Vacation Rentals by Owner

A luxury retreat in a wonderful resort.

Guest: Mike (Nashville, TN)
Date of Stay: 12/29/11 Review Submitted: 01/10/12

My wife and I and our 8 year old grandson made a last minute decision to take a post-Christmas break at Pensacola Beach. We found this unit on VRBO and booked it. The owner was easy to communicate with and we booked it quickly. We travel often and have usually been very pleased with VRBO properties, but this one was even better than described or expected. This condo is beautiful and comfortable and the owners have anticipated the needs of their guests and provided a home-away-from home. The view is spectacular and exactly as shown in the website photos. In addition, the Portofino Resort is beautiful. The pools, restaurants and other facilities are as good as most 4 star hotels. The staff was friendly and helpful and charges for food and beverages were quite reasonable. There are some great restaurants nearby also. This cono will be our first choice for future visits to the Pensacola/ Destin area and we highly recommend it to others.

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

You feel like you hit the lottery.

Guest: Puma (Dallas, Texas)
Date of Stay: 10/03/11 Review Submitted: 11/21/11

This place is awesome and offering the most stunning views. Everything is here for your comfort and enjoyment. This resort is one of the best we have ever stayed in. Even though we enjoy smaller places, we never felt crowded or actually heard anyone on our floor. Very quite. The owner was outstanding to work with and the deposit check came within days of departure. We own a VRBO property and we say rent this one. You will not be sorry.

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

Fabulous Condo/Fantastic Vacation

Guest: John (Broadview Heights, OH)
Date of Stay: 04/25/11 Review Submitted: 05/15/11

We spent 6 days in this condo at the end of April 2011. We loved everything about it. The condo itself is very comfortable and the view is gorgeous. The photos on this web site don't do it justice. Everything was perfect in the condo. Portofino is a wonderful facility. The resort pool, located on the sound, is great. We didn't have any trouble getting chairs even though we tend to be late arrivers while on vacation. The service around the pool was great and the drinks are fantastic. We also enjoyed the indoor pool for lap swimming and used the spa - sauna, steamroom, whirlpool each day. The weather was a bit windy the first couple of days so we didn't go to the beach those days, but the pool was a great substitute. The beach is the most beautiful we have ever seen. The condo owners had a nice supply of beach towels and a small cart that worked great to transport everything to the beach. There are also some beach chairs, but we decided to rent the chair/umbrella combo on the beach instead. There was also drink service on the beach. So this was a very relaxing vacation for us (and this is what we were after), made even nicer than expected because of the location, the condo and the facility. We will be back

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

Great visit to Portofino

Guest: Anonymous (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 09/03/10 Review Submitted: 09/07/10

The condo unit is excellent with great views: gulf, pool, sunset, Santa Rosa Sound... can't beat that..The amenities for the resort are also top notch.. We really had great time here during our stay and kids did a bunch of things here during Labor Day weekend. The furnishing of this unit is also great - Thank You Kim!

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

I keep a picture from the balcony as my cell phone background picture.

Guest: Ukelele (Peachtree City GA)
Date of Stay: 02/18/10 Review Submitted: 04/21/10

That way, every time I open my cell phone I can see the sparkling Gulf-view from Kim's condo, and I get that relaxed, "I'm on vacation" feeling back. The condo is beautiful and comfortable, with everything you need (even sippy cups if you need those). Both bedrooms look out on the Gulf and have access to the balcony, and the condo has a west-facing view so you can enjoy the unbelievable sunsets. It was roomy and open, and the owners were totally pleasant, professional, and easy to deal with. Run or walk eastward down the beach, where you will see practically no one. I also have to say that the Portofino in general was a great place. I've stayed at many resorts and this was one of the friendliest--really good people working there. We needed a couple of things at the gift shop, and was I surprised to find that the prices were not a gouge. I will definitely return.

