Vacation Rentals by Owner

Great condo on the beach

Guest: Florida favorite (St. Louis, MO)
Date of Stay: 11/04/11 Review Submitted: 11/14/11

A friend and I spent a week in this condo and we felt like we were at home. The condo is very spacious and equipped with everything you might need...dishes, cooking utensils, pots and pans, books to read, videos to watch, games to play and on and on. Everything was very clean. Even though we didn't use the pool, we sat in the chairs around the pool and the pool looked to be very clean. And the view...what can I say...sitting on the balcony and watching the waves on the gulf is so very relaxing. The view as well as the pictures of the condo look just like the pictures. Very good location...close to everything. The restaurants were very convenient and the food (mainly the seafood) is excellent. Would highly recommend this to anyone and look forward to going back for a longer stay next time!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

COMFORTABLE, COZY, CONVENIENT AND AFFORDABLE!!!

Guest: Beth (New Orleans, LA)
Date of Stay: 06/25/11 Review Submitted: 07/08/11

First, may I say thank you to the owners who went above and beyond to make our stay exceptional! OK, the drains were slow and the fridge wasn't working properly, but they sent someone out immediately to address our problem..for this we were very grateful. The water pressure was very strong and we never ran out of hot water! We had 5 adults in the condo, had plenty of room and all slept soundly. It was very clean and we loved the decor....the sofa is super comfy, as are the over -sized chairs! And for those rainy days or is you get a little too much sun the first day, there were books, puzzles and games. Plus, you have free internet access and cable. The convenience is a big big plus for us....just a minute's walk to the pool and beach. We grilled a couple of times, and i will give you this advise....you may have to go down to the grill area and get in line... should you see people down there (you have a very good view of the grills from the balcony) It was fun talking to the other guests while we were waiting, and we were able to use the charcoal that they had! There is also an herb garden that the guests are welcome to share! The Tom Thumb is convenient for those little things you might need to pick up...especially ice! Some restaurants that we enjoy....Pandora's has a Prime Rib special on Sunday and Wed. nites....$12.99 and it was very very good! (Make reservations) High Tide is our favorite place to eat....great fried and grilled seafood!!! (also a fav of the locals ;-) For really good pizza, and if you like to play pool, Helen Back is another local's hangout that is a lot of fun!!! They have a huge deck on the bay, bands on some nites and ladies and men's nites... We've gotten to know quite a few locals and always look forward to seeing them again. ***Don't forget to go to the office and get your parking pass!!! We forgot and almost got towed! Thanx Mary and Jeff for your hospitality....we made memories that we will cherish for a lifetime :-) WE WILL BE BACK NEXT YEAR!!! Beth, Mike and Bryan from New Orleans Laura and Mark from Ft. Worth

Owner response:Thank you for the great review. It is always a pleasure to have guests like you.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway.

Dissapointed from Missouri

Guest: Brenda and Deral (St Louis, MO)
Date of Stay: 06/11/11 Review Submitted: 06/22/11

First to last impressions not good. The beach,pool and weather was wonderful.Our sons stayed in another condo there so we enjoyed our time with the grandkids. I would suggest that you replace the refrigerator, remove the filthy carpet, wash the windows, have your cleaning crew change the mattress pads and wash after each rental. Clean the bedspreads in each bedroom and have them match in the smaller bedroom. One was like the picture the other looked like a rag. For the price not nice. I would not stay there again or advise anyone I know to.

Owner response:Because this renter called or texted over 20 times in the first 24 hours of their arrival, we were very concerned and talked to our cleaning company and refrigerator repairman immediately. The cleaning inspector said that they had taken our new bedspreads out to be laundered and replaced them with ones remaining in the condo from last season. We didn't know this and have since straightened it out with the cleaners by pointing out that we have a second set of matching bedspreads that they were unaware of, in the event they see fit to remove the bedspreads for laundering in the future.. We have checked back with subsequent renters and have been assured that the condo was neat, clean, and looked just like the pictures, bedspreads included. These renters had changed the settings on the refrigerator and were instructed by the repairman on how to reset them and the refrigerator was working after that. However, we are planning on installing a new refrigerator, since this has been a recurring problem. The carpeting is just 3 years old and is steam cleaned every year in the spring and fall. We talked to subsequent renters who had no complaints about the carpet. If we have a beak during the high season, we uusually clean the carpets again.

Recommended for:

Average

Guest: Riverrat (Lafayette,TN)
Date of Stay: 05/28/11 Review Submitted: 06/09/11

The condo was oceanfront but our room was not. The beds were very uncomfortable and we had to purchase memory foam to tolerate them. These were two questions we spefically asked the owner with misleading response. The road was noisy in front of the condo and the blinds did not close well enough to keep light out. The refridgerator could definately use updating because it took 2 days for it to cool. Enjoyed our vacation due to the location and pool but will not stay at this unit again.

Owner response:If asked about the beds, which we were not, I would have said they were very comfortable, since most people, including myself and my husband who have back problems, really like them. See other reviews. So I really cannot address this complaint and the renter did not mention it to me. We would not ever wish to mislead anyone. This renter asked if they had to cross the street to get to the beach. We said no, just go down the elevator and walk back.. We always tell potential renters the same- thing that the complex is on the beach, our unit is on the side, but it is angled toward the beach for a good view. The pictures in our ad are exactly what you see from the condo. The units that face the beach directly are usually about $100 a week or more higher in price. Most of the people who have stayed appreciate the savings that staying in this unit provide, while still enjoying beautiful views. We think it entirely likely that the road in front of the condo during the high season is busy and we really do not know what we could do about it. We installed shades in addition to blinds, in the only room where anyone ever complained about light, so we are not sure what this comment refers to. We have experienced problems with people changing the settings on the refrigerator which seems to cause cooling problems. Our appliance repairman, who spoke to this renter, says there is nothing wrong with the refrigerator, however, he is going to remove the knobs and put up signs for us, so this does happen in the future.

