Lazy Oaks Resort

The cabins feel cozy and homey, with big porches and several spots around the property where you can sit and enjoy the view. There’s a little playground for kids, too. We spent a day outside, then the rain kept us indoors for the rest of our stay, but it never felt cramped. The wifi was good, there was a smart TV and some games, and the leather couches were really comfortable.

Check-in and checkout were both easy, and the cabin had everything we needed to feel at home. The kitchen was well stocked with pots, pans, glasses, silverware, a full-size fridge, and a stove. It was very clean and quiet, with a super comfortable bed. A wonderful place to get away, right by the lake.

The Christmas cabin retreat I planned as a gift for my wife and kids didn’t feel like a cabin at all. The Ash Cabin at Lazy Oaks in Pinetop, Arizona, came across more like a duplex. The Birch unit was attached at the back, and there was only one wall between us, so we could hear everything from next door. The kids said it felt like an apartment complex in a horror movie. We expected a lake view, but from the balcony all we could see was the main road. Some other Lazy Oaks units do have lake views. The cabin is also close to that road, where the speed limit is 25 and we saw traffic often going over 50. Parking was a hassle too: the space assigned to the unit was very limited, and the nearby flooded spot had soft ground and couldn’t be used. When we arrived, the place smelled like mildewed wood, cigarette smoke, and faintly of urine. We opened the doors and windows to air it out, then noticed none of the windows had screens. Inside, there was no dining table, indoor fireplace, or outdoor fire pit, and the barbecue grill had no propane. The sofa was worn and very uncomfortable. We also got just one trash bag for the whole stay. The more serious problem came that evening when my daughters tried the upstairs shower and found there was no water pressure at all. We left disappointed, without the cabin experience we’d hoped to give them.

Being able to get WalMart groceries delivered right to the cabin was a really nice convenience, and the kitchen had all the cooking and dining things we needed. The internet was pretty unreliable, but I hadn't come to this lovely cabin for the Wi-Fi. Everything was clean, including the bathroom, where the TP and soaps were good quality. The staff were quick to respond and very accommodating. The owners had also thoughtfully left a bin of folding travel chairs for guests. Such a lovely location, and I’m looking forward to coming back.