My wife and I possess a combined total of almost 25 years in the hospitality/restaurant industry. I was a former senior executive for the #1 timeshare exchange company in the world and the former Maitre'D of the #1 restaurant in Hawaii. I've worked and lived overseas for 10 years, conducting business in 11 countries and have stayed in dozens of hotels and resorts around the world. My wife, is a trained Chef from Japan who was to take over as owner of an exclusive restaurant in Tokyo. However, we relocated back home to the States. Due to running a business and being a full-time caregiver, this trip was the first time in over a year that our family has had the opportunity for a "vacation". Naturally, staying in a hotel/resort of any sort, coming from our background, with a critical eye, it is only natural to "notice" things. Those in the industry know what I'm talking about.

My family (wife and 2 children - ages 10 & 13) stayed at the Eagles Nest (aka: The Lodge). Prior to making reservations, we, of course, did our due diligence and searched for reveiws. We were impressed with what we read. However, the written words do not compare with the reality of what we experienced. This cabin was indeed very impressive, exactly as the postcard picture shows. The outside property was well manicured. The inside was very emaculate!! Everything was "in its place", not strewn around willy-nilly. In fact, this cabin has MORE amenities and "things" than we have in our own home! My wife even said that the kitchen was outfitted more than her own kitchen! The kitchen is very modern with nice fridge, microwave and oven; and, enough cutlery, glasses and plates to feed a small army. The floors were even clean enough to eat off of. All appliances, lights, jacuzzi, grill, TVs, etc. worked to perfection. In fact,in the game room downstairs, watching the large screen TV with the 4 additional speakers felt like we were in a movie theater! That was fun, as a family, watching a DVD and eating popcorn in the dark. And our children never got tired of playing pool and chess. They had more board games available inside the property. Of course, relaxinig in the jacuzzi against the backdrop of complete SILENCE and all of the surrounding trees of every color imaginable was simply fantastic and memorable beyond words.

In all of my travels, I've never stayed in a hotel, not even in a timeshare property that even came close to what this property offered. The icing on the cake was the professional, down-home hospitality extended to our family by Don and Ginny. They ensured that we arrived safely, provided a personal tour of the property upon arrival and was readily available by phone if we had questions or needed assistance. And, as busy as they were, they still made time to personally thank us for staying at their property at check-out. Many hotels don't need to provide that extra "touch" because the "money is already in the bank" (i.e. credit card reservation). However, my wife and I believe that Don and Ginny are genuine and possess a sincere desire to build human relationships and not merely build a monetary "nestegg".

This property, although secluded, was nevertheless within easy driving distance of the major attractions. Canoing was only about 15 minutes away right near a Walmart shopping plaza where all of your supplies and food can be found. Old Man's Cave and Ash Cave was only about 30-35 minutes away.

The only negative was the amount of time my wife and I spent over many, many hours searching literally hundreds of properties. With so many properties in the area vying for our money and with many showing "pretty pictures" and using the right descriptives and adjectives to "hook us", it was the reviews of others regarding this property and of the service provided by Don and Ginny that sold us. In short, if you are reading this and are looking for a place to stay in the Hocking Hills area, please do not invest (i.e. waste) any more valuable time in your search. If you are looking for a relaxing place with splendid scenery, superb amenities and wonderful, personal attention, you might find this with another propery, however, since "time" is irreplacable, you can stop your search now and contact Ginny or Don for a reservation. You will absolutely not be disappointed.

Oh, and if you do visit this property, you'll only need to bring your clothes, camera, cellphone and your wallet. Food is close by, as is gas (for your car). Everything else, Don and Ginny have already anticipated and have provided inside and outside the cabin.

We stayed in The Woods September 15th through 18th and it was amazing. The cabin is so warm and cozy and completely private, which was exactly what we were looking for. We are low-key people and really needed to get away from our jobs and everyone else! When we arrived the welcome sign had our names on it and candles were lit and soft music was playing. There was a bottle of sparkling grape juice and 2 glasses in the fridge. There were even two thick robes in the bedroom. The bed was so comfortable. It was such a great weekend that we called and asked if the cabin was available an extra day and, fortunately, it was! The owners even gave us a discount which was terrific. We had ordered firewood and that was neatly stacked up outside by the fire pit. The screened-in front porch was so nice and the back deck with hot tub and gas grill was awesome. We didn't even go to any of the restaurants in town - the cabin had all of our cooking needs (well, except measuring cups but that's not a big deal). We left two items at the cabin and the owner called us that day to make arrangements to get them to us, offering to ship them since we are 3 hours away! We will most definitely go back in the spring. The cabin and surrounded wooded area provided us with the privacy and peacefulness that we were looking for - WAY AWESOME PLACE! I can't stop thinking about what a wonderful weekend we had at such a wonderful place! Highly recommend!

we went to the cabin for a girls retreat. one of my gf's surprised me and showed up for the day, the owner showed up at the door and was very angry that we didnt tell him that the extra person was coming. we had no idea that someone couldnt come and visit while we were at the cabin. he threatened to kick us out and accused us of "theft of services" it was an honest mistake but even after we said we would pay the extra he continued on yelling at us. we were not a bunch of kids partying we were a bunch of old ladies drinking wine and watching old movies. he ruined my weekend. on top of that our balance due was 489.00 and he charged my card 595.00 and now i cant get ahold of them. be wary when you rent from them. I have never been treated so badly and we have rented cabins in hocking almost every year.

My son and I really enjoyed a short hiking trip to Hocking Hills and our overnight stay in the spotless Homestead cabin. Loved the woodsy setting, huge hot-tub, fire-pit (complete with skewers), comfy beds, AC, provisions (coffee, popcorn, sparkling wine, DVDs, numerous board games, stocked kitchen, bathrobes, nice toiletries, candles... to name a few), front-porch glider, flat-screen tv, etc. We enjoyed a 6-mile hike (Gatewood trail), Ashcave hike, lunch at Cedar Falls Inn and Spa, and take-out pizza from Pizza Crossing in Logan. The cabin was secluded, but in good proximity (15 min.) to restaurants, major highway, and hiking. Be aware of the steep stairs to bedrooms (no closets but lots of drawer space). Pack light. Bathroom is also located upstairs and must be accessed thru loft bedroom. Other bedroom has privacy door. Excellent choice if "glam-ping" in the area. Very relaxing.