- Report: #345617
Complaint Review: VRBO Rental 61533 - Fontana Lake House On Lake Hartwell South Carolina - Westminster South Carolina
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VRBO Rental 61533 - Fontana Lake House On Lake Hartwell South Carolina
515 Fontana Drive Westminster, 29445 South Carolina, U.S.A.
Phone:
910-233-1569
Web:
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VRBO Rental 61533 - Fontana Lake House On Lake Hartwell South Carolina NO water in this area of Lake Hartwell - Fontana Lake House Ad intentionally misleading Westminster South Carolina
We chose this home for our vacation b/c it was on Lake Hartwell in the mountains of South Carolina. The ad on VRBO.com, Cyberrentals, and HomeAway said that there was a covered boat dock that could hold three boats and the home is lake front. However, there is NO water in the lake. When asked initially about lake level, the owner told us that there was PLENTY of water to access the dock.
All funds were paid 30 days in advance of vacation date. After this, some family members found out that lake levels were extremely low on this area of Hartwell. We tried again to contact Ms. Joanna Miller, who did not return any of our emails or our phone calls this time.
When we arrived, the dock was HIGH and DRY. The water that was available reached only 3 feet in the deepest area and was very hot and muddy. When confronted over the phone, Ms. Miller said this must have just happened b/c there was lots of water 6 weeks ago. She also said it was an "act of Mother Nature" and she wasn't responsible. However, locals and her own neigbors said that this area has been this way for over a year now.
Our family, who lives on the coast of SC, hauled two boats and a jet-ski to this location. Each day we would have to pack up and drive about 5 miles down the road to the nearest landing. We couldn't even swim as advertised on the site. Ms. Miller in intentionally misleading on her ad. Now, going back over the ad, she mentions nothing about lake levels. Other owners, in her area of Hartwell, do. Ms. Miller was able to pay her mortgage at the misery of our vacation. There is no hope of any type of reimbursement so it is our sincere hope that other renters do not fall prey to her tactics.
Shecrabsc
Goose Creek, South Carolina
U.S.A.
All funds were paid 30 days in advance of vacation date. After this, some family members found out that lake levels were extremely low on this area of Hartwell. We tried again to contact Ms. Joanna Miller, who did not return any of our emails or our phone calls this time.
When we arrived, the dock was HIGH and DRY. The water that was available reached only 3 feet in the deepest area and was very hot and muddy. When confronted over the phone, Ms. Miller said this must have just happened b/c there was lots of water 6 weeks ago. She also said it was an "act of Mother Nature" and she wasn't responsible. However, locals and her own neigbors said that this area has been this way for over a year now.
Our family, who lives on the coast of SC, hauled two boats and a jet-ski to this location. Each day we would have to pack up and drive about 5 miles down the road to the nearest landing. We couldn't even swim as advertised on the site. Ms. Miller in intentionally misleading on her ad. Now, going back over the ad, she mentions nothing about lake levels. Other owners, in her area of Hartwell, do. Ms. Miller was able to pay her mortgage at the misery of our vacation. There is no hope of any type of reimbursement so it is our sincere hope that other renters do not fall prey to her tactics.
Shecrabsc
Goose Creek, South Carolina
U.S.A.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Jennifer
South Carolina,United States of America
Fontana Response
#2REBUTTAL Owner of company
Mon, March 29, 2010
Hello, I am one of the other owners of the Fontana Lakehouse and just found your report. I sincerely apologize for the experience you had. The water levels two years ago were very unpredictable, as the Corps of Engineers controls the lake levels during the draught we had at that time. Ms. Miller, who acted as our rental agent at that time, does not live near the lake and perhaps was not completely aware of the exact lake level.
We try to provide a wonderful home for a vacation, including spacious, well-appointed rooms and top of the line appliances, pool table and large comfortable decks and porches. We sincerely apologize for your experience. The lake is full now and should you like to come back we would discount your stay to make sure you are happy.
thank you.
Steve
Cumming,Georgia,
U.S.A.
Lake Hartwell
#3Consumer Suggestion
Mon, August 11, 2008
Lake Hartwell is still a very nice place to vacation. There are those out there who will take advantage and not disclose fully their rental property situation. Many renters on VRBO offer guarantees in their contracts. Insure that when you rent, a guarantee of water under the dock is included in your rental agreement. Any ethical owner will guarantee water or offer a significant discount for your troubles.