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 08/08/08

We had a great time at Portofino! The condo is beautiful and has everything you could want. The views from both bedrooms are incredible. My boys (ages 10 & 8) loved all of the activities at the Portofino. We can't wait to return! The owners are very kind and easy to deal with.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/31/08

I would definitely recommend staying in this beautiful cond. The views are incredible. You can clearly see the ocean and the bay from the balcony and we also enjoyed being able to see the ocean from the master bedroom and guest bedroom. The kids prgram was wonderful also. Thank you for sharing your condo. We hope to make it back to paradise soon!!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/29/08

Outstanding vacation spot. Incredible view of the ocean and bay, pure white sand beach, great pools, plus a bunch of other amenities. Good places to eat and lots of recreational water sports, plus it was not overly crowded. We had the most relaxing time. Highly recommend staying here. Thank you Mike and Kim for this fantastic opportunity to relax and enjoy.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/16/08

We really enjoyed our stay at the Portofino. It had everything we could possibly need for a wonderful vacation, from linens and towels to beach chairs and umbrellas. The view from the condo was amazing! We had a great time relaxing on the beach and exploring the great restaurants in the area. We would highly recommend the Portofino for anyone looking for a great getaway!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/01/08 Review Submitted: 06/01/08

Thank You Burgetts for sharing your wonderful Portofino Condo!!!!In this stress filled world it was the most relaxing vacation I have ever experienced. The white sand beach is more beautiful than any Island resort. Everyone should visit Pensacola and your wonderful condo at least once. It is one of the most beautiful areas in our Country. We have the most wonderful memories....I will be back.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 05/11/08

We had the best time! There was so much to do for the kids and even for the adults. The room was more beautiful than the pictures! We can not wait to go again!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/30/08

What a wonderful place! The whole Portofino property is gorgeous and the condo is amazing. We have young kids and there was something for everyone. Don't hesitate to rent here. You will not be at all disappointed!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/29/08

Fantastic views and a fantastic condo. Tastefully furnished and stocked with extras for the beach and kids. The Burgetts are a pleasure to rent from, very attentive and made sure we had a wonderful stay. We've already booked our next trip to Pensacola with them later this summer.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/29/08

Thank you Burgetts. Our family had an awesome time. Our kids enjoyed it thoroughly (10 and 13). The views are great, the beach is outstanding, the unit lives up to its billing on the VRBO website. The resort has everything you need.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 03/01/08 Review Submitted: 03/13/08

The condo is fantastic! The views from the balcony are unbelievably beautiful. We found the area has so many things to do, the restaurants are great, the fishing pier provided hours of entertainment and we especially liked Pensacolas historic district and the Naval Aviation Museum. All in all, we had a wonderful stay at your beautiful condo!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/08 Review Submitted: 02/27/08

From the moment you walk in this vacation home, you know you made a great choice! It is beautifully furnished, the views are unmatched, and the entire Portofino Resort has something for everyone. We stayed in February and used the indoor pool and Spa facilities. The beach to the east of the Resort is undeveloped and perfect for long walks, riding bikes, etc. Great restaurants nearby. We look forward to going back very soon. Great Condo - thanks!

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Guest: Joe Dean_HAC123957 (Marietta, GA)
Date of Stay: 02/01/08 Review Submitted: 02/05/08

What an amazing place! The views, convenience, and amenities make Portofino a first class resort. I look forward to a return trip.

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Guest: Carlo Carbetta_HAC119772 (Marietta, GAa)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/07/08

The Burgetts, Thank you for sharing your wonderful condo over the holiday! It was a great way to spend some down time. The condo was awesome. We had a great time. The grill on the deck is great. Hope to be back soon. Carlo, Heather and Christian

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Guest: Jon & Kelly Langkopf_HAC119908 (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 01/01/08 Review Submitted: 01/07/08

We had an amazing stay at Portofino. The condo was immaculate and the view was spectacular. It was close enough to the city that you could get anything you needed but far away enough that you felt like you were on a secluded resort. Everyone at Portofino was helpful and friendly. The beach was quiet and relaxing. We hope to come back down to visit again soon.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 11/01/07 Review Submitted: 11/06/07

This condo at Portofino was FABULOUS! Awesome view. The condo was nicely furnished. Loved all of the top of the line appliances, bath fixtures, countertops and furniture. Beds were very comfortable. We had everything we needed and more. The resort is very well taken care of and the staff was very friendly. We would highly recommend this unit and look forward to another vacation here. The Mitcham's Louisville, KY

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Guest: Rick & Nancy Horton (Huntsville, AL)
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 10/28/07

We have stayed at the Portofino before, but have to say this is the best unit! The sunsets are fantastic off the balcony and the owner has furnished the unit to the 't', including the much appreciated kitchen supplies and the beach gear. The owner practices excellent communications and business practices. Thanks again!

