Vacation Rentals by Owner

~~This place is amazing~~ Owners are A++

Guest: Bethann F.
Date of Stay: 01/01/12 Review Submitted: 02/15/12

We arrived on New Years Day 2012. The property was as stated! BEAUTIFUL, well kept etc. Our family of 9; 2 Single Parents + 7 adult "kids" vacationed here for 8 days. We could not have asked for a more accommodating living space. This house is amazing!! The view is beautiful. I can't picture a more perfect place to wake up to every morning! The living quarters were not exactly as pictured. The one bedroom with two twin bed had be transformed into a double bed, but upon calling Albert, within 30 minutes we had a double bed set made available to us in that bedroom and all was wonderful again. We rented two cars which were easily accommodated by the spacious garage space and extended parking area. The house was fully furnished with all the amenities...full kitchen and everything you could ask for in a kitchen ; george forman grill; blender for margaritas; a full freezer for ice and a separate wine frige which we loved!!. The livingroom was more than spacious with sitting space and a gracious 52" screen TV. Not to mention the gorgeous master suite and bathroom. More than enough room for 9 people to find their personal space!! Easy drive to the beaches which we visited every day, least we forget all the beach accessories we borrowed; beach balls, volley balls, soccer balls we borrowed from the "basement area" of the house. We use the hot tub extensively, but the pool that stated it was heated was not, but didn't detract from all the extras this house had....i.e. canoe, and kayaks that were used several days in a row . The trip to town was 7 minutes to the main strip for beaches or grocery stores / restaurants. I can't say enough good things about this house!! and ALBERT. P.S. We are big Syracuse Basketball fans (from the syracuse area) and ALBERT was on hand to hook us up with the Marquette game!! The experience was amazing, the house is to die for, and the host ALBERT is always available to make your experience the best it can be. We will be visiting here again and hope to rent from him again!! THANKS ALBERT!! and cactus paradise Residence from upstate NY

Recommended for:

One of our favorite vacations!

Guest: RRovang (Clinton, WA)
Date of Stay: 10/28/11 Review Submitted: 01/06/12

Amazing place. This was our first trip to Key West and we'll be back. We had 3 couples in the vacation home. It was as advertised... and more. Beautiful location, very private and full of great toys to keep us busy. We used the kayaks and canoe, caught fish off of the shore until our arms were about to fall off, relaxed in the hot tub, cooled off in the pool and ate most of our meals on the deck overlooking the bay and the canal. Albert, the owner, was very helpful and answered all of our questions. The only complaint would be that none of the bikes were operable. They all had flat tires and neither of the pumps was working. I had to walk one of them about a mile to the Circle K to inflate the tires. The pool was a bit cold, but not cold enough to keep us out of it. If you go, try the Cuban sandwiches and coffee at Tina's Market deli about a half mile away. Dinner at Bobalus Southern Cafe nearby. Both were excellent and CHEAP. We ate at each of them twice. Try the grouper or chicken fried steak at Bobalus, but bring your own wine - they only serve beer. We visited Key West during Fantasy Fest. We had not heard of it before and were quite surprised! Lot's of fun, but glad that one couple that was supposed to come with us backed out. They are a bit "conservative" and would have been shocked by some of the festivities. Me? I'm going back. In fact, I may just move there...

Owner response:These guest were awesome to host. If the only complaint is no air in bike tires, I'll take that all day long. I wish they would have called me about it, I have an air compressor I could have made available to them. The bikes are just 1 of many toys I provide my guest. I would love to host them in the future. Albert Garcia

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Loved it, loved it, loved it!!!

Guest: Well-seasoned vacationer (Corinth, Mississippi)
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 07/25/11

This was a vacation trip for our whole family (children, sons-in-law, and grandchildren) and we had the best time! The house could not be beat with all the ammenities and views! We enjoyed seeing sites around Key West (especially the Butterfly Conservatory) but enjoyed being at the house and spending time with each other. I can't believe how relaxing it was to kayak and canoe with the grandkids, grill out and eat under the Tiki Hut, swim in the pool, and have a sound system to provide music wherever you were. We watched three different sets of fireworks on the fourth of July from the balcony upstairs! Would definitely come back again if we ever vacation in the Keys again. We try to go somewhere different every year to enjoy all aspects of the United States. Would definitely recommond to anyone. I don't know how you could come and not have a wonderful time!!

