOUS! Great house... Great location. Enjoyed Most: The views were outsanding and the house was beautiful. The grounds, pool, furnishings were fine and outdoor space was excellent. Very clean and comfortable. Enjoyed Least: There really was nothing... Surrounding Area: Loved the town and access to the beaches and swimming areas. You have to be able to deal with A LOT of steps. Keeps you in good shape and allows you to eat all you want! Nearby Events or Locales: Praiano is adorable.. has everything you need. Great restaurants and groceries. Tips or Restaurants: We were a large group of 15, so getting around the coast was challenging and super expensive. Cabs are expensive and the "orange" shuttle bus up and down the coast is crowded and long waits. Having your own car would be frightening so you are sort of stuck..factor that into the cost of the trip and arrange a price with a limo/car company beforehand. Also, we found out that most of the restaurants will send a car for you..San Pietro etc... Directions: we were told to call the manager and it worked out well. We hired a porter to carry our bags down the steps to the villa and that is a must! Check In Out: Very organized and efficient.”

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(Villa Tranquilla) - Posted 13 years ago

“Overall: We spent a wonderful week here. Enjoyed Most: The outdoor layout was superb. We were outside most of the day enjoying the view. The owners were very accommodating and friendly. Enjoyed Least: There is nothing not to like. Surrounding Area: There is something for everyone in Costa Blanca- from beaches to hiking to shopping and wine tasting. Nearby Events or Locales: It is near Javea. Check In Out: Used the key drop off- very convenient.”

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(Villa Tropical) - Posted 13 years ago

“Overall: Great. Enjoyed Most: Outdoor areas, two living rooms, lovely pool. Enjoyed Least: Small bedroom, but adequate. Surrounding Area: Local restaurant: no menu, terrible wine, lovely view, great fun! Tips or Restaurants: A long haul by train or car to Florence. You must enjoy the country. Lovely owners/managers. Great chef, Maurizio. Directions: we used a GPS. This house is out in the country. Keep going, you'll get there. We called from the car. Working cell phone matters.”

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(Villa Montelopio) - Posted 13 years ago

“Overall: Wonderful! The property manager was excellent and a great resource. The experience exceeded our expectations. Enjoyed Most: Individual bathrooms and AC units. Pool, Loggia, and views were spectacular. Very private. Enjoyed Least: Kitchen set-up was a bit awkward and small, but functional. Surrounding Area: Quiet. Beautiful view. Nearby Events or Locales: Castelfiorentino and Montione within 6km but not walking distance. Castelfiorentino did have a train station which was most convenient. Tips or Restaurants: Use local chef that the manager can provide. Casa Masi outsde of Montione was a great restaurant. Directions: GPS highly recommended. Check In Out: Check in was great, we should have done check out the night before.”

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(Villa Colombina) - Posted 13 years ago

“Overall: We had the best time possible, it was truly a magical place with great food and activities near by. We cooked in some and there were 4 cooks in our group of 10. They love to cook and loved the kitchen. The rest of us enjoyed the yard and the pool. Enjoyed Most: That depends on who you are asking. As for me I loved all the outside furniture where you could read and watch what every one else was doing. The kids loved the outside too where you could swim and run, which they did forever. Enjoyed Least: There is nothing I disliked about the property; it was truly beautiful, quiet, and isolated from the rest of the world,. Surrounding Area: The villa was within walking distance of the town of St Agata and it was so nice when we went to town for dinner. We took a trip up or down the highway to Sorrento and it was a lot of switchbacks, but on the list of 1001 things to do before you die. Tips or Restaurants: Great restaurants in the town. The fellows who welcomed us into the villa were a great source for where to eat and what to do. About the only thing I forgot to bring was some shampoo but it wasn't hard to find. Directions: We rented A GPS system and it worked well. I'm not certain how you could do it without one. But I wasn't driving.”