Recommended for:

Relaxing stay at the beach!

Guest: LPW21 (KY)
Date of Stay: 03/05/11 Review Submitted: 03/20/11

The condo was great! Myself along with some friends stayed here for spring break and loved it! The location (right on the beach) is awesome! Great views from the master bedroom and balcony's. Everything from the bedrooms to bathrooms, kitchen, and living area was super clean and very comfortable! The complex was very quiet, very clean, and the staff was very friendly and helpful. The pool was heated, very nice and clean. Overall the condo was great, I would definitely stay here again!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Stay - Will definitely be back

Guest: Dancer from St. Louis (St. Louis, MO)
Date of Stay: 02/06/11 Review Submitted: 02/15/11

Just want to let you know what a great time I had during my recent visit to your condo. It couldn't have been better - from the wonderful beds, especially pillows, to the great balcony and view. I slept better than I do at home. My favorite part of my stay was sitting on the balcony in the early morning hours, drinikng cofee and watching the ocean. Your condo was very clean and bright. I also really enjoyed the menus and places of interest you had there for my review. At your recommendation, we ate at "McGuire's" - great food and reasonable prices, plus very intersting decor. I loved the dollar bills everywhre. You really thought of everything, with all the creature comforts of home, and then some. I would definitely recommend your condo to my friends/family, and can't wait to come back !!!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Wonderfull Vacation

Guest: Nick (Imperial , MO.)
Date of Stay: 12/17/10 Review Submitted: 02/15/11

I stayed at this condo over the Christmas hollidays.I thought everything was top-notch. Everything from the furnishings to the cleaness of the property was impressive. The owners were very helpfull, and polite. I would definately stay there again. Too bad none of the units in this complex allows pets.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A pleasant and pleasing experience...

Guest: teachingu4life (st. louis )
Date of Stay: 11/19/10 Review Submitted: 02/16/11

This property is located near resteraunts, shopping and nightlife. The accommodations are bright, clean, open, relaxing and plush. Breathtaking sea views, steps away from the ocean. Just beautifully decorated, this property is well maintained and very clean....well kept. We will definitely return.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

A relazing time under the sun

Guest: kat (Imperial MO)
Date of Stay: 07/16/10 Review Submitted: 03/18/11

This condo was the best I have been in. I wanted a weekend getaway last minute and the owners were very accomidating and helpful. My condo overlooked the ocean and provided a nice homely feeling in which I was comfortable right away. The washer and dryer provided the added benefit of coming home from vacation with my laundry already finished. The quick walk to the beach allowed me to maximize my time there and the kitchen area provided everything I needed to cook up quick meals. The condo is centrally located around many small shops and also large stores which made it nice when needing groceries. It was the best weekend vacation I have ever had and I look forward to returning many times. Thank you to the owners for making it such a great and easy travel experience!!!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Did not meet my expectations

Guest: bobmikie (Houston, Texas, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/02/10 Review Submitted: 05/11/10

Condo needs to be updated especially in the bathrooms. Tubs too small, water pressure low and drains clogged up. Too much noise from motorcycles and cars from the street. Lights in windows, did not have curtins with block-out so we could not sleep well. Washing machines made loud noises and knocks. Basically uncomfortable all over. Would not recommend and would not stay again. There are much better condos for less money available.

Owner response:The plumbing in the shower was serviced and water pressure improved.. Drains are routinely cleaned because sand is always clogging them. People who do not rinse the sand off with the hoses provided contribute to what is a universal problem for all beachfront condos according to my plumber who cleans out the drains during the rental season. The blinds in the MBR do block out light and the the guest bedroom has shades as well as curtains to block out light. Neither we, nor any other renters after this one, have had problems with the washer/ dryer which is only 3 years old (2 years at the time of this rental) , so I cannot explain this complaint. Most of our renters have found the Nautilus to be quieter than those in more heavily populated complexes. Having never heard the motorcycle, we assume it belonged to a renter who was staying at the same time as this one. No one from the Nautilus mangement reported any complaints about this noise. We appreciate our renters notifying us of any problems while they are in the condo and after. You are our eyes and ears while we are away and all complaints are taken seriously. It should be noted that this guest asked to rent our condo again in June 2011.

Recommended for:Girls getaway

Vacation Delight

Guest: Faye (Owensboro, Kentucky 42301)
Date of Stay: 03/27/10 Review Submitted: 02/15/11

We have stayed at this beautiful property on two occasions and can't wait to return for another vacation. We would not think of staying anywhere else. The condo is beautiful, clean and well maintained. The owners are the best we have ever dealt with in renting vacation property. The view from the patio is spectacular. This condo is close to restaurants and other points of interest in the area. We have recommended this property to family members and they are very happy with the condo as well. We highly recommend the Nautilus for a very enjoyable vacation.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Very Roomy and Comfortable - Nice View

Guest: CertKAB (St Louis MO)
Date of Stay: 02/06/10 Review Submitted: 02/15/11

Very nice and well equipped condo. The unit is conveniently located near the elevator, yet it is very quiet. The view of the gulf is visible from the living room as well as the master bedroom. The kitchen is larger than most vacation condos and has many types of pots and pans. The property itself is located right on a beautifuly beach and is only a few blocks away from the main business area. We had a very nice and restful stay and hope to come back again.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.