My wife expressed Highlands is a "hidden gem". I could not agree more. On lane road heads up a hill and you start wondering where are we going? Great welcome by staff and given informative rundown of resort. Our cabin was cozy and the gas fireplace turned on when needed. Cabin was spotless with everything needed for our stay. No TV which made the quiet stay even more restful. Beautiful grounds and continental breakfast is included. Cannot think of anything they can do better. Five minutes away from redwood park and less time to downtown. read more

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I loved my stay at Highlands Resort! We went during the week and it was so peaceful, quiet, and relaxing. Nestled between redwood trees and gardens, it was a perfect staycation escape. We booked the deluxe studio which was perfect. It was spacious and includes a little dining area as well as a sofa and table. We stopped by early to see if an early check in was possible and the host graciously let us check in an hour early. They sell drinks in the main office so we grabbed a bottle from a local winery and enjoyed it by the pool. Towels were provided and there were plenty of chairs to lounge on. My favorite part was breakfast, which was very simple but special when enjoyed next to the communal fire and trees. They provided coffee and tea, yogurt with toppings, hard boiled eggs, and a delicious applesauce bread. Highlands Resort is a short walk from Main St where you can grab dinner or dessert. Lots of places were closed on Tuesday, so I recommend visiting later in the week. We really enjoyed our stay at Highlands Resort and will definitely be back! read more

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Beautiful maintained property.....very friendly and helpful staff. Walking distance to town ( however uphill on the way back :-). 3 cabins are dog friendly (fee). Nice continental breakfast included....pool looked inviting but did not use read more

Unfortunately the second time staying here wasn't super pleasant. I might stay again in a different cabin. The negatives: The cabin was extremely expensive for what it was (800 for 2 nights), and was near the road down below - noisy and not pretty. They don't clean your room unless requested and only give you a few towels. There is no duvet cover, just a sheet on top, which doesn't feel the most hygenic. The owner has been a bit grumpy both stays - seemed inconvenienced at any ask. When I turned in keys, they didn't bother to ask how our stay was or say thank you. The other staff members were very friendly. The positives: Pool is nice and quiet (I've never seen more than 3-5 people). Nice fire pit where guests can gather, coffee is great. Beautiful location close enough to town, up in the redwoods. Beware - there is a super steep hill so walking up and down can be a challenge. read more

On my goodness! Get here before the summer ends. Bring a book, a swim suit, sunscreen, champagne. I booked my next visit before I even left. read more

Such a beautiful spot! There's clearly a lot of attention and care put into this place. The continental breakfast, delicious. The sun room, perfect. The shower, hot. The big bathtub in my cabin, glorious. The redwoods everywhere, heavenly. The icing on the cake we're the rainbow flags everywhere. Made me feel not just safe, but welcome. read more

I had a wonderful weekend at the Highlands Resort. Note: this place is no longer clothing optional. When the new owner purchased the property about two years ago, they changed that policy. So bring your bathing suit I organized a writers retreat here and really loved the setting in the woods with redwood trees all around but still walking distance to town. You're just around the corner from the Guerneville library (for reference). We visited right at the end of the season, so there weren't a ton of people in Guerneville, but the weather was still nice. The decor is great. You can tell a lot of thought was put into the finishes. I loved how the curtains matched the homemade pillows and the fabrics were carried throughout the property. We were a group of 5, so we were able to hold our meetings on site. We made use of the fairy ring seating, the fire pit, the tables at the pool, and the music room (the one day it rained). Each "room" is a separate cabin. They're pretty close to each other, but you can't really hear your neighbors. Each cabin has a little wet bar with a mini fridge and a sink, but there are also two cabins with kitchens and one with a soaking tub that you can reserve. In the summer they also have a campground in the back. There's no smoking in property, but there is another fairy ring of trees with seating in the parking lot that is the designated smoking area. Breakfast was sparse but sufficient. If I were staying more than 2 nights, I would get tired of the yogurt, cold, hard-boiled eggs, and sweet bread every day, but for just 2 nights, it worked. I really loved this location and would definitely stay again. The large open shower with public goods products was a pleasure to use. I enjoyed getting cozy with the fireplace in the room. It was a nice thing to fall asleep to and wake up to. It kept the room at a perfect temperature that you could control with a thermostat. The people who work there are great and were helpful in providing suggestions for what to do in the area at what times. They helped to confirm which restaurants would still be open so late in the season and suggested wineries to visit. Many thanks to Cathy, Isabella, and Ashley for making this trip a success. read more

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This place is so great, the staff is so nice, and its so clean and just . I wish i could stay a week - but its just my favorite place to stay currently. read more

we just had the most relaxing staycation at The Highlands Resort with a cute little cabin, swimming in the heated pool and watching "hummingbird moths" in the gardens. Brought the dog and took him on many walks in the neighborhood and especially enjoyed a visit to the pioneer cemetery dating back to the late 1880s. He was on a vacay too! The setting at The Highlands is very peaceful with a magical fairy ring (circle of redwoods) in the center of the parking lot. Our cabin was elegantly rustic yet nicely appointed. We sat on our little porch which was surprisingly quiet and without any road noise. it is a short distance from downtown Guerneville with its cute little shops and restaurants. A continental breakfast was available in the morning with tasty pastries and coffee, and I enjoyed sitting by the fireplace with my coffee and chatting with other guests. Our cabin had a little kitchen but we didn't use it, choosing instead to have dinner at boon eat+ drink on Main Street followed by drinks at the Rainbow Cattle Company. Oh, and ice cream at the Bank Building My only regret is that I didn't spend more time in the lounge aka: music room that looks out over gardens and the pool. I found everything about my stay flawless. read more

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Beautiful property with kind and welcoming people. The rooms were comfortable ans stylish. Would definitely return here.

I was so happy here. The setting is idyllic, set in the midst of beautiful redwood trees with very nicely curated gardens. The resort cats are very friendly and add to the welcoming atmosphere. We got a cabin with a kitchenette, and it was perfect. We visit hotels all over the world and there is always something that is broken/not working/missing etc. The owners have absolutely put a lot of money into making these cabins very functional! I really enjoyed the upgraded shower/vanity/bathroom setup. I did use the oven (to bake a lasagna) and it worked perfectly. There was a comfortable patio out front, and we had many pleasant hours sipping wine, enjoying our charcuterie, and petting the loving lap cats (who were NOT beggars.) The silence of the massive forest is hypnotic. The sitting rooms of the cabins are very relaxing, and the bedrooms are very comfortable. The heated pool is an oasis. Although it was rainy and cold while we were there, the pool is like a spa. We are early risers and so the continental breakfast for us was a bit late (8:30AM). We did go one morning, and it was very pleasant; what I would expect at a small European hotel. Unfortunately, the surrounding town of Guerneville is a very odd town in that there are no breakfast places open and restaurants that have quirky hours. One last note, the staff could not be nicer or more welcoming. Thank you! And we'll look forward to seeing you again! read more

Highlands Resort - Bedroom - Resorts Near Me - Guerneville, California

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Enchanting Redwood Retreat - Pure Bliss! We recently stayed at this lovely cabin resort in the redwoods of Northern California, and it was the perfect combination of nature and comfort! Nestled among the majestic trees, the cabins are cozy and beautifully designed. We stayed in the King Spa Cabin with a gorgeous, deep soaking tub for two and fireplace. Loved the cute outdoor complimentary continental breakfast option. The staff is friendly and helpful. Surrounded by nature's beauty, The Highlands Resort is an enchanting getaway that will leave you refreshed and rejuvenated. Highly recommend this magical redwood retreat! read more

Highlands Resort - King Spa Cabin with kitchenette - Resorts Near Me - Guerneville, California

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Our new favorite Bed & Breakfast in Guerneville. We stayed for 5 nights in mid-October to celebrate our 20th Anniversary. Newly refurbished cabins were clean, comfortable, and tastefully decorated. Our cabin was pet friendly, had a King bed, fridge & kitchen sink, and gas fireplace heater for colder weather. The property is meticulously maintained, perched up the hill among beautiful towering redwoods, and nicely landscaped flower beds. Easy walk down the hill to Guerneville's river and beaches, and town center where there are lots of great eats like Boon Eat+Drink, local shops to peruse, etc. There's also a Safeway on the other end of town in case you need just about anything else. They don't advertise that they include a Continental breakfast, so it was a pleasant perk to find daily featured fruit bakery items (pear bread, apple cinnamon, etc), hard boiled eggs, granola & yogurt, fresh fruit, juice, coffee and tea offered by the fire pit & BBQ area every morning. Nice pool area, seasonally heated, with plenty of deck chairs to sun bathe and read some books. The staff are very friendly and helpful. Already looking forward to our next visit! read more

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The cabins are clean and the rustic ambience is a great touch. Pool could be warmer, though. Free coffee and Continental Breakfast adds to the value. Cathy is very attentive and professional in her handling of issues. There are more pricier places to stay in Guerneville, but Highlands has a special place, because of the serene tall forest surrounding it. If you are bold enough, try Coyote Camp. Each cabana tent has a King bed and nearby wash facilities, many campsites cannot accommodate. read more

we booked a tent spot here last minute on the 3 day weekend because our usual place was booked up. This was our first glamming experience. The property is absolutely Beautiful! Our tent was huge & so cute and clean. There we're sweet details like the lantern, hangers, towels, and cute little light. They had the coolest outdoor showers. And also two separate indoor showers. a Beautiful and peaceful pool. They also offer a nice continental breakfast in the morning with homemade bread. They have cute little sitting areas around the resort, super peaceful. it's in walking distance from downtown Guernville. And a very inviting vibe. Everyone who works there is super friendly and accommodating We were so lucky that there was an opening. We will definitely be back. read more

Highlands Resort - Resorts Near Me - Guerneville, California

Meh it's ok. First time staying at Highlands. It's actually multiple cabins that are next door to each other. I think all the cabins are the same except for the larger ones. They have a bed, pull out couch, full bath, and mini kitchen. You couldn't cook hot food, but you could pour drinks. They also have a patio. On the property is a pool and grill. The biggest complaint was no AC. Breakfast was nice. Right now you order at a counter and they bring it out. You can get coffee, juice, granola, muffin and fruit. Unfortunately, now that they no longer allow nude sunbathing the pool is dead. While the R3 was packed all weekend, I was lucky to see 1-2 people at the Highlands pool. It looks close to the main town, and it is. But what Google Maps doesn't tell you is that it's strait up a large hill. And there are no street lights. Walking up at 2am and drunk was no fun. I'd say there are other hotels in Guerneville to stay at that are nicer for the same price. read more

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I love staying in the Highlands Resort. Even though I live in SF, it's such a great "get-away" where you're surrounded by fresh air and natural beauty. The staff is always so helpful and cheerful. It's the perfect place to bring out- of-towners to show off the diversity of the the Bay Area. read more

Had a fantastic stay! Really enjoyed the genuine and friendly service, the cabin was beautiful with pretty small details. The whole stay and process was effortless and flowly. Next to gorgeous redwoods and enjoyed the crisp fresh air, definitely will come back! read more

Fantastic, cute place to stay while visiting the Russian River area. The hotel was very peaceful and quiet. The room was clean and spacious, and it looks recently renovated. We booked the king spa room and enjoyed the soaking tub and fireplace. We also enjoyed using their pool. Parking and breakfast were included. The hotel staff were very friendly and it was easy to communicate with via text. Overall, highly recommend for anyone visiting the area! read more

