Beach nearby
Check availability

Reviews of Smith River Vintage Cabin w/Oceanfront Deck+Views!

Smith River Vintage Cabin w/Oceanfront Deck+Views!
Smith River, California

Reviews

7.2

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 12 out of 39 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 39 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 6 out of 39 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 39 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 7 out of 39 reviews" "

7.6/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Grant S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cottage on Smith River
It was an amazing trip with amazing views. We loved it.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

6/10 Okay

Katherine A.

Average
Cute property with great view of the river. Great birding. This cabin/cottage has the potential to be a great property. The kitchen and living room were nice. But everything is old, needing updating because the old parts make it feel unclean. The carpeting in the bedrooms are carpet squares that are coming up and look threadbare. The beds were uncomfortable. As mentioned this could be a great property with some updating. Also, I’m not happy with all the VRBO charges listed under fees. I won’t likely rent rent through VRBO again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Nov 2023
Hi Katherine, we take guest feedback seriously and passed your comments on to the homeowner who would like to share the following:- Thank you for taking the time to provide your feedback. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the picturesque views and birdwatching opportunities during your stay.- We appreciate your comments regarding the property's potential for improvements. As you mentioned, the vintage charm of the cabin is intentional and is highlighted in the property's listing. We aim to maintain an authentic atmosphere while ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable stay for our guests.- Regarding the concerns you raised about the condition of the carpeting and the comfort of the beds, I have forwarded these to our maintenance team for immediate review and necessary action. We strive to ensure that all aspects of the property meet or exceed our guests' expectations.We do all we can to make the best possible stay, and we look forward to this property hosting many satisfied guests.

8/10 Good

Derek W.

Stay for the festival
Overall stay was good. Loved the location. Beautiful views. Quiet and away from the road. Only downside is no Wi-Fi there. No air conditioning (which wasn’t a big issue when the windows were opened). No fans in the home, so bring your own fans. But honestly all the downsides didn’t matter too much. I’d still go back and stay here.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Aileen M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great value great price excellent views of the ocean!
Property was very clean. I was very apprehensive about staying here based on the last review, but it exceeded our expectations! We got cabin 260 and it had a deck with a view of smith river and high waves of the ocean. We watched multiple species of bird life, families of otters playing and sea lions. The only downfall I experienced was the internet. It took a long time to connect to the Wi-Fi and was in and out. Not recommended for those who work on the road. We didn’t mind so much because there was so much to do in the area. Located in the middle of Crescent city and Brooking. Will go back and ask for same cabin. Recommend you bring your own tissue and toilet paper for softness
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

2/10 Terrible

Vanessa R.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Disturbing
Cut our trip short because it was not good. Not clean! Old bandages stuck to the walls in the shower. The whole house smelled of urin the couch and chairs too. There was dried up puke in the closet in one of the bedroom and the worst was when the bugs started coming out of the wall.. handfuls. That is when we left. I absolutely do not recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Feb 2023
Hi Vanessa, the owners take the cleanliness of their property seriously. We’ve passed your concerns along to the homeowner who’s working with their cleaning company to ensure these items are addressed so that the home is in top shape and future guests can have a five-star experience!

8/10 Good

kimberly w., Sebastopol, California

Beautiful View
The view is wonderful, especially if you like to watch birds. The place is well worn, but clean. Bed a bit squishy and internet terrible. Still, they provide all you need to have a relaxing time.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing view
Absolutely beautiful view, we could see otters playing in the water from the deck every day. Quiet, safe neighborhood. We brought three young kids and a dog, and had no issues. We cooked every night, and the kitchen had what we needed and was in good condition. I would recommend on the view alone, but everything else met my expectations too.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022

8/10 Good

Willard J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great view from deck
Was a great place to stay, love as you come out of the bedrooms & look at the river & ocean. so soothing.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2021

2/10 Terrible

Jessica N.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Good location horrible cabin
Stunk of mold and in an abandoned falling down string of cottages next to an old falling down larger lodge. Looks to be a large rv park next to a mostly vacant trailer park. Really felt like it was a Bates Motel type of thing. They couldn't care less that their TV and remote for it didn't work. When you turned on the TV it was always full volume and only 3 buttons worked on the remote. They were 1 4 and 7. On the plus side. 1. Nobody around d for about a mile in any direction. 2. Awesome ocean view. 3. Close enough to tge redwoods and Crescent City that there are fun things to do in less than an hour drive.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Jan 2022
Hi Jessica, we take guest feedback seriously and passed your comments on to the homeowner who would like to share the following: -The Xaa-wan-‘k’wvt Village & Resort is an older resort and they're in the process of making improvements. -The cottage is on the bank of a river where peat can be found, which some say smells similar to mold. We're working on putting together written material on the history of the area, as well as the updates happening to the resort, so guests are better informed. -Our Guest Contact didn't hear from you about the TV issue. We ask that guests reach out so we can address any issues or questions as soon as possible. Thanks for your valuable feedback as we continue to improve for future guests!

8/10 Good

Susan M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great wildlife
Everything was as represented on line. Plenty of cookware, very quiet, so beautiful Looking at the ever changing Smith River Estuary and wildlife. Warm and spacious. I would go back
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Glenna W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect morning zen
Everything we needed, simple straight forward and perfect view
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

6/10 Okay

Cynthia J.

Deceiving advertising
A little dingy, very little kitchen supplies such as plates, cups, silverware, extra oil for cooking, foil, etc. Advertising on VRBO made it look like an individuals house, not part of a "village" owned by the tribe. If I had known this I could have booked directly with them and saved myself the VRBO fees! Also, home is dog friendly but no fenced part of yard to let them out. That also should be in description of the pet friendly part.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Nov 2021
Hi Cynthia, the right vacation home is everything, and we're disappointed if this wasn't the one for you. The homeowner would like to clarify the following: - We provide coffee, salt, and pepper but guests are expected to bring their own cooking supplies if they plan on cooking. - We do have dishware, silverware, and glassware for up to 8 guests. - The listing states that we are part of the Xaa-wan’-k’wvt Village & Resort but we apologize if this caught you off-guard. Guests are only able to book through Evolve and not directly through the Resort. - Our home is dog-friendly but we do not advertise nor show photos of a fenced-in yard. In the future, please don't hesitate to reach out to Evolve directly with any questions or concerns about a property ahead of your stay - our Travel Advisors are here to help 7 days a week! Thanks for taking the time to leave your review.

10/10 Excellent

Jane R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely Little Gem
The cabin we stayed in was modest and clean. The deck with the view of the Smith River and the Ocean was worth the whole trip… gorgeous view and perfect peaceful retreat. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful. It was a perfect get a way!! Thank you!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Charles C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Smith river
Beautiful view. Excellent place.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Julie h.

Liked: Cleanliness
smith river house
it was very old but enjoyed the stay
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

david s.

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful
Loved watching the tides rise and lower in the back bay lagoon and to see the ocean. Walked down to the water and walked around the rocky shore. Loved seeing the seals and sea lions resting on the shore and playing in the ocean
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children, Travelled with pets, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The view was amazing! Love waking up in the morning and going outside
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

6/10 Okay

Michelle E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful view - not accurate listing
I loved the view, the place was cute, the screen door was broken. The deck is a little wobbly. It is not advertised that we have to drive through a mobile home park to get to the cottage. It is also not advertised that the restaurant and hotel that is “closed” is actually just abandoned. The beds were not comfortable. The property manager was good on the phone but never saw them in person. You should really update and say you have to drive through a mobile home park to get to the cottages that are run down and could use some updating. Other than that, the view made up for our big disappointment.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Jun 2021
Hi Michelle, We’re glad you enjoyed this vintage cottage! The right vacation home is everything, and we're disappointed if this wasn't the one for you. We followed up with the homeowner after reading your feedback, and they wanted to share the following - We try our best to provide a great environment for guests, but sometimes external factors like the surrounding area are simply out of our control. The hotel and restaurant you mentioned are closed at the moment. The cottage is on the edge of a mobile home park, but most of our guests have had no concerns with this. - We encourage guests to use the contact information in the Welcome Book as there are several contacts available from the property management company who can help with anything that comes up. Thanks for telling us about your stay and we expect this cabin will host many pleasant vacations to Smith River!

