Manage It Bear Lake

Operating from its office at 545 Richland Vly St in Garden City, Utah, Manage It Bear Lake presents itself as a specialized travel agency and property management firm. It focuses on facilitating short-term rentals and providing management services for homeowners in the Bear Lake area. The company's website, bookbearlake.com, showcases a portfolio of properties and promotes what it calls "unforgettable short-term rental experiences." However, a deeper look into publicly available customer feedback reveals a starkly divided reputation, creating a complex picture for potential clients, whether they are renters seeking a vacation or owners looking for property oversight.

For Vacationers: A Significant Discrepancy in Experiences

For individuals and families planning a trip, the primary interaction with Manage It Bear Lake is through its vacation rentals service. The business aims to provide a seamless booking process for a variety of homes, from cozy cabins to larger family lodges. Yet, the customer experience documented in public reviews is polarized and leans heavily toward the negative, reflected in a low overall rating of just 2.3 out of 5 stars on Google. This rating stems from a small but detailed set of reviews that raise serious concerns.

Two highly critical reviews from renters describe significant issues with property cleanliness and safety. One group of guests staying at a property identified as the "3 bears house" reported a severe mouse infestation. Their account detailed finding mice droppings throughout the house, including in kitchen drawers and on towels, and witnessing rodents running through the living spaces and getting into their food. Beyond the pest problem, they noted a leaking sink and an outdoor daybed that smelled of urine. Similarly, another renter at a different property managed by the company reported finding mouse droppings in kitchen cupboards, forcing them to wash all dishes before use. This guest also confirmed seeing a mouse in the home, which contaminated their food left on the counter. Both parties mentioned the presence of mouse traps that were not disclosed prior to their stay, indicating a potential awareness of the issue that was not communicated to incoming guests.

These experiences point to a significant lapse in quality control and sanitation for some of the holiday lettings under the company's management. The problems extend beyond the initial stay. Both sets of renters reported attempting to resolve the issues with the agency and requested refunds, citing the unlivable conditions and the associated health risks, such as Hantavirus. According to their reviews, Manage It Bear Lake refused to provide refunds. One guest stated the company was "incredibly unprofessional" and unwilling to take accountability, while another was told they "didn't notify them soon enough" for the company to accommodate them—a response the guest found inadequate for a pest infestation.

These documented issues are further substantiated by the company's profile with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which gives Manage It Bear Lake an "F" rating. The BBB profile lists multiple complaints that echo the themes of poor property conditions and unsatisfactory responses from management. This pattern suggests that the negative experiences are not isolated incidents, creating a considerable risk for travelers expecting a clean and hassle-free accommodation for their investment, which in one case was nearly $1,000 for a three-night stay plus a $150 cleaning fee.

For Property Owners: A Different Perspective

In contrast to the alarming feedback from renters, there is a positive review from a homeowner who uses the company's property management services. This 5-star review praises an individual named Andrew for doing a "great job of cleaning the home and hot tub" of their short-term rental property. The owner highlights consistent and clear communication, stating they always receive an update on the home's condition. This suggests that, from a homeowner's perspective, the company's services regarding property upkeep and communication can be reliable and satisfactory.

This positive account creates a duality in the company's reputation. It appears the firm may cater effectively to the needs of the property owners who hire them, providing cleaning and maintenance updates as requested. However, this does not always translate into a high-quality, safe, and clean final product for the end-user—the vacationer. This disconnect is a critical point for both potential renters and homeowners to consider. An owner might be pleased with the service reports they receive, but the guest-facing reality could be damaging their property's reputation and potential for future bookings.

Services and Operations

Manage It Bear Lake operates as a key local entity for destination management in the Garden City region. Their business model is to act as the intermediary between homeowners who want to generate rental income and tourists seeking holiday packages and lodging. The company is operational Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and is closed on Sundays. Their services, as advertised, cover the full spectrum of the rental process, from marketing the properties and managing reservations to overseeing cleaning and maintenance.

Potential clients should weigh the available information carefully. The stark contrast between the company's polished online presence and the severe complaints from multiple renters is a major red flag. While the positive homeowner review provides a counterpoint, the volume and severity of the negative feedback, coupled with an "F" rating from the BBB, suggest a systemic issue with quality assurance and customer service for renters.

Conclusion and Recommendations for Potential Customers

For those considering renting a property through Manage It Bear Lake, extreme diligence is advised. The documented experiences with sanitation and pest control are serious. It would be prudent to ask direct and specific questions before making a booking, such as inquiring about their pest control protocols, when the property was last inspected, and what their refund policy is for uninhabitable conditions. Given the reports of unprofessional communication, it is also advisable to get all agreements and confirmations in writing.

For property owners considering their property management services, the decision is more nuanced. While one owner reported a positive experience, the public-facing complaints about the properties they manage could negatively impact your investment's reputation. It would be beneficial to discuss their quality control processes, how they handle guest complaints, and what measures are in place to ensure the property is always guest-ready to the highest standard. Understanding both sides of their operational track record is essential before entering into a partnership for your short-term rentals.