Vacation Rentals by Owner

Paradise Found!

Guest: Susan and Larry (Timonium, Maryland)
Date of Stay: 03/24/12 Review Submitted: 04/03/12

My husband and I just returned from a week's vacation in this lovely condo. The sign when you enter reads " Paradise Found" and it's true. The unit is clean beyond belief, fully stocked, and so peaceful. Amazingly we never heard anyone on a cell phone, talking loudly, or horns honking. Even the trash trucks come later in the morning. There are informational books and maps about Florida, menus for nearby restaurants, a variety of paperbacks, a fabulous set of Boston Legal DVD's, and some great casual bars nearby. The walk to the beach is just a few minutes, the TV's work great, the bed was the best, the landscaping was spectacular, and Betty, the owner, was a phone call away if you had a question. We recommend this to anyone who needs a quiet getaway.

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway.

The Perfect Week

Guest: Norris P.
Date of Stay: 03/17/12 Review Submitted: 03/25/12

Dear Betty Your place was of the highest quality 5 star rating we were lucky enough to fine. Traveling with an older dog "Charlie" we were not expecting what we were treated to when we arrived at your location. The place was immaculate, our dog was to ashamed to walk on your floors, because he was sure he was going to get yelled at for making a mess. Your furnishings were perfect for the beach guesthouse, and you provided every thing needed for a wonderful week stay. I'm pretty sure if I asked you, you would have offered to walk our dog if we wanted you to do it. Also, with being only a block from the beach, a short walk across the street and I'm sitting in one of your beach chairs enjoying the sun and the Para-sail people. The neighborhood was very safe and with million dollar homes (Hillsboro Bay) less then two blocks away, we enjoy the evening walks with our dog and can't help wondering who are these people who live in these homes. Betty we hope to be back next year, but this time we will try to stay a week longer. Norris and Julie, Harleysville, Pa

Owner response:Yes indeed, I would have so loved to walk "Charlie", one of the very nicest dog guests ever. I am also always available to walk a dog when my guests want to take long day trips. Thank you Norris and Julie for leaving the apartment so clean. You would NEVER know a dog had been there! (By the way, I use CLO2 gas by "OdorXit" overnight between guests that kills 100% germs. I believe all hotels, vacation rentals, schools and hospitals should do this so there are literally NO germs, but it is expensive. I use it regularly in my home to sanitize. Amazing amazing stuff! Safe and odorless. See love.odorxit. com) Yes, ours is a unique "old Florida" style neighborhood. (The townhouses at the end of the street were 1.6 million when they were new!) I am so happy to provide a quality UV beach umbrella. There's an aloe plant in the back that my guests can smear on sun burns. Summer is actually cooler here than inland and in many northern states. Come on back. ~~Your seaside hostess, Betty

Recommended for:

Wonderful Place to Feel Right at Home

Guest: Petrucia S.
Date of Stay: 03/10/12 Review Submitted: 04/01/12

My mother and I had the great pleasure of staying at one of Betty's Beach Bungalows during Spring break. I was a bit nervous about renting a place as it was my first time, but when I spoke ot Betty on the phone she was most reassuring and helpful about it. She answered all of my questions and provided me with detailed info and lots of photos of the apartment by email. When we arrived, it did not disappoint. The apartment was beautifully decorated, well maintained, spotlessly clean and had all the amentiies one would need to make one's stay comfortable. Location was great- minutes to the beach, easy access to A1A and many restaurants and shops within a 5- 10 minute drive. Best part was the lovely secluded garden patio where mom and I enjoyed our morning coffee and read the paper. We even tried the cute hammock out there! Though the garden is shared with the occupants of the other 2 apartments, mom and I mostly had it to ourselves most of the week though we did meet fellow Canadians who would occasionally join us for a drink and have a chat. Betty is an excellent hostess who thinks of everything! Would DEFINITELY come here again and would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to relax, kick back and feel right at home. By the way, recommend Sunshine Bagels minutes away going north on A1A . Thank you Betty for making our stay so enjoyable and memorable. Hope to see you again! Petrucia Sawchuk, Toronto Canada

Owner response:Oh how much I love seeing my guests relax and enjoy themselves! How delightful was this mother and daughter! The tropical backyard saw a lot of little "sundowner" cocktail parties this season where people brought their own food and drink and shared travel stories. When my guests are happy, I am happy! ~~Betty

Recommended for:

It Doesn't Get Any Better than This

Guest: Mark S.
Date of Stay: 01/13/12 Review Submitted: 02/16/12

We stayed at Betty's Beach Bungalow for a month and a five-star rating doesn't do it justice. The bungalow was as cute as a button, super clean with everything you could want and need to have a great vacation. We stayed in the front bungalow with the screened in front porch and loved it each morning having our coffee and reading the paper. We loved being able to walk to the beach which was just five minutes away with it's lovely lighthouse and the inlet with the boats going by. Betty's location is a few minutes drive to the grocery store, movies, Costco, restaurants, flee market and malls, her neighborhood is safe for walks in the evenings and the local neighbors were friendly. Betty was so helpful and friendly and answered all of our questions and suggested some terrific destinations for us. We would highly recommend Betty's Beach Bungalow and will definitely be back again next year and hopefully for years to come. Mark and Gaby, Reston, Virginia.

Owner response:Mark and Gabby thank you! It was such fun for me to see how Mark slowly became a "real Floridian", getting tanner every time I saw him! It meant so much to me to see how happy he was walking up to the Inlet every morning for his newspaper. Gaby was ultra relaxed and enjoying being at the ocean. I absolutely loved talking with her about her family and Europe!

Recommended for:

Our Home Away from Home

Guest: Sherry T. (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Date of Stay: 10/22/11 Review Submitted: 10/27/11

Hi Betty! Sherry and Elvis here! We just wanted to say thank you thank you thank you once again for such a wonderful and fabulous relaxing time. It was everything we wanted and more. I can't believe it was two years ago that we were here last. Staying in the same room for my birthday (Sherry) made it all the more special. Thank you for always steering us in the right direction with your in's with the local businesses. We are so glad we listened to you again and went to the restaurants you suggested. Just FABULOUS!!!! We are not going to wait another 2 years to come back. We have decided that will be our private little get away for rest and relaxation away from our lovely children and work. Thank you with all our heart and we love you! It was so great seeing your beautiful smile again! Love Sherry and Elvis

Owner response:It was so great to see this lovely couple again! ~~Betty

Recommended for:

Amazing Place!

Guest: Nikki (Cape Coral , FL)
Date of Stay: 09/16/11 Review Submitted: 09/21/11

What an amazing time we had here at "Walk on the Beach"! If your undecided on where to stay, don't waste anymore time! