Testimonials
We were lucky enough to be the first guests Happy Trail and we were so impressed with how prepared the home was on our arrival. Mark and his wife have been managing vacation rentals for years and it clearly showed. Everything from the fresh linens to kitchen gadgets were there for us and made our stay so stress free.The house is very large and the split floor plan was great for us since we had two families with small children. We each had our own side of the house and it felt very private. The rooms were nice sizes and decorated so beautifully. The showers had great water pressure and the AC was set at a comfortable setting the whole time we were there, we never had to touch it. The furniture was comfortable and the southwest decor made you really feel like you were in a desert retreat. The outdoor space is really what makes this home special. You are about five minutes from the freeway but feel like you are so far out in the desert with no one around. At night, we used the bbq, swam in the pool and relaxed on the many outdoor seating options. It was so nice, we cannot wait to go back and stay here again.– Amy W. – stayed at Happy Trail May 2017
My family of 11 were the first to “break in” this property and I didn’t want to leave! We came into Tucson from Florida, Georgia and California to celebrate my mother’s 85th birthday. I specifically wanted a place where the whole family could stay together, but not feel cramped. I also wanted a place large enough to entertain my mother’s friends for the birthday party … the Southwest Retreat was PERFECT. The house is wonderfully adorned with a Southwest motiff and decor. I was amazed at how well stocked the kitchen, bathrooms and bedrooms were. There is even a washer and dryer, which we were grateful to have. This place has so many sitting areas inside and outside. There is a fireplace in the Arizona room and a couple in the house, but there is also another outside patio with a fireplace. Family gathered around it to enjoy each other’s company and gaze at the sky. There is a definite feeling of communing with nature (not like being in a neighborhood). We had 40+ guests, a chef, his staff and a photographer at the birthday party and no one was in each other’s way. It was important to have plenty of seating areas because we were entertaining an older crowd and WOW … were they impressed! Many inquired about renting when their families come to town.The chef was able to cook at the outside grill area, as well as use the kitchen. The photographer chose this venue to use his drone for some pictures. Of course, with anything new, there were a couple of “bugs” to be worked out. We mentioned them to Mark and am very confident they will be taken care of. Mark was so easy to work with and every time I had a concern, he addressed it. It is so hard to get family together with everyone’s schedule, but we are definitely hoping to come back to the Southwest Retreat. The only problem is, once word gets out, I think we will have a difficult time booking! I absolutely loved my stay and of course my family!!
– Catherine J – stayed at Casa de Gabreilla Oct 2018
This house was perfect for our week in Tucson. Quiet, peaceful, secluded property with complete privacy but a short drive from anything you could want/need. The house was very clean and stocked with almost any kitchen item you would need for your stay to make you feel like you were right at home. The outdoor living space of the house was perfect and where we spent as much time as possible. Great pool with attached hot tub and unbeatable views. Will definitely be looking to stay here again for our next Tucson visit.– Jeff H. – stayed at Happy Trail Oct 2018