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Review submitted by susan from steyning (Submitted: 4 Sep 2012)
Lovely property with good entertainment i.e. TVs/Table Tennis/DVD.
We were disappointed that there were no sunbeds at the pool.
Overall, the agent was rather unhelpful. When we arrived in France at 10,30am we were advised that the appartment wouldnt be available until 3.30pm. She then called at 2pm to say it was available whilst we were then shopping. 30mins later she was back on the phone asking where we were. When we went to collect the keys, she handed us 2 rather large and heavy piles of linen and towels which we then had to walk through the town with back to our car. In the details provided, the towels and linen should have been put in the appartment by the agent. When we arrived at the property, the fridge wasnt working. Despite being told the emergency number was available 24/7, when I called, it went to answerphone. I left a message but no-one ever called back. We got the fridge working ourselves.
Owner reply:
Hi Susan. I'm very happy that you had a good time in the apartment. The decision not to put sunbeds by the pool was taken by the resident's association, so I'm afraid we can't really control that. Linen would have been in the apartment at the regular check-in time of 4 pm, but as the agent was facilitating you with an early check-in, there just wasn't time to get it over to the apartment before you got there. She felt that you were anxious to get to the apartment early, so in her view, it was better to give you the linen in her office, rather than asking you to wait until the normal check-in time. I hope this did not cause too much inconvenience.
Review submitted by Julie from Glasgow (Submitted: 19 Aug 2012)
Firstly I would start by saying the apartment itself is really lovely inside and the complex is of a high standard and very clean and secure. However..... when we arrived we had to meet the agents at their office to collect the keys and were presented with a large bag of bedding and towels that we had to then try to carry along with our cases - and then start making up beds. There is no change of bed linen or towels during the stay and also no cleaning either. I expect that if staying in an apartment there is an element of cleaning/tidying that we will need to do, however the lack of a cleaner and spare bedding meant that we needed to wash bedding and towels and clean toilets etc. We mentioned this to the owner/agent and were offered the services of a cleaner - but at an extra cost - and to be honest we felt the cost of the apartment for 2 weeks was enough to have included this. The garden to the apartment is great......but there are only 2 sun loungers. As mentioned in other reviews the pool is 20 meters from the apartment - however the gate to it is padlocked shut and the agent has no knowledge of the wherabouts of a key. The pool itself is clean although the pool attendant is very strict about showering, shoes, noise etc - which is not ideal when you have children. Additionally there are NO sun loungers at the pool at all. There are a small number of the white plastic garden chairs - but if you want to lie down Im afraid its the concrete floor. I have to say that St Raphael itself is lovely, as is Boulouris, and the local bakery/butchers etc are great and very handy - we had a number of BBQs using the electric BBQ (which sadly was filthy and had to be scrubbed before we could use it) and table tennis table was great for the children. The local bus service is right outside the complex (great as taxis are very expensive 15-18 Euros for the 4km ride from the centre of St Raphael) and we hired bikes which was great fun. The area itself has lots to do and there are plenty of restaurants etc and the beach is lovely.
Owner reply:
Hi Julie. Thanks for all your kind comments, and I'm sorry there were some things that you found unsatisfactory. We try to keep the costs as low as possible, and this means people understanding that this is a home rental, and not a hotel. So services like extra cleaning, changes to linen etc would add significantly to the cost. The complex is a residential development, and I really don't think it is too much to ask for clients to observe basic hygiene procedures around the pool, and not to engage in horseplay. I'm sure your children were very well behaved, but the rules are there for everyone's benefit, as I'm sure you appreciate. We are really very lucky in having several restaurants within walking distance, and even the beaches are only 500 m from the apartment. It was a good idea to utilise the local bus service, which is fast, reliable and cheap. Best regards
Review submitted by Graham from Kingston, Surrey (Submitted: 14 Aug 2012)
Overall the property was of a high standard with comfortable beds, soft furnishings and excellent media devices in all rooms. However there were some disappointments which really lie at the owners choice of local rental agent. The level of service by the agent fell short of our expectations such as they did not meet us at the property nor was there an inventory on arrival. Currently we are in dispute over breakages for an appliance we did not even use. I await the outcome.
