The Mara Waterfront Cottage, Muskoka

0 stars for host. Experience overall unacceptable. For safety endangerment and false advertising. When we arrived in -20 C temp a day before NYE, no salt, not shovelled, sliding door to access the keypad door was jammed. Called host and rather than call local staff to assist, was told to break in, convo done. Even with cctv camera on us, we toiled for 15-20 mins hurting our muscles straining in sub zero temps to get inside using levers and shovels to pry. It was only when we called again and threatened to leave that they called staff.Worse than this nasty arrival was the false advertising. The infrared sauna was outside in unheated garage. Looked online at model specs: needs to be indoors 20 C to work. As well hot tub reeked of putrid eggs. Both were primary reasons and at prohibitive cost for 2 nights was many hundreds of dollars more than similar listings. We requested only partial refund bc space was suitable minus some of the grime and kettle not working. We thought very fair. Sorry: Advertising a sauna that cannot work in its current setup from Sept-April is false advertising unless listing has caveat. They ignored comment re: sauna manual as well as simple fix of having it inside heated basement. They seemed to know about smell too; again no caveat in listing.0 stars also for VRBO for the support. Our party of 4 offered insulting meagre voucher to split. Excuse was they said they asked host for part refund and they said no. What then to enforce accurate listings?

Very cute cottage. Recent updates to make it look more modern really make a large impact. Check in process was easy and communication with host was always prompt. Cleanliness upon checking in was less than desired. There were a couple dishes left in the sink. As well as a couple other items left uncleaned (large spill located on table and random garbage items left on the back deck). Kitchen was stocked with essentials (new plates bowls, cups etc) but could have used more. Minimal plates and cutlery. No wine glasses, bottle opener, wine opener, no sharper knives etc. In the online listing it showed a pool table, but there was no pool table at this location. Looked like it was recently removed, but was not noted to us at any time. Which was disappointing because my son was excited to play. Beds were comfy enough but one was very squeaky when you made the slightest movement and therefore was not great for sleeping. Overall, the cottage suited our needs as we were only sending the evenings there and were out during the day.

Only reason i didnt put 5 stars was because the sheets and couches had stains that were quite noticeable, and the bedding bad bugs in them but its muskoka so your gonna get bugs anyways. Make sure to request the owner to have the hot tub ready before you go. Thank you for the awesome property i would absolutely recommend.

Good location and accommodations were decent. The hot tub is not full size, very shallow. but the cottage was clean and enjoyable. Great private spot!

The Mara Waterfront Cottage is without a doubt one of the best cottages we have ever stayed at. The owners and all associates involved deserve an applause for thier meticulous efforts in keeping a perfect home for us, away from our home. I have stayed at many cottages throughout my 44 years of living and can credibility say that the Mara is a PRIME cottage in a SUBLIME position looking directly out at the water, footsteps from your door. If cozy was a cottage it would certainty be the Mara. From the moment you get there you are greeted with a luxurious style entry to a horseshoe driveway with two lions. Entry into the Mara was simple with the code given before arrival and security was proper. Upon entry we were immediately aware of how clean and tidy the main room was. As we soon found out, the whole cottage was immaculately clean and well maintained. We forgot to buy candy but didnt need to as the owners courteously staged a nice assortment of treats for us on the dinning room table. Every room has its own style, which was very cool. I especially loved the long narrow mirror outside between the two bedrooms. It's facing the core of the Mara and visually expands the property when you're in front of it and everytime you come out of the washroom. (Great placement guys) Hot tub, sauna, Waterfront, big screen tv, BBQ, kayaks, fire pit near the water, modern, pool table, games, everything! We loved it so much we booked again DURING our stay. Thanks again, guys!

We stayed at this cottage in February just to get away. This cottage was very clean and setup very nice with little extra thoughts throughout the home. Two level cottage with lots of space to unwind. We would consider staying again.