The Secluded Secret in Stone Mountain

There was bottled water in the fridge and cookware....that's about it.

On March 20, 2026, around 3:30 PM, I arrived at “The Secluded Secret” in Stone Mountain, GA after a 6-hour drive. Despite confirming an arrival time slightly after 3 PM, the host (Cindy) was not present. I had to wait in her driveway for about 30 minutes until she returned from the store—after already being fully paid. The rental is located behind her home and resembles a small shed from the outside. While the inside appeared somewhat clean at first glance, it was far from sanitary. I personally cleaned the bathtub using my own supplies and poured boiling water along the seams—only for thick, dark buildup and debris to continuously surface. It was extremely unsanitary and concerning. Unfortunately, the experience only got worse. From the moment we arrived, Cindy repeatedly called and micromanaged our stay—questioning what we were doing, what we could and couldn’t do, and even interrupting us before we could fully unpack. She demanded my guest move his vehicle almost immediately, despite there being no clear parking accommodations. The constant calls and monitoring made us feel uncomfortable, unwelcome, and honestly watched. What was meant to be a peaceful getaway—especially for my partner and childhood friend—turned into a stressful & upsetting experience. I was brought to tears by the way we were treated. We both took off work and I planned this trip for both our healing. We aren't party people. If I would've read the negative reviews opposed to the positives, we would've honestly gotten a hotel or somewhere nicer. The property itself is poorly lit, especially in the back where the unit is located—it was pitch black at night, which felt unsafe. The area is not gated, only separated by a small, rusted fence that the host insisted remain closed at all times. We stayed less than 4 hours before deciding to leave, she refused to even partially refund, knowing were only there for 4 hours. My partner recently lost his wife of 25 years. This was for him.

I like the plethora of toiletries, set up of the one bedroom apartment, and the ease of access to get in the front door.

I didn't like that the location did not have any lights on and the small house is in the BACK of the property, very dark, and I didn't feel safe leaving after dark. I also didn't like that I could only have ONE car on the property which meant I had to cancel friends coming to see me AND be in the back of someone's house ALONE. There were plenty of cameras and I felt like I was being watched without the security of knowing who was watching me. I got very little rest there as a result. I would have chosen this property if I knew I had to stay there alone and only allowed one car. I drove one car so that means I have to be alone. As a single female, I did not feel safe and I WISH I had stayed at a hotel!

First time renting an Airbnb. Could not ask for a better experience! Owner was wonderful! Property was super clean! Complimentary snacks, water, and toiletries were unexpected and greatly appreciated! Would definitely rent again!

Residential environment. Close proximity to my daughter’s house. Very clean. Friendly hostess.

This is our second stay. Previous was 5/23. The manual driveway security gate is a nuisance to open and close each time and isn’t really ‘secure’ (locked) anyway. Hard drive to drive to back out (bush blocks view to somewhat busy residential street). We were awoken at 4 am and every hour thereafter by a Nextdoor rooster. Cindy (hostess) said new neighbors (1 mo ago). She said she would talk to them, but we never heard back.

Host very responsive and helpful

Very clean with a private entrance and designated off street parking. Owner provided toiletries and snacks for my stay. That was very considerate. The owner was very attentive and awesome. All around great stay.

Perfect getaway for a couple visiting the Stone Mountain area!