Room to Relax and Unwind

Guest: Lulu (Shaker Heights, OH)
Date of Stay: 09/24/11 Review Submitted: 10/25/11

My family has rented here for the past 3 years because of the spacious accommodations and a feeling of a home away from home. It's very comfortable and the master suite is nicer than the one I have at home with my own dressing area and walk-in closets. There is a private balcony off the bedroom with a large hammock that's great to unwind in as you listen to the seagulls. We love the area in part because we can walk to the pool, to the beach and to restaurants.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Can't Wait to Return to the Castle

Guest: Gina (Armonk, NY)
Date of Stay: 09/10/11 Review Submitted: 09/23/11

My husband and I spent the first three days at this lovely condo home by ourselves and our adult children and grandchildren joined us later in the week. We loved the place for its spaciousness, cleanliness, and comfort. ( (Terrific hammock on the upstairs lanai) We considered other units in the resort but this home appeared to be the largest with four bedrooms and situated nicely not far from the beach and an easy walk to the pool. The kitchen, living room and dining area shared a common area which was great for our family get togethers. The kitchen was well equipped and the bedrooms had very comfortable beds. We found the home to be private but close to activity if we wanted it. Our favorite restaurants were Mar Vista and the Beach House and were only a 5 minute drive away .It seemed that most of the sightseeing places that we enjoyed were no more than 20 minutes away. We enjoyed Mote Marine, St Armands Circle and Siesta Key Beach. The aluminum bikes in the garage and the grill for our barbecues were a great way to wrap up the end of the Summer. We would definitely rent again. The owner was easy to work with, truthful and helpful with all the questions we had prior to renting.

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

Response to review of Tim Snyder from august 4

Guest: Tim (-)
Date of Stay: 07/06/11 Review Submitted: 08/08/11

initially we were a bit surprised to learn of this review since the guests had related to us by e-mail while there that they were having a "wonderful" time. They were a large party with 7children between ages 3-11 and unfortunately after checkout there was a large lanai screen that was torn and additional cleaning staff was needed to pick-up litter throughout the house. Part of the damage deposit was applied to these additional costs. In regards to the issues raised: there is a new counter depth refrigerator with water and ice dispenser on the door and the garbage disposal works fine. Garbage cans are kept in the garage and if the garage door is kept closed it is impossible for animals to rummage thru the debris. There is no direct beach access Fromm the resort, however, if you were to follow instructions in the information manual, there is an accessible beach pathway that is a 5 minute walk away. The renters chose a shortcut that is not allowed and never recommended. Tupperware containers are constantly being "lost" but are replenished when found to be necessary. Seventeen different sized Tupperware-like containers are present in the kitchen cupboard. We have never heard from anyone complaining of the sound of frogs from the nearby pond. After a thunderstorm, the sounds of nature are usually soothing for sleepers. The condo is ideally located near nature but within walking distance to Durante park, a convenience store as well as Zagat top rated restaurants I.e. Euphemia Haye. In summary we are not a large, impersonal renatl management company. As a family owned single condo home, if something is needed or broken,it is almost always addressed immediately. We only ask to know of the problem before departure so it can be remedied while still enjoying one's stay.

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A bit disappointed.

Guest: Suzi (Illinois)
Date of Stay: 06/26/11 Review Submitted: 08/04/11

My family of 10 stayed in the condo for 10 days in early June 2011. It was spacious enough for everyone and there were plenty of beds. There were a few things, however, that we were disappointed with. There was no ice maker, which I thought was Pretty standard in florida, but I guess not. The other main concern was that there was no working garbage disposal. This lead to alot of garbage that was put into the containers in the garage, which in turn lead to animals getting in and going though it. There was not enough lids for all the containers. I think a garbage disposal would have illuminated that problem. The biggest thing, were the LOUD LOUD frogs right outside the windows. Every night it was horrible to try and sleep. We eventually had to buy a sou d machine to try and drown out the noise. I don't know if it was the time of year, or if this happens all the time. Very, Very annoying. There is no public access to the gulf within walking distance. We cut thru the other "Cedars" and were promptly told we could not go thru that way. We had to drive a few miles to go to the public beach, which was inconvenient. I thought we could walk. Another disappointment. I'm not sure whether I would stay there again. I would definitely shop around first.

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Great Home For a Friends and Family Reunion

Guest: Connie C (Atlanta,GA)
Date of Stay: 08/14/10 Review Submitted: 09/25/10

This was the 2nd year that my family of four(2 kids,2adults) and my girlfriend's family of four stayed at Cedars, except this year we were smarter. Last year we each rented a 2 bedroom thru the onsite rental company- we paid an extra few hundred bucks for a resort fee and a few hundred bucks for bringing along my cat- not this year-we all stayed at the Castle and it was less expensive and more fun. I think it was double the size of last years unit and 4 bedrooms and a bigger kitchen and family room. The beach was pretty close by and the park for the kids was enjoyable. Only drawback was we couldn't use the tennis at Cedars but we found nearby courts anyway. We will definitely rent here again.

Owner response:Renting from the owners thru VRBO our guests avoid the resort fees and pet fees the onsite rental company charges and you as the guest can save a lot of money. The onsite agency does not have any 4 bedroom units either.

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

Relaxing, spacious accommodations: my family loved the home and the resort

Guest: Sunshine beach lover (St Paul, MN)
Date of Stay: 03/06/10 Review Submitted: 03/26/10

This was my family's best vacation in years because of the home and its amenities and the closeness to the beach and Sarasota. The Castle has aJacuzzi tub, tropical blue carpeting and good sized rooms and two decks that we enjoyed using at night. We are an extended family of 8, ages 15-78, and really enjoyed being able to spend time together for a week in one house with beautiful surroundings. The owner was easy to work with and the beachgear and bikes were great to have without having to rent. The area was safe, kind of tropical, not stuffy and people were friendly. We found great restaurants nearby and enjoyed Longboat Key immensely. My husband loves golf and tennis, my kids love water sports so everyone was happy. Would definitely rent again, maybe for a month and have friends/ family stop and visit during the time here.

Owner response:We strive hard to make our guests feel at home but know that they are on vacation. If there is a problem we try to be responsive as soon as possible. My extended family is of all ages as well so it makes me feel terrific to know that guests can have a fulfilling vacation at Castle-in-the-sky as do we.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Guest: Susan Anne (-)
Date of Stay: 12/29/09 Review Submitted: 12/29/09

My family has done vacation home rentals for past 5 years-this was definitely our best experience-the condo was beautiful, private but not far from activity.My kids 10 and 14 were happy swimming at the pool and beach, and my elderly parents felt comfortable with the elevator and their own room to have their privacy. Owner was very easy to work with-he was honest and reliable with questions.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 04/13/09 Review Submitted: 04/13/09

Since 1969 my family has owned property on LBK.......unfortately no one owns property any longer. We stayed one week at the Cedars during March and enjoyed our stay. At one point there were 11 of us staying at the Castle in the Sky. The Cedars was also a kid friendly place and kids were always scootering and running around. The people made you feel welcome at the Cedars. The only draw back were the stairs. If you are not up to 3 flights of stairs then it's not the place for you. We would definately rent again.

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Guest: Sue Hay (Bethesda,MD)
Date of Stay: 01/28/09 Review Submitted: 01/28/09

We had an awesome time at the "Castle".It was bright and room for everyone(6 adults,2 kids).The kitchen had everything to cook a real meal or to bring home leftovers. There are split levels and enough space for everyone and the place was CLEAN and cheerful.Clay court tennis under lights was great and the kids loved fishing and the beach. We are coming back this summer!

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