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

PRIVATE AND HAD EVERYTHING

Guest: Ken (Hackensack, NJ)
Date of Stay: 06/04/11 Review Submitted: 06/17/11

Had a great time here, great location and amenities. Owner very accommodating.

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

Simply Amazing!!!

Guest: Mike, Bob and the Hicks (Lenoir City Tennessee)
Date of Stay: 05/13/11 Review Submitted: 05/26/11

This is by far the best vacation in the states I have ever taken! Albert was true to his word. We didn't want to leave the property, everything we wanted to do was there. We will be coming back to Key West and if the current owner still has it, we will be staying there. The pictures don't do the house justice, as we approached the house through the private gate, it was all I needed to make this the perfect vacation spot. Swimming, hot tub, pool table, outdoor tv and sound system, large kitchen and one of the nicest master bedroom and baths . Plenty of room for our seven guests of east Tennesseeans! Everyone enjoyed the trip. The only negative thing anyone said was" where is the iron"? To the reply I delightfully said " YOU'RE AT THE BEACH! Thanks again Albert!

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

Awesome vacation

Guest: Melody (Newport, RI)
Date of Stay: 04/16/11 Review Submitted: 05/09/11

We wanted to go to Key West and did not know where to stay since there was 10 of us. I saw an ad for VRBO and went onlline and found this house. It was better than we expected. There was plenty of room for all of us with out getting on each others nerves (which when there are 10 people we know that can happen). The house and views are spectacular. We only went in to downtown 3 times because the house and property were so great. Albert (the owner) was great and gave us a lot of good advice as to where to go and what to do. We had 2 rental cars but if you are going in town take a taxi so you do not have to pay to park. The Taxi service was great. Again a great place for a large group of friends or family..Thanks again Albert....

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

A double family vacation

Guest: Katya (Richmond, VA)
Date of Stay: 03/19/11 Review Submitted: 05/19/11

Two families with kids ranging from 3 to 23 years old all had a great time at this house. It is as the pictures show, big and beautiful, and right on the water with loads of privacy. We trailered our own boat which we launched right at the house so the fishermen could go out whenever the mood struck. The pool was just right for the 3 year old, and the beds were great too. We ended up renting bikes in town to use because the ones at the house were a little beaten up for going far on, but the kayaks were fine and we enjoyed them as well. The kitchen is HUGE but not as well appointed as I would have liked, but it was perfectly fine for vacation cooking. We would definitely rent this house again.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.

Great place to turn 50

Guest: LAK (Indiana)
Date of Stay: 01/15/11 Review Submitted: 08/20/11

We had a wonderful week the house was very accomandating for 8 people. It has everything this add says it has but it helps if you have your own pool person and someone that knows hot tubs to keep things going. Very close to Key West and the taxi service is resonable. We loved the privacy of our own pool and the kayaks are great fun. Some of the beds need some attendtion.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway.

A perfect vacation location

Guest: Juicy [ my grandma name] (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
Date of Stay: 12/11/10 Review Submitted: 02/28/11

My husband and I took our entire family to Cactus Paradise from 12/11/10-12/18/10. There were 8 adults and 5 kids ages 1, 21/2, 5 year-old twins and an 8 year old. It was fabulous. We couldn,t believe how beautiful the house is as well as being completely stocked with everything we needed. The pool is pristine and huge. When the kids got chilly, they would run to the hot tub. We thought we would be in Key West a lot, but no one wanted to leave the property. The kayaks were always in use as was the hammock! We ended up taking turns cooking dinner each night. We had 5 different key lime pies and voted on the best. An added benefit was we could have the windows and doors open all day and night as there were NO BUGS!!! I contacted Holiday Baby online in Key West and rented cribs, a high chair, stroller, swim vests. They were wonderful and ao was Albert. The house is only 15-20 minutes from Key West which made shooping easy but far enough away to be peaceful. My husband and son-in-law played golf one day nearby and said the course was great. There were also several heated pool games to see who would be making margaritas that night. All in all a perfect vacation. We would love to came back and the family is already begging!

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children.

Mini Season 2011

Guest: Robert (Orlando, Florida)
Date of Stay: 08/22/10 Review Submitted: 08/09/11

My family and friends had a great time at the 20 Cactus address. Albert was very helpful about the local waters and activities. The home is beautiful and roomy. I recommend the property for families.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway.

