Beautiful unit - Great time in S. Padre!

Guest: chicachico (Austin, TX)
Date of Stay: 10/07/11 Review Submitted: 10/14/11

I have stayed in 3 different Saida units over the last several years. I always try to reserve that complex because I love the location, privacy, proximity to the beach, and have had great luck with the units. We recently stayed in this unit for a long weekend. We had 2 moms and two daughters - and we all had a fabulous time! The renovated unit is done really nicely - really no complaints. It doesn't have that typical 'musty' beach condo smell, and everything worked fine. The new kitchen is beautiful and roomy and we enjoyed the appliances, the breakfast bar, and we cooked up some great meals there! Some things to know: there is only 1 wine glass, so if you have more than 1 wine drinker, bring a few of your own (or buy them for $1.20 each at the Blue Marlin grocery). Also, all of the plates and cups are glass (breakable), so if you have young children that you don't want walking around drinking from glass, bring some plastic cups with you. Also - there is a coffee maker, but no coffee filters, so I had to buy a packet of them (which I left for the next guy). You might want to bring a few from home if you want coffee on the first morning! These are such small things - it would be great if the wine glasses and some plastic cups/plates could be added - but really no big deal. Also - the VRBO listing says it has wireless, but when we got there we found out we had to plug into an ethernet cable to get internet service. There were wireless networks available, but no information saying which one to use or the password for it - in fact the sign on the way says there is NO WIRELESS. Again, no big deal, but maybe the listing shold be updated (or the sign inside the condo if there really is wireless). This is a beautiful unit which I would be really happy to stay in again. Everything was decorated & maintained beautifully - and the location is just the best. Looking forward to the next time!

Owner response:Thanks for the nice review. I've done a lot of work over the last year and I'm glad it's starting to show. Sorry about the wine glasses.I try my best to keep as many glasses, plates etc but more often than not they grow legs? I'll ask the property manager to pick some up ASAP. As far as wireless goes there is high speed, but someone stole the wireless modem and all we had to replace it with was one that you need to use an Ethernet cord. However, the whole property is supposed to be going wireless soon from what the manager told me. Thanks again for the review.

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

Spring Break 2011--WONDERFUL CONDO!!!!!!!!!!!!

Guest: Sue (Siloam Springs, AR)
Date of Stay: 03/20/11 Review Submitted: 03/31/11

The condo is large, clean, and beautiful!! It is located in an awesome location on the island in an immaculate facility! We travel 4-5 times a year staying in different places and condos, so we do know nice condos. We were there on the 2nd week of Spring Break and the staff kept everything at an acceptable level even for families! The contact with the owner and the Padre Island Rental was very easy and pleasant. Be sure to take advantage of the daily towel exchange, that is a wonderful service! I would reccomment this condo to anyone wanting a wonderful, relaxing get away. The previous person that left the review should go back, the granite counter tops, well equipped kitchen, comfortable bed and wonderful location (not to mention the beautiful beach and pool views) made our trip! Thanks!

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

KT

Guest: KT (Arlington, TX)
Date of Stay: 07/30/10 Review Submitted: 08/01/10

I'll start with the positive comments. The owner and management company was responsive and professional during the reservation process. I totally agree with the description that this unit is very quiet. It overlooks the Gulf rather than the large pool. Oftentimes, it's hard to enjoy those afternoon naps due to the noise of the resort. That's not the case with this unit. Even the view from the unit is beautiful! Also, the unit is reasonably spacious for a family of five. As for the negative comments...This resort is at least 25 years old. The units are individually owned, therefore, some are nicer than others. As for this unit, it is described as "newly renovated." The only newly renovated areas that I can see are the bathroom vanities. Although the vanities are nice, they are small and unfunctional. As for the kitchen, it is original and is dire need of remodeling. The painted cabinets are worn and dirty. The grout in the tile countertops is stained. Only the two small burners on the stovetop even work. The kitchen is equipped the the bare basics. No wash cloths, towels, cookiesheets, baking pans, etc. We went to use the toaster this morning and it "blew" sparks and smoke. The dishes and utensils were not clean, so I had to run everything through the dishwasher. Other than the bathroom vanities, both bathrooms are original. My boys won't even use the shower in the small bathroom. It's moldy and dirty. The condo has tile throughout which I always prefer over carpet. However, the tile needs a good scrubbing...it's filthy. The baseboards are dirty. The condo needs paint desperately. The furniture throughout the condo looks like hand-me-downs. The living room furniture is dirty and threadbare. The sleeper sofa is horrible. Even my 11 year old son is complaining. The mattress is very thin and lumpy, and you feel every spring. In the second bedroom, the chest drawers won't close properly and the ceiling fan sounds and looks like it's going to fly off the ceiling. The master bedroom furniture looks straight out of the early 80s. The condo description says that HBO is available in the condo, but we can't find it. In the end, I think the Spring Breakers "broke" this condo! We won't be back.

Owner response:I want to thank you for your review. I must admit that I haven't done much to this condo since I purchased it a few years ago and there were definitely some things that needed to be attended to! However, after your review this summer I put the wheels in motion to "Really Clean the Condo Up". First of all I have completely Painted the Entire Condo. (Walls, ceilings, baseboards, trim & doors etc.) I have replaced the old furniture in the den with a brand New Couch, New Love seat\Sleeper (With New Mattress) & New Chair. I also completely remodeled the kitchen with all new Wood Cabinets, New Glass Top Stove, New Dishwasher, New Microwave and "Beautiful New Granite Counter Tops with an Under-counter Stainless Sink"! Also I had a steam cleaning company come in and completely clean the tile floors. I have also cleaned up both bath rooms and repaired the wall in the 2nd bathroom. (I didn't realize it was damaged.) These are just the Main Items I addressed. There were many smaller things that were replaced cleaned or repaired also! If you have any comments or questions please feel free to contact me. I think anyone renting my condo will find it "TOP NOTCH" since the Work this Fall! Thanks Joe

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