As for location it is ideal for local shops, markets and beaches. The swimming pools were great, but access to the pools is from the other side of the complex even though the pool is 20yds from your patio!
Overall a good apartment.
Owner reply:
Hi Graham. I'm delighted you had a nice time in Boulouris. Apologies for taking a few days to get back to you about the broken coffee machine, but as you know I was in the apartment myself for the two weeks immediately after your stay. (I arrived a couple of hours after you left). Good point about the full inventory, and in fact while I was there I made out a very full inventory, which is now sent to all guests two weeks before they arrive.
Review submitted by david from ashbourne (Submitted: 31 Jul 2012)
Lovely apartment, spacious,well equiped, designer furniture in a lovely development in a fantastic area of France.
Clean rocky beach nearby, with lots of fish....amd an octopus!
Pools clean, but a bit strict with no shoes, drinks, food, or running around!
We would definately recommend.
Owner reply:
Hi David
Thanks for all the kind comments. In fact, in addition to the rocky beach, there are a couple of really nice sandy beaches along the same stretch, just 500-600 m from the front gate of the complex. Aren't the pools just massive ? This year, the resident's association have decided to pay for a full time security guard, who ensures that people leave their shoes outside, shower before swimming, and don't engage in any annoying horseplay around the pool. Sometimes this seems a tad strict, but it's really in everyone's interest, as it ensures great water quality, and a nice relaxing atmosphere around the pool. Glad you enjoyed the holiday.
Review submitted by Rob from Henley-on-Thames (Submitted: 24 Sep 2011)
This apartment is excellently located, sits within a gated development and felt very secure and child friendly. The pools are big and we unashamedly spent most of our time around them instead of the local beaches. Great apartment and the free WiFi was just what a modern family needs. The owner was extremely helpful and I would recommend this apartment to all.
Owner reply:
Hi Rob
Thank you for all the kind comments. I know what you mean about just lazing around the pool. Since supervision was introduced on a full time basis, guests can be assured of a relaxing time around the pools. The larger pool is really for family use, while a lot of guests like the seclusion of the upper pool, even if it gets very warm up there in Summer. Hope you brought your Sky card - it's like home when you can see your favourite TV shows - the only difference is the weather !
Review submitted by Rick from Huddersfield (Submitted: 7 Aug 2011)
Fabulous apartment. It was ideal for 3 couples as each had their own double bedrooms and shower facilities. We chose not to hire a car and just use local transport systems. The train station is less than 10 mins walk with regular services North and South along the super coastline. Cost of trains very reasonable in comparison to the UK and air conditioned. Shops also near the train station for all you need. Although with cases and larger amounts of shopping a taxi might be the way forward for some. All in all a very nice place that we would highly recommend.
Owner reply:
Hi Rick
Delighted you enjoyed your stay. Local transport links are fantastic, aren't they ? The bus to St. Raphael stops right outside the door, and it is as regular as clockwork. And the local train station is only 400 m away. A train trip to Cannes, or even to Nice is a real "WOW" experience, with amazing views. I hope you took this trip, because it is an inexpensive and wonderful way of seeing the fantastic Cote dAzur.
Review submitted by IAN from DERRY (Submitted: 2 Aug 2011)
excellent clean trendy property
very comfortable and the owner was very helpful indeed
should have stayed longer !
Review submitted by David from Ballycastle (Submitted: 31 May 2011)
This is a modern and spacious apartment that has all the mod cons. Set in a nice and quiet location, has great pools and you can walk to the local shops, the beach and the train station. Safe for kids with the enclosed garden, perfect.
Review submitted by Donald from Sydney (Submitted: 22 Jan 2011)
Outstanding apartment, bttter than the photos. Eveery conceivable item is in the apartment including Wii. Great fenced in grassed area for the kids and patio with table chairs and BBQ a step through sliding doors.
Pools are huge, so it is a good trade off for being next to the beach where the apartments are small.
Highly recommended, we loved it.