This is feedback on the cabin called "R&R Retreat" that is part of Bradley Retreat on Mountain Retreat Rd (off Cameron Rd ). I hope this will be helpful to the owners of this property.
We chose this cabin due to it's location and price. Both of those go in the "pro" column for this cabin. It was near the points of interest we visited (Blackberry Farm, Cade's Cove, Tremont, Dancing Bear Bistro) and was very affordable.
Let me first make clear-- we did not expect a 5-star cabin. We were in the area for a reservation at a very extravagant and expensive restaurant and liked the idea of saving money by choosing a rustic, simple cabin. We are both experienced and accepting of "roughing it." We were very realistic and knew that the cabin was outdated, per the pictures online, and that the amenities were basic. We were OK with that. However, we DID expect the cabin to be as advertised and to be in working order.
Instead, what we found was a rather beat-up, neglected property. We experienced multiple problems on our three nights there. I want to share constructive criticism so that the management property and owner will be aware. But I don't want to totally bash the property so I will highlight the most important issues:
1. The queen size bed is the most uncomfortable bed I've ever experienced. I was not able to get a full night's sleep on any of the three nights were there. We travel often and I never complain about bed comfort. A real mattress pad (not that paper thin cover that's currently on there) would likely help if it's not possible to replace the mattress.
2. The fireplace does not work; the chimney does not draw smoke. It needs the attention of a chimney sweep. We know how to operate a fireplace and knew to make sure that the damper was open. We even brought our own wood because I was so looking forward to a wood-burning fire. It was impossible to have a fire without filling the cabin with smoke. This is clearly a known problem as someone has placed insulation around the fireplace doors to prevent the smoke escaping and there is significant soot staining above the firebox (see photo). A word of wisdom-- if your fireplace is operating properly, there is no need for insulation-- the chimney will just draw the smoke.
3. The hot tub was filthy. See attached photos. I was shocked to find this considering that the guest information book states that the "hot tub is professionally cleaned after each guest leaves."
4. The shower is horrible. I think this was due to poor water pressure but it was significantly exacerbated by the old showerhead. A new showerhead would work wonders.
5. There had been some attention to cleaning following the last guest (countertops were clear, carpet vacuumed, fresh linens, etc.), however the place needs a thorough top-to-bottom cleaning. It would probably be sufficient if this were done once a year. It was clear that other than cleaning up behind recent guests, most other cleaning is ignored. See photo of garbage can lid and mini blinds. I found evidence of other guests (the cap to a razor- not ours! and some chapstick next to the bed- not ours! The tea kettle sitting on the stove when we arrived had liquid in it- not ours!)
I am not going into detail, but there were other things like: the road noise, the dangerous entrance (a combination of loose gravel and uneven, slick steps), the lack of insulation in the floor meaning it was always drafty and chilly despite the mild temps, the fact the ductwork to the vent in the bathroom is completely detached- instead of receiving heat/AC, you see 5-gallon buckets that are in the ground-level storage area, uncomfortable LR furniture, lack of reading lights... I can think of much more. However, had the issues numbered
Considering the condition of everything, it was very inappropriate that the cabin management company leaves an envelope on the table encouraging guests to leave a tip for the housekeepers. You must be kidding me! Also, there were no entries in the guest book and some pages had been removed. RED FLAG. This property needs help.
All USA
This is feedback on the cabin called "R&R Retreat" that is part of Bradley Retreat on Mountain Retreat Rd (off Cameron Rd ). I hope this will be helpful to the owners of this property. We chose this cabin due to it's location and price. Both of those go in the "pro" column for this cabin. It was near the points of interest we visited (Blackberry Farm, Cade's Cove, Tremont, Dancing Bear Bistro) and was very affordable. Let me first make clear-- we did not expect a 5-star cabin. We were in the area for a reservation at a very extravagant and expensive restaurant and liked the idea of saving money by choosing a rustic, simple cabin. We are both experienced and accepting of "roughing it." We were very realistic and knew that the cabin was outdated, per the pictures online, and that the amenities were basic. We were OK with that. However, we DID expect the cabin to be as advertised and to be in working order. Instead, what we found was a rather beat-up, neglected property. We experienced multiple problems on our three nights there. I want to share constructive criticism so that the management property and owner will be aware. But I don't want to totally bash the property so I will highlight the most important issues: 1. The queen size bed is the most uncomfortable bed I've ever experienced. I was not able to get a full night's sleep on any of the three nights were there. We travel often and I never complain about bed comfort. A real mattress pad (not that paper thin cover that's currently on there) would likely help if it's not possible to replace the mattress. 2. The fireplace does not work; the chimney does not draw smoke. It needs the attention of a chimney sweep. We know how to operate a fireplace and knew to make sure that the damper was open. We even brought our own wood because I was so looking forward to a wood-burning fire. It was impossible to have a fire without filling the cabin with smoke. This is clearly a known problem as someone has placed insulation around the fireplace doors to prevent the smoke escaping and there is significant soot staining above the firebox (see photo). A word of wisdom-- if your fireplace is operating properly, there is no need for insulation-- the chimney will just draw the smoke. 3. The hot tub was filthy. See attached photos. I was shocked to find this considering that the guest information book states that the "hot tub is professionally cleaned after each guest leaves." 4. The shower is horrible. I think this was due to poor water pressure but it was significantly exacerbated by the old showerhead. A new showerhead would work wonders. 5. There had been some attention to cleaning following the last guest (countertops were clear, carpet vacuumed, fresh linens, etc.), however the place needs a thorough top-to-bottom cleaning. It would probably be sufficient if this were done once a year. It was clear that other than cleaning up behind recent guests, most other cleaning is ignored. See photo of garbage can lid and mini blinds. I found evidence of other guests (the cap to a razor- not ours! and some chapstick next to the bed- not ours! The tea kettle sitting on the stove when we arrived had liquid in it- not ours!) I am not going into detail, but there were other things like: the road noise, the dangerous entrance (a combination of loose gravel and uneven, slick steps), the lack of insulation in the floor meaning it was always drafty and chilly despite the mild temps, the fact the ductwork to the vent in the bathroom is completely detached- instead of receiving heat/AC, you see 5-gallon buckets that are in the ground-level storage area, uncomfortable LR furniture, lack of reading lights... I can think of much more. However, had the issues numbered Considering the condition of everything, it was very inappropriate that the cabin management company leaves an envelope on the table encouraging guests to leave a tip for the housekeepers. You must be kidding me! Also, there were no entries in the guest book and some pages had been removed. RED FLAG. This property needs help.