Seven day's of Paradise

Guest: Paradise Bride (Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 03/13/10 Review Submitted: 03/26/10

Online photo's represented the property 100%. The location is not only beautiful inside and out but a very relaxing enviroment. Albert and Brenda were alway's in contact and very helpful before, during and after our stay. The accomodations on the inside of the house were very comfortable and enjoyed for the week by our whole wedding party. The location is only ten minutes from the airport and downtown. Making it very easy for transportation no matter what you'd like to do during your stay. We found some of the old buildings in Key West and attractions very interesting such as the Commodore Restaurant for fine dining and if you want a drink and lunch the Hogs Breath will do just fine. We would highly recomend this location to friends, relatives or anyone seeking a get away.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Paradise in the Keys

Guest: Paradise Bride (Wisconsin)
Date of Stay: 03/13/10 Review Submitted: 03/24/10

We got married here, had seven of our friends and family with us and had a great time, The house was perfect, very clean and well maintained. Albert and Brenda were very good about answering any questions we had, they were only a phone call away There are lots of activities and attractions to see, The Commodore restaurant was awesome for our wedding dinner. This was paradise for us, we will definitly be back for our one year anniversary and then some.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

What a Keys vacation should be.

Guest: mr. 50 (Kalamazoo, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 03/05/10 Review Submitted: 03/18/10

Spent March 5-13 at this great home. Beautiful home with fantastic views of the gulf. 10 mins. from Key West. Home had everything that we needed to make this one of our best trips to the keys. From the heated pool to the spacious interior of this home. Everything you need is right here. Albert and Brenda made sure we had everything needed.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, tourists without a car.

Second time around

Guest: cactus lover (Bermuda)
Date of Stay: 02/22/10 Review Submitted: 03/06/10

Was better than our 2009 visit! Our second family vacation here Feb22-Mar4th had us talking about our return in 2011 immediately. We love this home for so many reasons. Location location location! it is so well appointed and some great upgrades have been made over the last year, additional patio furniture and seating, new jacuzzi was great. this home is well maintained by the owner and property manager. Loads to do close by, and Duval is just a few minutes away..but many days we never left the property because we enjoy the pool, view and activities right there! See you in 2011!

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

Great Vacation Rental

Guest: Kathy K. (Nashville, TN)
Date of Stay: 12/27/09 Review Submitted: 01/07/10

This house was great, very spacious - everything that is advertised and more. Would definitely recommend for a large group looking for a great house close to Key West but peaceful with all of the amenities you could want.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

great house, responsive owner, recommend highly

Guest: miles47 (Lynchburg, VA)
Date of Stay: 12/12/09 Review Submitted: 02/07/10

Everything you'd need to come, stay and have fun. We found a car helpful just in terms of getting groceries, fishing supplies and going to and from the airport (some of our party came at different times). Rentals are fairly cheap and you'd probably spend more in taxi fares. We were the first party to rent his 12 ft boat with a small gas motor. It was a good decision. However, the flats are difficult to negotiate at low tide (or for that matter, at high tide). If you rent the boat be sure you have the charts and talk to the people at a couple of bait outlets to be sure you understand the fishing regs as well as florida's pension for protecting the marine grasses. (Big fines if you screw up and get caught--fortunately we didn't do either). Albert (the owner) is very helpful as well.

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

Breathtaking Paradise!

Guest: LSCB's (Michigan)
Date of Stay: 11/09/09 Review Submitted: 11/19/09

I just got back with a group of friends in which we spent a week here. I can honestly say it was one of the nicest places I have stayed in. Just the scenery alone is absolutely breathtaking! The pictures do not even do this house justice. There was so much to do around the property. The guys fished and kayaked, while the women lounged around in the pool area. The inside of the house was just as nice. I especially loved the balcony in the kitchen where we would have our morning coffee and watch the sunrise. Some other friends of ours that were staying down by Duvall street stopped by and were taken back as to how beautiful the place was. I believe one referred to it as a "palace". I would highly recommend this house for any ocassion and will definitely be back!

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

Wonderful Vacation

Guest: robin12 (Yorktown)
Date of Stay: 06/20/09 Review Submitted: 07/07/09

My friends and I rented this property and it was the best vacation we have had in a very long time. This place has everything you could ask for all in one place. I would highly recommend this property. You will have a great time and the owner is fabulous and really takes care of his tenants. Robin

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

Stunning Views

Guest: mid-MO beach lover (Fulton, Missouri, United States)
Date of Stay: 03/14/09 Review Submitted: 04/05/09

Our family and friends vacationed here the week of March 16. This is a first class home with all of the amenities. The covered balconies are a great place to have your first cup of coffee in the morning overlooking the Gulf. We had four adults and four teenagers and had plenty of room. The pool, hot tub, sandy beach area, kayaking, basketball court gave everyone many options for things to do. It is located at the end of the street and is very secluded and quiet. The pictures do not do this place justice. You really need to experience it for yourself! We also had the opportunity to visit the owner. He is a first class guy and made sure that we had everything we needed. There is a fresh fruit and veggie market about a half-mile away. You do need a car to drive to town or one of the numerous beaches in Key West. We went to two beaches, but otherwise just relaxed and enjoyed at the house. It really is paradise!