10/10 Excellent

Jennie W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing View!
The area could not have been more beautiful! There was beach access just a short walk away, stunning views, and a comfy bed. The linens were fresh and clean and my family and I loved every second of it!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2021

8/10 Good

Amber L.

Great Cabin with limitless potential
The view was beautiful and the cabin itself was very clean. There was a couch issue mentioned in other comments and it has been updated though I don't think it shows in the pics. The location was close to many things which worked really well for us but we could not find a path to the shore from the cabin. A cover over the patio would be an awesome addition. The rollaway bed was a nice idea but the frame is a bit outdated and the mattress has spent too much time folded so it was not a usable option for us. Luckily we brought air mattresses and the open floor plan worked perfectly. There was an issue with the coffee maker so I would recommend bringing another option if that is important to you first thing in the morning because the closest drive-thru coffee was 10 minutes away. Also, don't forget cooking spray or your choice of cooking oil because the pans are not non-stick and cooking eggs in the morning was rather difficult. Overall we had a great trip and I would stay at this property again in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Inez D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous view on a rainy/sunny day
Very quiet neighborhood. The house is comfortable and roomy. A comfortable place to stay away near the ocean and away from home. Just no easy access to bech area
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Fun, quaint cottage
Wonderful view off the deck. Could watch the seals , pelicans, etc.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2020

2/10 Terrible

Lucy A.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Horrible moldy smell, old worn furniture
Could not stay due to the horrible smell, did not feel it was safe.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

8/10 Good

Theresa R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Girls Trip
Loved the location and the view. The couch does need to be replaced. We brought our dog and had several run ins with other dogs running at large on the property when we were walking our dog.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2020

2/10 Terrible

Steve R.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Cigarette smoke and dirty dishes
We were uncomfortable due to the heavy cigarette smell (we found a cigarette butt on the refrigerator - this was not due to the recent fires), and washed all dishes before using them because at least some of them were not clean. We left after one night and are asking for a refund.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Oct 2020
Steve, We're sorry to hear that you experienced some issues during your stay. We followed up with the homeowner, and we'd like to share the following: -Since your stay, no other guests have experienced the smoke. We believe this was from the local wildfires during your visit. -The pillows and the couch in the living room have been replaced since your departure. -The owner is trying to put a new dishwasher in the unit- they are continually trying to improve for future travelers. -We hope that the generous measures taken by the owner made up for some of the inconvenience. Thanks for your helpful feedback and for taking the time to leave us a review!

4/10 Poor

rachel d.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Run down and located in a trailer park
Arrived at 7pm to check in and the clerk wasn't able to find our reservation. I waited around for 20+ minutes after my family and I just drove 12hrs straight until my reservation was located. Once we got to the house there was multiple dead bugs squished on the walls. The floor was filthy and made my daughters feet black after walking bare foot for under 5 minutes. The water sputtered from the tap and brown water with sediment came out ( we used bottled water for everything after noticing this ) my husband Found women's underwear in the bedroom closet. There are several other things that were an issue but I don't feel it necessary to name them all. The 1 saving grace was the view of the ocean and being a 5 minute walk to the water.

4/10 Poor

Silvia H.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Breath taking view, but that's about it.
If you are into bird watching and nature you cannot find a better place! But ... Compromising is part of it. The cabin does not sleep 5 or 6, as described! Maximum 4 if you are willing to sleep on beds that are a compromise between double and queen. Rooms are small. The couch is sinking and the roll away bed ... a jumping jack. The whole place is run down, but livable. A shame because the location is superb!
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug 2020
Hi Silvia, we're glad you enjoyed the wonderful location, but we're sorry you weren't completely satisfied with your stay. We passed your feedback along to the homeowner, who wanted to share the following: - We have updated the listing to reflect that the cabin can sleep five people comfortably. - While the bedrooms are not large, both do feature queen beds that are only one year old and in great condition - The listing does state that it is a vintage cabin, while we do our best to keep it up to date, the property is over 60 years old. Thanks for your feedback, we will keep working hard to ensure guests enjoy a five-star stay!

10/10 Excellent

Deb H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful
The cabin was perfect. The views beautiful. Really enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020

6/10 Okay

Chad T.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Great View!
This place needs some work but has a lot of potential! We did however enjoy our stay. The furniture was really old and the beds were really uncomfortable. It was lacking extra TP and trash bags. There was also a lot of dog hair but overall it was great for our family reunion! We enjoyed the pelican State Beach down the road. And had a nice time watching the seals and otters from the small deck. The view was beautiful!
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Jul 2020
Hi Chad, we're glad you enjoyed the beautiful views and location! We encourage guests to reach out with any concerns while in residence so we have the opportunity to make things right - the local contact would have been happy to help. Thank you again for providing such helpful feedback. We’ll act on it so that future guests can have a five-star experience!

10/10 Excellent

Dennis R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Had a great stay. I hope it’s still available next year.
Easy 👍

8/10 Good

Elizabeth R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful little rental with amazing views
The rental was perfect for our spontaneous trip. Once we got there all my fears washed away and we thoroughly enjoyed the stay. But I won’t be shopping with vrbo for rentals again anytime soon. Hidden fees and mixed information made the process stressful for a stress free getaway. Even when I called to help the costumer service was kind but not helpful.

6/10 Okay

Angela K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great view, humble abode
The house was, in my opinion, not a typical vacation rental (VRBO). It had the feel of a 3 star motel. The bedding, furnishings, all standard low grade. There were minimal towels for both bathroom and kitchen. When asked for more the manager was swift to provide. And eager to try to make things better. We liked the easy access to the shore and fortunately had extremely nice weather for December. We really appreciated the view!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar 2020
Angela, the homeowner would like to share the following message: "We are happy to hear you appreciated the value in the location and view. The cottage is vintage as noted in the listing. Thank you for your review." Best, the Evolve Team

8/10 Good

Rachel L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Clean and comfortable....and what a view
It was clean and comfortable (a little dated), and had everything we needed. The people were very nice, and we felt safe and welcomed. The view from the back deck was amazing and peaceful. There is a trailer park next door, so it isn't fancy, but everyone there was very sweet to us, and neighborly. We would rent this house again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

2/10 Terrible

Jeremy G.

Disappointed
5 feet from 2 abandoned and boarded up cottages, next to an abandoned restaurant and hotel, with horrible access to waterfront
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar 2020
Jeremy, we're sorry that you did not enjoy your stay at this cabin. Many guests appreciate this cabin's rural location, but we're sorry if it wasn't to your liking. We take feedback seriously and have shared your comments with the homeowner so we can work together to make the stay better for the next guests. Thank you for letting us know. Best, the Evolve Team

2/10 Terrible

Brenda C.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Not as listed
I would strongly recommend not going to this rental until they do some work to fix it up and the area around it. It's definitely not worth the price they are charging. We left, and they did refund most of our money.
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Mar 2020
Brenda, we're sorry that your stay fell short of your expectations. We price our listings strategically and competitively based on several factors including location, time of year, and events in the area. We hope that the generous measures that the homeowners went to make things right was an agreeable solution. However, we hope you enjoyed the great location! Best, the Evolve Team

10/10 Excellent

Kelli C.

Liked: Cleanliness
A great value
Good value for the price. Great if your traveling with pets, as there's lots of room to walk outside and room to move around inside. Basic kitchen supplies, but on the sparse side. Internet strength was up and down, so not a place you could work remotely, which might be a good thing.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Brent J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Worked for us but could use a little thought...
We enjoyed our stay here and the view was beautiful. Please note this rental sleeps 7 but is not equipped for 7 people. Not enough towels, plates, bowls or blankets. No dishwasher (which is fine) but the water pressure was very low in the kitchen and there was nothing to scrub the dishes with. Location was beautiful, but the neighborhood was sketchy. Just a few upgrades would make this a 5 star rental.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019