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(Villa Due Golfi) - Posted 13 years ago

“Overall: Fantastic. The owners/caretakers were generous with their time. Helpful with any minor questions. The view is amazing and the villa spectacular. Enjoyed Most: The villa is modern and clean. All amenities are available, including beach towels, lounge chairs on the multiple decks with umbrellas.Laura loves to cook. Without asking, the first night she made us Sangria. The second, a zucchini pie that was to kill for. A few days later, when we asked for the recipe she invited us into her home next door and made it with us. Amazing...The nicest hosts I have ever had, and I am doing this for 4 years... Enjoyed Least: No American coffee maker. You were able to make coffee, but only one or two cups at a time. Although we had two sets of directions and almost got there, if you miss the last right turn, it is very difficult to find. When we called Laura, she offered to come and get us....which she did. Surrounding Area: You can walk to the town, which is quite nice. The beach is also within walking distance as are the restaurants. There is a large modern supermarket, shopping abounds and the adjoining towns have terrific beaches where for a nominal fee you can rent both chairs with cushions and umbrellas. Nearby Events or Locales: The local town of Imperia is surrounded by beautiful towns, but not really within walking distance. But since you will need a car to get to the villa, everything is within 10 minutes. Tips or Restaurants: Since this villa offers the option of having some basic food shopping done before you arrive, I would take advantage of this. If there is anything specific you require, Laura and Carlo will try to have it ready for you. We enjoyed the waterfront front restaurants. the kitchen is fully supplied The bathrooms have ample towels and the maid comes in on Tuesday and Thursday for no additional fee. Directions: The hill is severely curvy, uphilland VERY narrow. My suggestion is to Call Laura or Carlo once you get to Diano Calderina to get help. Check In Out: Very informal. Since they live next door, they were very accommodating about what time we arrived and departed.”

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(Villa Imperia - 11) - Posted 13 years ago

“Overall: Wonderfully welcoming family, very comfortable and charming house, great pool area (too cold for us to swim), incredible views, nice location. Enjoyed Most: Views, the welcoming Italian family, charming bedrooms, amazing dinner. Enjoyed Least: No complaints... the shower could be larger, but it was fine. Surrounding Area: Beautiful countryside, easy to get everywhere -- day trips to Assisi, Orvieto, Perugia, Citta di Castello, etc. Nearby Events or Locales: The only minor issue for us was that we couldn't walk to town. We're happy with long walks, but the road is narrow and twisting with steep drop-offs, and not suitable for walking to get to the nearest cafe. Tips or Restaurants: Internet service at the wine bar in Cortona at the end of the main shopping street is the best way to get online. Have a bottle of wine, sit outside, and enjoy the Internet access while you watch the passeggiata.”

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(Girardi) - Posted 14 years ago

“Overall: Wonderful. "Housekeepers" Alex and Olga made sure that we had everything we needed, beginning with their greeting on arrival, through two weeks of suggestions and translations, to our final tearful farewell. Enjoyed Most: It was furnished like an elegant, private home, and SO well equipped with everything we could POSSIBLY need! Perfect for six friends - and could have been eight. Enjoyed Least: We would like to mention something, to make a balanced report. But we can't think of a thing. Surrounding Area: Great paved walking routes in the area. Closeness to lovely Orvieto was wonderful. The neighbors inside the walls of our "compound" were friendly, too! Nearby Events or Locales: Nearest small town of Viceno very walkable wasn't much of a town, but the next closest town, Castel Viscardo, had everything and was a stiff walk away - 6 km round trip! Tips or Restaurants: If there was ever a property that supplied everything, this is it including umbrellas by the front door. There is NOTHING else to bring. Great written restaurant suggestions complied by the owners helped us find several perfect spots. Our favorite was in the hotel La Pergoletta in Castel Viscardo. Directions: We used the map of Lazio that Rentvillas.com sent to us in advance. The hamlet of Benano was shown on that map but not on most others. We also pulled up Benano on Google Maps. So no problem finding it! Check In Out: Alex and Olga made checking in and out an experience rivaling anything we have ever encountered. So exciting when we arrived and met them, and so sad to leave. No issue at all getting our security deposit returned, although we would have understood if there HAD been a charge for the gallons of their wine we drank!”