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

Huge house, awesome view

Guest: _Brian (Massachusetts)
Date of Stay: 02/27/09 Review Submitted: 03/15/09

My friends and I went down for a fishing trip and after we arrived at the house we canceled our boat rental. You could fish right from the house and you never wanted to leave the place. We spent most of they day at the house and at night, cabed it downtown. The place was big enough that everyone had there privacy and every bed room had a television. The owner and property manager were awesome to deal with. I plan on making the trip annual.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing.

Great place, be back next year

Guest: carlomir (Miami, Fl)
Date of Stay: 02/19/09 Review Submitted: 04/01/09

I stayed at this property with family and friends in February, we really enjoyed the place. The home has a glorious view, overlooking the ocean from the balconies. It has a wonderful pool, hot tub, & tiki hut with all the amenities and even its own little private beach area and boat dock- can't get any better than that. The home is very private and quiet, yet only about a ten minute dirve to Duval Street. It is a place to enjoy the best of both worlds, quiet and party. The inside of the home is first class; plenty of room for gatherings and also many quiet areas to just get way. It has a huge kitchen with all the goodies. Overall this is a great place, well worth the cost. I will be back next year! CM

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

Paradise on economy

Guest: R_D (West Palm)
Date of Stay: 02/14/09 Review Submitted: 04/07/09

Our family, three sisters and their families, stayed here. The house is more than the pictures reveal. Plenty of room, clean, well maintained and the views are breath taking. Only minutes from Duval. The owner provided Kyaks and bicycles without hestitation. A pool table was newly installed and the basketball court and air hockey kept the kids and adults going. Fishing right off the dock and private beach with a heated pool. Why leave except to replenish the alchol. An evening of relaxation in the hot tub tops it all. We would have expected to pay much more, comparing to other rentals. This place has it all. The owners are great. Make you feel like extended family. Couldn't do enough for you. Not the typical nickel and dime up charges for every little thing. We will be back.

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

Great weekend getaway

Guest: whammy (ohio)
Date of Stay: 01/21/09 Review Submitted: 02/02/09

This house was much better then expected from the pictures. they dont give it justice. Great for a long weekend and cant wait to come back again for a full week or longer. Truely everything you could need is on the property besides it being stocked with food and drink.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, pet owners.

Paradise

Guest: natzap (Philadelphia)
Date of Stay: 12/27/08 Review Submitted: 01/07/09

This is a beautiful rental. I've rented several properties and this has been our favorite. Not only is the house beautiful, but the property itself is incredible. We expected to go into Key West every day, but we had everything at our fingertips and stayed at the place for the majority of our vacation. We hope to rent this place again!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

2008 Keys trip

Guest: durmalbs (Houston, Texas)
Date of Stay: 09/24/08 Review Submitted: 10/07/08

This is a beautiful upscale home with lots of space. Definitely not your normal rental quality. The home was clean and well organized with instructions and labels. There are tvs in 3 of the 5 bedrooms, one in the kitchen, one in the media room and then the big one in the living room. There is also a tv outside under the tiki near the hot tub. The master is downstairs with a large beautiful bathroom. The other 4 bedrooms are upstairs split floorplan with 2 on each side of the house sharing a hollywood bath in between. The location is close enough to Key West (5 miles) yet not as congested or expensive as actually staying there. There is a small floating dock on the canal side that is stable enough to secure a 25' boat to. Being at the end of the street and on the corner of the canal and Gulf it's fairly secluded. The only improvement I can suggest is the kitchen needs to be furnished a little better with stock items for cooking and entertaining. If we travel with a small group of friends again we will definitely want to rent here.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.

My Vacation

Guest: nachogazpacho (miami fl)
Date of Stay: 09/07/08 Review Submitted: 02/09/09

This house is amazing. Has all the conforts needed. Never bored.Beautiful decoration. Great View.

Recommended for: