our family arrived at the boat dock to be picked up by the caretaker of Sealevel- he never showed. We were unable to raise anyone by phone so we 4 hours we rented a boat and made our way to the cottage. We happened upon our host in the local bar later that evening and well lets just say he had a lot of excuses. We met the couple in the other cottage who had a similiar story to tell about their arrival and it became a bit of a joke. We anticipated that our promised (and pre arranged ) lift back to the dock in order to catch our flight would not occur and so we made our way back in the boat that Austin had supplied; which unlike our rental boat( the return of which is another story) had no running lights, compass, or charger for the VHS. Luckily we had friends in a nearby sailboat with a portable GPS and we were able to get them to go with us as we made our way thru the pre dawn to the dock. Later when austin called me; (as he had transposed my visa numbers) I asked him about that and he said he had the flu.
As this property is for sale; I can only hope that the new owner will be more responsible. The Abacos are gorgeous just get another rental.

Maura Bannon,

First, we are sorry that you did not enjoy your stay with us at Sea Level. But lets put this very rare situation that you encountered in perspective. We ( and every hotel/rental property) have check-in/check-out procedures that you as a guest have the responciblilty to know- they are on our web site! Your reservation however was a bit out of the ordinary as we received a call from you on Friday afternoon around 1pm on the 13th, you were looking for accommodations for the next day. We informed you that both Amy & I were in Florida on a short vacation, and that we were not accepting reservations for Saturday because that was the day I was to arrive back myself. You were not at all concerned with arrival " don't worry we live in the Bahamas" you told us, then...that you already had airfare but could not find accommoadtions. We agreeded to send you a reservation form, and gave you ARRIVAL INSTRUCTIONS.... we didn't pick you up because you didn't follow the arrival instructions given to you! When I met you at the Bar( the owner call to let me know you were there) I agreeded to pay for your rental boat( which I did) of $190.00 and apoligized for any misunderstanding. I made arrangement with you at the bar to meet you the next morning so that we could return the extra rental boat, as you would have to sign for it's return. The next morning I came to meet you.. you said that you would be right behind me, and that we would meet at the rental dock( as planed the night before). I waiting at the rental company for an hour, then had to return to the island. One hour after my return I get a call from you, saying that you have arrived at the boat rental company. I left and drove five miles by boat to meet you and bring you back. When I arrived at the boat rental company I asked your husband to please sign the rental agreement that had originally been set back incomplete ( incomplete card number, not signed). I at no time mentioned that on the rental agreement you had two people staying, and that you showed up with four people- something ( that as you should know from the web site) we charge extra for. You were not charged. As for your departure, our stated check-out time is 10am, you departed at 5am with no prior arrangements made for me to meet you at that time. We have met many guests at 5am,but, prior arrangement must be made, as we seldom do random "guest infomation" checks at this time in the morning. Concerning the boat- the house you rented comes with a 20' boat, we upgraded you(remember) to a 23' boat, and had you read any of the boat forms that you signed all of your problems would have been avoided.
Once again, sorry you had a bad stay with us, there are responcibilies on both sides of any transaction, we however, feel we met ours.

Austin Smith,
Sea Level Cottages

I was further disappointed by SealevelCottages: the same day this post was written by Austin, I rec'd notification of unauthorized charges on my credit cards- a month after our stay. I had to cancel them all as he obviously still had the numbers.
Suffice it to say that Austin is great at fiction, but not good business.

Maura,

You signed a form authorizing the use of your card to fill the boat up upon departure, if you were for any reason unable to do so. As you departed at 5am and did not leave the boat full, we filled it for you. This is standard anywhere! Next time(where ever you go)....please read the forms that you sign, and follow the instructions therein.

P.S. If you like I can scan and post a copy of this document.


Austin
Sea Level Cottages

We stayed at Sealevel cottages two years ago with two friends visiting from Colorado. WE HAD A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE AND PLAN TO RETURN THIS SUMMER!!!!! Austin and Amy were fabulous and the Dolphin house was everything we could have wished for and more. Austin was actually waiting for us at the dock when we arrived at the marina and gave us a nice tour of the area as we rode over to the cottages. Anyone who has traveled abroad, particulrly in the carribean, would appreciate the level of service these folks provide and the quality of the accomodations and boats, which are included in a very reasonable price for a weeks rental. I was interested in fishing and Austin told me that if I could live with the quality of the rods and reels in the hut at the end of the dock, that I was free to use them. He told me what bait to pick up and to start fishing at the end of the dock around sundown. I fished with two young guys who were staying in the Big House and we caught 13 Mangrove snappers in about 90 minutes. They were all about 13 to 15 inches in size. We kept the 10 largest and had a wonderful dinnner the next night that my friends from Colorado still talk about.

[B] [font=Comic Sans MS] [/font] I could not believe what I read, re: Sea Level Cottages !!! Obviously Maura and "friends" (2 that were unannounced to the owners) expected "special" treatment, despite contract allowances and did not read/review terms and conditions of staying in this MOST friendly and enjoyable resort. We have stayed at the resort for over 10 years, every summer. Amy and Austin are remarkable host's and go out of their way to ensure that each guest feels welcome and a special guest on the island. As far as "unauthorized" use of credit card - BS !!! Anyone who reads the agreements and conditions OR speaks with the hosts KNOWS that the boat fuel and oil MUST be topped off at departure. As we usually leave on Sunday and often find fuel stations are closed, I have left my card # with Austin or his rep, so that fuel can be added, AS AGREED UPON ! I ALWAYS receive a timely call or e-mail informing me of the charge. ABUSE of this card usuage has NEVER been an issue. I personally take exception to the remarks made by Maura and of her calling into question the integrity and honesty of the Smiths and their staff. But, I feel a sense of joy knowing I will never have the displeasure of meeting her or her friends on this very special island ! My husband and I look forward to our stay next year and the pleasure of visiting with Amy, Austin and their fine staff. They see to our every need without hesitation and go above and beyond what you will find at 99% of ANY other resort or rental. Thank you for allowing me the space to vent my views.