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(Antica Rocca) - Posted 14 years ago

“Overall: Very pleasant - relaxing. Managers who greeted us were really nice . Enjoyed Most: Spacious bedrooms. Well appointed living-kitchen area and outdoor area. Enjoyed Least: There was nothing we disliked. Surrounding Area: Enjoyed the old town environment. The main pedestrian street of the town was just around the corner from the house. Nearby Events or Locales: We were around the corner from the old town of Alacati. Very handy. Tips or Restaurants: We used this as a base to visit Ephesus - this is a day trip. Well worth seeing. Visited Cesme a few times and lucky enough to see an international kite surfing competition. Did a day trip about 4.5hrs - driving around the peninsula, Hasseki, Karaburun, etc. Really enjoyed seeing rural Turkey on this coast.”

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(Lady Bird - 4) - Posted 14 years ago

“Overall: Wonderful. Enjoyed Most: Everything. Enjoyed Least: Nothing Tips or Restaurants: A perfect spot to stay. Check In Out: He was very helpful.”

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(Augustus) - Posted 14 years ago

“Overall: Wonderful. Great place to stay. Enjoyed Most: The location was fantastic. Near Greve. Beautiful drive. Great views of the vineyards and olive trees. Enjoyed Least: Nothing to dislike. Surrounding Area: The entire area is beautiful. Nearby Events or Locales: Lucolena was the nearest town. It really wasn't within walking distance. However, you will probably have a car while touring Tuscany so it really isn't a problem. Tips or Restaurants: Everything was provided. While checking in, please ask questions about scenic drives, places to eat, etc. They gave great advice.”

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(Toni 3) - Posted 14 years ago

“Overall: The property was very comfortable. Enjoyed Most: It was spacious, and secure. The stereo and a great selection of music. Great place to come back to after a day of sightseeing. Enjoyed Least: No private outside areas for smoking or socialising. Surrounding Area: Close to groceries and patisseries. The 8 metro line is across the street, and will connect to anywhere you want to go. Nearby Events or Locales: The Bastille is a ten minute walk straight down rue Amelot. There is a fabulous market there on Sundays, and good places to shop and eat daily. Tips or Restaurants: Bring your coffee cup.”

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(Maurice) - Posted 14 years ago

“Overall: This was our second time in the same villa and it was wonderful. The renovations were great - enlarging one bedroom and 3 bathrooms. We were so comfortable and felt right at home. Enjoyed Most: The spaciousness and location. Enjoyed Least: The views. Surrounding Area: We were right in the middle of all the activity around Santa Croce and close proximity to most sites. Directions: Took a taxi and they knew just where Santa Croce was.”

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(Piazza Santa Croce - Peruzzi) - Posted 15 years ago

“Overall: Just delightful! Enjoyed Most: The quietness, and the regal beauty. Enjoyed Least: All the steps!!! Surrounding Area: The vistas were incredible. Hey, its Tuscany! Nearby Events or Locales: Baccaiano, and we did walk there. Tips or Restaurants: Come prepared to do lots of walking, plan to eat a few of your meals in your room in addition to breakfast. If you have the right amenities, you can do your own cooking. Directions: Taxi driver knew his way. That was the upside, downside was not having our own vehicle, but we worked it out just fine!”

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(Il Castello 18) - Posted 15 years ago

“Overall: Wonderful. The couple were very friendly and helpful and the views were unbelievably lovely. You could see several hilltop villages from outside the front door of the property. Enjoyed Most: Its location and beauty. Enjoyed Least: Difficult to say as it was so lovely. Maybe the nearness of the small gravel road with occasional farm vehicles. Surrounding Area: Easy to reach the local village and nearby towns. The sunsets! Nearby Events or Locales: Montechiello. You could walk there in 20 minutes, but it is uphill on the way back, so didn't try it.”