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 10/06/07

The unit exceeded our expectations. Many vrbo condo listings show pictures of great views that end up being misleading. The view pictures for this unit do not convey how beautiful it is. The condo is also well decorated. We are already looking forward to coming back next year. Barrion Palmer and family Huntsville, AL (The Rocket City)

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Guest: Bob & Kathy Lenthart (Marietta, GA)
Date of Stay: 09/01/07 Review Submitted: 09/24/07

The condo was just awesome. What a fantastic view! We were so impressed with how comfortable the furnishings are and how comfortable the place is. the atmosphere was top-notch. Now the location was incredible too, just across from the beach and within a leisurely drive to the best restaurants and stores. This place is a 5-star establishment all the way!

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Guest: Bill Schleder (Columbus, OH)
Date of Stay: 09/01/07 Review Submitted: 09/19/07

The condo was everything it was advertised to be. It was clean, very well kept, and the view is indeed amazing. It felt like home as soon as we arrived and we truly hated to leave for home. I have been to Pensacola many times, and the beaches are truly incredible. I was also very impressed with Portofino as a resort. The staff were courteous and helpful, and I didn't feel like they were in my pocket every time I turned around. I would love to stay there again if my travels take me in that direction.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/07 Review Submitted: 09/09/07

This condo is unbeatable. It was the best condo my wife and I have ever rented. The owner simply thought of everything. The views in Portofino are second to none and the wonderful furnishings just make this place special.

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Guest: Michael Stuart (Vicksburg, MS)
Date of Stay: 09/01/07 Review Submitted: 09/04/07

Just wanted to take a minute to say how absolutely wonderful your condo at Portofino Island was. The view of the ocean or bay from the balcony was breath taking, not to mention the sunsets. The unit is furnished with everything you could possiably need and is top notch all the way. We have traveled a lot and this is one of the very nicest condos and resort that we have stayed in. We will be in touch with you next year for a return visit.

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Guest: Michelle and Rusty Akin
Date of Stay: 08/05/07 Review Submitted: 08/04/07

Thanks for sharing your piece of paradise with us! The view is AMAZING. Stress just melts away when you look out over the balcony We all throughly enjoyed ourselves here at Portofino.

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Guest: The Allen Family
Date of Stay: 08/04/07 Review Submitted: 08/03/07

Loved it!! Condo is beautful! The kids said they never want to leave - we will be back for sure. Thanks so much.

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Guest: Trish and Jim Allen (Louisville, Ky)
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/09/07

The condo was WONDERFUL!!!! It was absolutely gorgeous and better than we had even imagined. When I originally read a few comments from other guests that the pictures don't quite convey how great the condo is and how amazing the view is, I didn't really 'get it'. I now know what they are talking about! When we first walked in, we were literally speechless (except for the kids of course who were jumping up and down in excitement)! I was so taken by it that I started crying (I am pregnant so I have an excuse). There really is no way to explain if you haven't been in the condo how it is breathtaking. It truly is remarkable and what we realized is in the best spot in Portofino! Thanks so much for working w/ us on a last minute trip. You could not of made it any easier for us. I have recommended your place to a few people already that have stayed at Portofino before but didn't have such a great condo and view. As my 3 children put it "this is the fanciest place we have ever stayed and why can't we just live here from now on!". Thanks again and we will be in touch with you again next year!

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Guest: Liz Basha (Marion, TX)
Date of Stay: 08/01/07 Review Submitted: 08/01/07

The condo was amazing, beautiful, and the view was breathtaking. We had never been to any place like it before. We had a nice time and wish we could have stayed longer.

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Guest: Michelle and Rusty Akin
Date of Stay: 07/10/07 Review Submitted: 07/09/07

Thanks for sharing your piece of paradise with us! The view is AMAZING. Stress just melts away when you look out over the balcony We all throughly enjoyed ourselves here at Portofino.