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The Highlands has been my favorite LGBTQ+ resort in Guerneville since the 1980s. I have always enjoyed the natural beauty of the tall Redwoods and other trees that inhabit the property, and the relaxed setting at the pool and grounds are a great escape from the busier and wilder atmosphere of the other resorts. With my partner, we stayed a the Highlands for a Wednesday through Saturday stay during the Pride month of June. The property has been recently redone and the grounds are impeccably tended and the rooms are beautifully appointed. It is a welcome upgrade from from its previous rustic state and well worth the increased price of the rooms. The staff was extremely welcoming, professional, and courteous (except for one staff member, and I will get to her later). It is necessary to mention that a very small minority of guests were gay men during our stay. Also, there is usually almost no one poolside of ANY affiliation. The picture attached is at 2:45pm on a warm summer Saturday when only my partner (pictured) and I were present for nearly 2 hours. Poolside was like a ghost town for our 4 days. There have been many changes in the last 2-3 years, and it is obvious some combination of these has driven many gay male clients from staying here. Perhaps where (I do not know where) The Highlands has been advertising is a factor. The Highlands used to be clothing optional by the pool, and also have a hot tub where the campsite showers are now. These changes seem unlikely to have caused the gay exodus however, since the very popular gay R3 Hotel is not clothing optional and likewise got rid of their hot tub. The option to pay for day-use of the pool has also gone away, and I suspect this is a major culprit for the current gay exodus. We ran into only one other gay male couple staying at the resort but we already had one similar experience to share with each other. Both of our differing questions (on different days) to Cathy (who may be the business manager) resulted in a scolding retort from her of "Did you read the information card in your room?" I do not know if Cathy treats everyone this way or just the gay male clients, so her unwelcoming responses could be a partial factor. I must mention again every other staff person encountered was very pleasant. In summary, it is a lovely and quiet resort, but the mix of guests seems to be mostly straight folks, some lesbians, and very few gay men. As nice as the new Highlands is, It would be nicer if it were a relaxed, primarily gay/lesbian resort with a few more people by the pool via day-use. read more

Highlands Resort - Resorts Near Me - Guerneville, California

I loved my stay at Highlands! Everyone was super friendly and helpful. We stayed in the Scout Tent and it was amazing. The bed was more comfortable than my own and the tent was clean and cozy. They have a sink and outdoor showers by the tents and two private bathrooms with showers for use near the office. The town is also very cute with lots of activities and people out and about. Would 100% recommend. read more

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This breaks my heart my husband and I have gone here a few times. No more clothing optional hot tub or pool. We had such great talks with many lgbt people over the world during our stay. I wish the old owners the best but wish it hadn't sold so fast wish we had a few more years to enjoy. This special safe place is no longer our own community. I feel very saddened by this and hopes someone can return it to the glory it once was. We need to maintain the great history this space was for us. I wish someone would buy it and restore it to the old highlands. read more

Highlands Resort - Resorts Near Me - Guerneville, California

I stayed in this Resort for 2 night. The stay was absolutely fantastic. The staff were informative and pleasant. The resort is peaceful and quiet. I would definitely stay here again on my next trip to the area or just to stay in and relax. read more

Delightful in every way. Great staff, wonderful accomodations, perfect small breakfast. I definitely plan to return.

I've thought long and hard about even posting anything, but I feel compelled to simply say - Highlands was truly a special place for me, and now it isn't. This year has taught me how to accept change without it breaking my heart. Wishing the new owners the most luck in their enterprise. C'est la vie. read more

Luvly , quiet, clean , private, friendly staff, secure, . Our friends and us stayed in 3 different cottages for a 3 days and we had a great time. Close to downtown, a little bit of incline but it doesn't bother us. Breakfast is simple but sufficient. BYW , one night we decided go grill, walking distance to downtown grocery, dinner was lovely and fun , grilled food and wine in a cool place. read more

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My husband and I , along with some friends, stayed here this past weekend. I absolutely loved it!! It was quiet, the owners were SO nice, and the rooms/ cabins are very cozy. The king bed was dreamy and I slept better than I have in a long time. Everything was very clean and the Redwood trees on, and surrounding , the property are stunning! The gardens are beautiful too. We can't wait to return! read more

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A bit disappointed - a true LGBTQ gem was sacrificed for the sake of marketing a "Glamping" experience for Herero people. A money grab thinly veiled as making a space more inclusive. I'm updating my review because the place is under new ownership. While there are some overdue upgrades like new bedding and refreshed amenities - Highlands is no longer an LGBTQ + retreat. The pool is unfortunately no longer clothing optional - the pool is as absolutely dead on a weekend with amazing weather. Guess no day passes gives you a dead atmosphere. I can't knock the actual property but here is why I will not be looking to come back in the near future: - We checked in with a person name Dar, not a friendly welcome at all and they seemed inconvenienced. Not the warm reception we are accustomed to. - Pool is no longer clothing optional. - Wifi was not useable. - Do not have a functioning iron for pressing clothes. - The target market is expanded beyond LGBTQ folks, it seems more inclusive in theory - but LGBTQ folks have to assimilate 99% of the time to Herero culture and staying here this time felt like any other straight hotel. Feels like we lost something that felt like a space for us. read more

Have stayed here many times...each time in one of the stand alone cabins that allow my to bring my dog. Small, rustic, clean-ie spotless cabins. 1 room with the bed and bathroom (tight, but functional) other room with cute little kitchen, fully stocked &living room area with couch in front of the fireplace. The only problems with this place 1) no tv in rooms- forced quiet)..they do have a communal tv in main lounge. 2) hard to get a reservation...usually full...ie must schedule/ plan way in advance. This is my favorite hotel in Guernville area...consistently A++ accommodations. There is also a pool, but I've never used it. I can only say...it looks give, and they have many locals who regularly use the day use on the pool. read more

This is my third review. I came back because it's peaceful, quiet, and just a wonderful place to stay. After having way too much fun downtown, I lost my footing going up the hill. I took a pretty good tumble and scraped my forehead. Dar was in the office when I stumbled in (do not drink and wear impractical shoes). If I didn't think this place could be more amazing...it is. I had a scrape on my forehead and Dar cleaned it, bandaged it, and put me safely to bed. She made sure I had water and brought me food from the amazing Continental breakfast the Highlands serves the next day. Most places would not care about a drunk guest but Dar did and she made sure I was safe. I am looking forward to my next visit but will not have this happen again. Our world is ugly right now but there are wonderful people like Dar and all of the staff that make this a loving, caring place to stay. Until my next visit read more

First, an affectionate, heartfelt thanks to the previous owners, Ken and Lynette. They're very special people, and they made the Highlands Resort a very special place. I stayed there for a week after the sale in June, and I have to agree with the other negative comments about the changes made by the new owners. The Highlands doesn't feel like an LGBTQ+ resort anymore. By eliminating camping, day use and the clothing-optional pool policy, and raising room rates, the new owners have effectively lost a large portion of the resort's long-established gay guests and locals. There were noticeably more straight couples and families during my stay. No surprise, since the updated website barely mentions the word "gay "(while the old website humorously described the resort as "straight-friendly"). There was little socializing. The pool area was often empty. The resort was like a ghost-town after 8 p.m., when the staff closed the office, pool and clubhouse, and left the premises. The new "glamping" tents are big, ugly and mostly crowded together, detracting from the natural beauty and spaciousness of the resort. Breakfast no longer includes the three homemade granolas. Wi-fi was spotty, at best. Everything that made the Highlands special has been eliminated. It's sad that the new owners - one of whom is a lesbian - didn't have a more original and gay-affirming vision for what was once a very special place. I've been going to the Highlands for over 26 years, but I won't be going back. read more

It seems the new owners like the word No. No more camping No more clothing optional pool No more pool day passes No access to the clubhouse No working wifi in the cabins For some reason they seem hell-bent on alienating their loyal regulars as fast as possible. They've jacked up their prices. They've turned the campsites into what looks like an overcrowded refugee camp with $159-79/nt rates which also includes the luxury of sharing 2 porta potties with the whole campground. No thanks. Not sure how you can possibly charge upwards of $300/nt & not have working wifi in the cabins or while sitting right next to the clubhouse. With next to no cel service in Gville, the feelings of frustration & annoyance often crept into what should have been a 100% stress-free, relaxing stay. Also gone is the care put into the included continental bfst. What used to be one of the Highland's enjoyable highlights, is now an afterthought. Overcooked, hard-to-peel, hard-boiled eggs, listless baked goods (how is that even possible), a tangerine & granola if that's your thing. But on the plus side, it's still a beautiful, quiet property. The staff were very friendly & helpful. Kathy, in particular, another woman who worked the closing front-desk shift, as well as the housekeeping women. It's just no longer the special place that it was. The former owners did an amazing job. They deserve a long, happy retirement. I'll cherish the memory of my many fantastic stays there. I used to love my impromptu, midweek escapes from the city. But I've been priced out, so don't see myself ever going back. read more

Wishing Ken & Lynette the best of days with their retirement; they truly made this place so extremely special. The pool policy change caused me to cancel my reservations, but I do wish the new owners much success. It won't be the same. read more

Oh no... With the new ownership and no longer clothing optional the Highlands Resort just died. Such a shame. This was one of the best places to hangout natural, so secluded, peaceful and beautiful. This place definitely goes down in history for the LGBTQ community but I will not pay more for less. read more

Highlands Resort - New ownership no longer clothing optional. - Resorts Near Me - Guerneville, California

I booked this place last minute on hotel tonight. The reviews were good but I wasn't sure what to expect. Overall it's a super cute place. They serve continental breakfast, and have really nice decor. The rooms are updated, and there's a mini fridge. My only complaints are the beds are small (full size) and the showers are small, with poorly functioning, oddly-shaped shower heads. Aside from this, we had a great time, and it's located within walking distance to downtown Guerneville. The owners of this place also own a great German spot downtown called Brot which we enjoyed for dinner. read more

Won't go back. As others have stated the pool area is dead and boring. So was the breakfast which used to be fun time to meet and talk with people. I wound up going to other places in town rather than being the only one at the pool here. They have definitely done their best to kill a fun area to hang out with friends at the pool. They have put up tents now and I guess are renting those out to people. They have definitely made of point of running off all the old guests and have pretty much done that. Very sad to see what was a fun place to stay go so badly. Will not be back and will tell others not to bother as well. Better places to stay that are actually IN TOWN without a hill to climb. Very sad to see what was done here. read more

I'm updating my review to 5 stars because since I wrote my original review, I think they've updated their mattresses. I had no trouble sleeping the last time I was there back in April. :) read more

Guerneville has been a weekend destination for us. We always come to Highlands and grab a daypass and sit by the pool. It's a great area with lots of chaises and a patch of green with a hammock. Highlands caters toward gay men but is straight-friendly. Guests are mostly gays with occasional straights. The pool area is clothing-optional. People usually keep a low-profile but are friendly. My only complaint is that the pool is frigid even in summer. During the most recent visit, which was Labor Day weekend, I only lasted 3 minutes in the pool. The resort is beautiful and serene, cabins hemmed in by sequoias. Some cabins are dog-friendly. They also have campground for rent. Complimentary continental breakfast served in the common room next to the office, where you can find a small library of books and movies. The folks who own this place are super friendly. It's one of the best places to stay in Guerneville. It's walking distance to town for food and shopping. On weekends, if you're planing on just a day visit, get here early to secure a swim chaise. read more

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My love Michael and I had our Very First Weekend Getaway here this weekend, and we were enchanted by how lovely and wonderful this place was. The grounds are beautiful and serene. The staff and the dog Olive are graciously welcoming. The cottages are cute and perfect to rest in or to connect deeply with one's love in. The continental breakfasts are full of healthy and homemade goodness like fruit and nut granola and yummy pastries. And it is wonderful to be in queer space with the rainbow flag flying high. We would happily return. read more

Highlands Resort - Beautiful common room - Resorts Near Me - Guerneville, California

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I very rarely use yelp to write reviews but our experience warrants one. my wife and I stayed during Christmas week, so certainly not their busy/summer season. I must say everything was perfect by our standards The owners were amazingly friendly & hospitable they served us a light supper on Xmas eve & a wonderful little brunch on Xmas morning. Complimentary champagne, a crackling fire & it's a wonderful life on their TV. such a pleasant experience. The cabin is rustic, for sure. But very clean, quiet & exactly as advertised. We were given ample suggestions about the town & local attractions. Was just such a great experience. 10/10 I would stay there again. I even forgot an item and it was easily & promptly returned. These are definitely professionals who know exactly how to cater to their clientele. As I said, writing a review is very rare for me but I felt compelled to spread the word on here for anyone who may be unsure. read more