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(Pienzina) - Posted 15 years ago

“Overall: We had a great time in the villa. The villa is very secluded and quiet, creating an oasis for us. We thoroughly enjoyed the area as well. Enjoyed Most: Anna and Felice keep the place very clean and orderly all around. The views were fabulous we enjoyed the sunsets and the stars many nights. The pools were the best feature of the property - especially the children's pool for our kids The pictures of the pool do not do it justice. Enjoyed Least: The kitchen was functional, but small if we had had another family besides our two families of four. As it was, it was fine. There needs to be instructions for the appliances, including the washing machine, Satellite TV (plenty of sex channels, but short on children's shows), and the AC. While Anna and Felice were great hosts, they do not speak English so be prepared to meet them halfway with Italian. Surrounding Area: We loved the access to the beach of Castiglione della Pescaia and the southern Tuscany town of Pitigliano, the hot springs Saturnia, and island Monte Argentario. The villa was located fairly closely to the SS1 so getting to other cities was fairly easy. Nearby Events or Locales: The closest town was Montiano and not within walking distance. There is a small grocery store there to get some supplies. Other close towns included Respezia, Alberese and Montelione del Toscana each within 5-15km. Tips or Restaurants: There was very little to bring. There was laundry detergent and dishwashing liquid and the bathrooms were well stocked with toiletries as in a hotel. Bug spray is a must. In terms of restaurants, we loved Il Fontanina in Monte Argentario and also loved Trattoria Toscana in Castiglione della Pescaia an Alain Ducasse Michelin one star restaurant. Lastly, we loved the Maremma style meal that Anna and Felice cooked for us, but beware of the cost for children. While I understand the reason for minimums and the 25 euro cost per child, it seemed excessive for what they really ate...that being said, 40 euro for adults for a private meal was worth it given the volume and quality of the food and hospitality. Directions: We thought the directions were fine, but we could not find the town nor the property on our Garmin GPS. Beware that the dirt road is relatively long...and with frequent trips can be a good amount of wear and tear on your car. Check In Out: Anna greeted us warmly and tried as best she could to show us around. No issues at all.”

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(Il Salottino) - Posted 15 years ago

“Overall: We had a beautiful time. Words cannot adequately describe the magic of the home in its unique, private, exclusive and gorgeous setting. The house is very comfortable, the bedrooms spacious and nicely furnished and Teresa, the caretaker and sometimes cook, was as delicious as the food she prepared. We loved her and each of our precious days at Villa San Fruttuoso. Enjoyed Most: The private setting. Between the water access to the solarium perched high on the rocks with a spectacular view, we were transported into our dreams. Enjoyed Least: The kitchen is completely serviceable, but it is not up to the standards of a high-priced property. Surrounding Area: The exclusivity and privacy of the "gated" point is sublime. Portofino and neighboring Santa Margherita-Ligure are as picturesque as they could be. Magical! Nearby Events or Locales: Portofino...ten minutes on foot though you need to go to Santa Margherita-Ligure 10 minute bus ride for grocery shopping and more extensive shopping alternatives. Tips or Restaurants: Don't plan on leaving the house much. it is DIVINE.”

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(Villa San Fruttuoso) - Posted 16 years ago

“Overall: Fabulous! It was far beyond our expectations! The property was lovely - the furnishings, the pottery, the oven, the dishwasher, the screens! the air conditioning.I would say the property had many more great qualities than we were expecting!.The pictures on the web site in no way do the property justice. If I can figure out how to send you pictures, I will do so. Enjoyed Most: It was lovely and had everything we needed. Our keyholder's chef had prepared lasagna and chicken cacciatore for us, along with a lovely appetizer and vegetables. We ate this - 6 of us - for 2 nights.It was very hot while we were there and the pool was fabulous! Enjoyed Least: I couldn't quite figure out the washing machine. Surrounding Area: Beautiful and convenient for day trips to Florence, Pisa, Lucca and the ocean.We took the train to Florence for a long day - it was easy and relaxing. We highly recommend it. Nearby Events or Locales: There is a lovely working olive grove just steps from the property. They sell a local wine and olive oil. There is also within one mile a fascinating cemetery. Tips or Restaurants: Don't bring anything!. All the things they talk about needing in "the Guide to Living like a Local" are provided - beach towels, garbage bags, etc.We had maid service on 2 days. We weren't really sure what they were doing and we did not know how much to tip them. Directions: We met our keyholder in Lucca. The biggest problem was her limited English and our limited Italian. Check In Out: We loved Daniella, the keyholder. She and her husband were great!”

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(Casa Ada Due) - Posted 16 years ago

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