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Guest: Suzanne Dunne (Houston, Texas)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/29/07

This Portofino condo is beautiful with a spectacular view of the beautiful white beaches of Santa Rosa Island! Besides being at my very favorite beach, my second favorite thing was how nicely decorated and how CLEAN the place was. It truly felt like a home away from home. My husband did alot of cooking and the kitchen was equiped with everything he needed. My family used the Portofino gym facility and had nothing but good things to say about the room, machines, free weights, personal televisions, & smoothies. The staff at Portofino were always friendly, acessible and helpful. It was a great vacation and we look forward to returning. The Dunne Family

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Guest: Shawna Simon (Lafayette, LA)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/16/07

“Your condo. is beautiful. We had a fabulous time. We had a lot of family staying in other units in various towers and we all agreed that yours was the prettiest!”?

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/12/07

My kids and I loved our stay at this Portofino condo. The view is spectacular, and I enjoyed sitting out on the balcony with my coffee every morning. The kids loved the tower pool and the main pool (the food at the pool grill is great!) The amenities at the complex are great... beach set-ups for rent, kayaking and other activities in the bay, tram to the beach. We were extremely comfortable and pampered in this lovely condominium, and highly recommend it.

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Guest: The Black Family (Marietta, Georgia)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/07/07

We absolutely loved Portofino! The condo is just beautiful and the view is spectacular! There were so many things to do(we loved going kayaking and the girls loved the water trampoline) or you could just relax at the beach or pool. Awesome vacation!

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Guest: Karen Kizzire (Birmingham, AL)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/01/07

What a fantastic condo! We've stayed at Portofino before, but this unit will be our family's regular rental for many years to come. The views are breathtaking, and the sunset is something that cannot be missed! It's really safe for small children as well. The resort is first class, and this unit is just beautiful! You MUST rent this one!

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Guest: The Rentz Family
Date of Stay: 06/28/07 Review Submitted: 06/27/07

We all thoroughly enjoyed our stay in your condo. This was our first trip to Portofino and we leave looking forward to our return. The condo is beautiful and we had all the luxuries of home.

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Guest: Tammy Weiser (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 06/01/07 Review Submitted: 06/19/07

Portofino is a wonderful place to stay and the condo is first class. Everything you have at home with an awesome view - the pictures don't even start to do justice!! Mike was great - he made sure everything was taken care of and our vacation a complete success! One word of advice, don't make plans off the resort - you will not want to leave!!!

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Guest: Michelle_HAC90574 (Murfreesboro, TN)
Date of Stay: 06/01/07 Review Submitted: 06/14/07

If you are looking for a great place, this is it. This condo is decorated very nice and the stay was great. The resort itself was unreal. Great service and nice people. This is truly paradise. Owner is great to deal with. First class all the way!

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Guest: Shannon Bailey (Marietta, GA)
Date of Stay: 06/01/07 Review Submitted: 06/12/07

Portofino was a wonderful getaway for our family! It was first class all the way – everything from the beautifully decorated and fully equipped condo, the breathtaking emerald ocean view and sunsets, the restaurants, pools, beaches and spa. We enjoyed the luxury of having everything at our fingertips and venturing out from time to time to go to the local shops and restaurants. Our kids had an absolute blast and looked forward to watching the dolphins swimming out in the ocean every morning. We highly recommend Portofino to anyone looking for just a romantic or family-fun getaway. We were very impressed with overall service of the resort and its amenities and look forward to our next visit!

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Guest: Melissa_HAC90407 (Washington/ MO)
Date of Stay: 06/01/07 Review Submitted: 06/12/07

This condo was fantastic. It had everything we needed and the view from the balcony was so beautiful we fixed dinner in the condo a couple of nights because we didn't want to leave!!! I recommend this place to couples and families for a relaxing place to get away.

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Guest: carol_HAC88485 (Not Specified)
Date of Stay: 05/01/07 Review Submitted: 05/29/07

One of the nicest condos we've ever stayed in. Everything was spotless and still looked brand new. Pictures and descriptions on weblisting were accurate. This was our first experience with a rent by owner. I would highly recommend renting from Mike Burgett. He was very helpful with restaurant and grocery recommendations.

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Guest: The Caines Family (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 05/01/07 Review Submitted: 05/21/07

WOW!!! WHAT A VIEW!! My wife and I took our two kids here a month ago and they still won't stop talking about it. We thought it looked great in the pictures but they didn't even come close to showing just how nice this unit is. The furnishings and the building itself are first class. The beaches rival any I have seen and the pool's water was perfect. We are already planning our next visit.

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Guest: nathalie and ludovic dozier (Atlanta GA)
Date of Stay: 05/01/07 Review Submitted: 05/07/07

everything was perfect ! the condo was very clean and nothing was missing ,it was better than the hotel ! the view was amazing ! it was perfect for our young daughter who is 2 years old , she loved to play on the large balcony which was very safe !we were in portofino before , but this was the most beautiful apartment ! we hope coming back soon !!!!

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Guest: Mike Burgett - Owner
Date of Stay: 04/05/07 Review Submitted: 04/04/07

Welcome to the Guestbook for our recently purchased condo suite in Portofino. I think that you will be impressed with the furnishing of our unit along with the amenities at the property. As a big fan of the Gulf Coast and we have stayed in Panama City, Destin, Seagrove, and Seaside - and have found that there is not another property like Portofino along the Gulf Coast. The view from our unit is the best on the property. We call it a 4 View - with the closest location and view of the Gulf, a view of the sound/intercoastal, an unobstructed island view, and a private pool view. We look forward to hearing from you and hope that you choose to vacation in our unit. Mike

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Guest: Fred H and Hilda J Burgett (Pace, Florida)
Date of Stay: 04/01/07 Review Submitted: 04/25/07

We had a very relaxing time on our vacation at Portofino located at Pensacola Beach. After a good night sleep, you can wake up and see the waves splashing against the shore of Pensacola Beach (what a site). In the evening, we went out on the balcony and watched the sunset (again what a site). What can I say except "living it up". All the conviences are there if you want to cook breakfast, lunch or dinner but a resturant is on site? We allowed plenty of time for the outside pool, inside pool, sauna and the steam room. I rate my vacation at this location in the Portofino Tower 5 as class 5A or do they have a 10A rating (just wondering), well anyway we had a wonderful time. thanks

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Guest: Peter, Christi, and Boys (Gulf Breeze Florida)
Date of Stay: 04/01/07 Review Submitted: 04/22/07

You've NEVER been in Paradise until you have experienced Portofino Island and Resort Tower 5. The room is very amazing and full of elegance. It fulfilled our dreams of happiness! The view of the Gulf was beautiful and the sunsets were even better!!! Waking up to the sounds of the waves hitting the shore and seeing the pelicans and seagulls soaring past the balcony was extremely relaxing. Also, looking down from the balcony, we saw a beautiful landscaped patio, embraced with a crystal clear pool with a bubbly heated jacuzzi. What else could we ask for?! The condo itself was beautifully decorated and accommodated nicely for couples, families, and/or business trips. We are a family of five, which included three boys, and we absolutely LOVED it!!! We stayed as busy as we wanted to be: from swimming in the pool, relaxing in the jacuzzi, to walking on the beach. Also, there were enough televisions to accommodate everyone's needs in the condo from Disney channel to the BOSTON RED SOX games. GO SOX!!! The kitchen was also fully equipped with all your kitchen needs from cooking a quick meal to grilling steaks on the back balcony. This is definitely the finest condo we have ever rented. We will definitely rent this unit again in the future.

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Guest: Katie Ashcraft and Family (Alpharetta, GA)
Date of Stay: 04/01/07 Review Submitted: 04/05/07

We were delighted to be the first guests for this Condo Unit in Tower 5! Completely impressed with all of the furnishings (including hair dryers in both full baths) in this spacious unit as well as the variety of amenities at the property. We have stayed at numerous condo units and hotels in the Gulf Coast area over the past 10 years - Panama City, Destin, Fort Walton, and Seaside - and can confirm there is not another property like Portofino along the Gulf Coast. The view from the balcony is absolutely "breath taking" late at night with the flickering lights in the distance or early morning when the sun is just peeking through the mist while looking over at the Gulf, Sound/intercoastal, towards the island, or glancing down immediately into the private Tower 5 pool. We recommend this outstanding condo unit and Portofino to couples or families with children of all ages.

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