Gondola Vista

We had a six-bedroom villa for our group of nine, and the rooms and kitchen worked perfectly. Nobody once complained about waiting for a bathroom. The location was ideal, with everything within walking distance, and we saw more wildlife than ever before. The amenities were just right. We also used the in-home chef service through Take a Chef. The kitchen was well suited to our excellent chef, Chef Travy from Reno. My only real gripe is that the pillows could've been better. We will be back! A few practical tips: bring spices and board games, and consider bringing liquor from the store within walking distance. Raley's is under renovation, so Safeway is the closest grocery store.

The bedrooms and bathrooms really stood out, and the area was peaceful and quiet even though it was close to everything. We loved the balcony, the view, and the kitchen, especially in the mornings. The home was exactly as described: spotless, cozy, and equipped with what we needed. The person I dealt with was welcoming and quick to respond from the time I booked, and check-in was easy. Heavenly village and restaurants are nearby, making it simple to explore. We spent three delightful nights at Gondola Vista and would highly recommend it. I'm looking forward to staying again.

The most frustrating part was management's silence. We sent several messages and waited days without even an acknowledgment. Their lack of communication left us feeling that guest comfort wasn't a priority, and I wouldn't recommend this rental. We had asked ahead for a Pack ’n Play, but it didn't arrive until after our first night, once we followed up. The master bedroom mattress had deep indentations and springs you could feel, making sleep very difficult. Then at midnight, its smoke detector began beeping because of a low battery, and there was no way to silence it. Our family of four had to squeeze into a queen bed for the rest of the night. The other three bedrooms downstairs were also hard to use comfortably because their temperatures swung between unbearably cold and too hot. This was a frustrating, disappointing stay, far below what was promised, with basic upkeep and service falling short.

These five- and six-bedroom units cost a lot, and there are better-priced places nearby. Their higher elevation also makes walking challenging for some people. The three flights of stairs can be tough, though the mid-level main floor works well for gathering. The layouts are unusual, and the water pressure is poor at best. Rain shower heads would be more practical if replaced with handheld fixtures.