Aviators Haven

Peaceful retreat close to Wind Cave, Custer SP, Mt Rushmore, Crazy Horse, Mickelson Trail Positive: Quiet location. Stars shine bright here. Home warmed by earth. The back-half of home mostly underground up to windows. Large private gated dog enclosure. Great communication. Very close to downtown Custer but in country. Numerous deer, even a bluebird. 3 bedrooms 2 bath inside main home. 2 more beds above garage with game room ( no bathroom here). Even with a couple issues I would recommend this location-enough beds for all our guests. We participated in Michelson Trail bike ride. Some of our companions have been on numerous cycling events - this was one of their favorites. Perfect location Negative: Main concern is there was no handle on inside door above garage for guest to exit. Guest needed to pull on lock to leave upstairs. Company was notified. Originally we couldn’t find smoke detectors (we did find them, but hung vertical above door (not good airflow) There was initially no dishwasher pods, just empty bag and no kitchen towel. There was about an 1/8 of a bottle of hand soap in kitchen. Most people fill soap and supplies before guests arrive. The notice says they have enough supplies to get started-a little disappointing in low initial supplies of hand soap and dishwasher soap in a busy kitchen. We never used the grill. It was dirty according to one of our travel companions. It seems a lot of Airbnb rentals have dirty grills, so we weren’t surprised . Still if the handle is placed upstairs to exit the room, then I would recommend staying here.

We were a little surprised at the layout, given this was listed as a 5 bedroom, but once we got oriented all was great! Easy in and out for us, very comfortable, kitchen is excellent, and the location was everything we hoped for. Our host and the local manager were there for anything we needed. Well done, and well managed!

Only issue was a propane gas smell in the utility area one day. Which is unexplained because there didn't seem to be any gas appliances or service to the house. Can't understand what caused it, but it was distinct and several of us noticed it. Possibly mistaken for sewer gas? Not sure. Otherwise, all good.

Location close to town, yet felt like we were in the country. We loved having a fire in the woodburning stove on cool mornings. It worked great for our family.

First, the hosts were superb. They were always timely, accurate and helpful. Second, while I think the statement that it sleeps 12 comfortably should not be taken literally, everything else in description more than accurate. Lovely setting, great appliances, well stocked, and convenient to everything. We all from age 10 to 80 loved it.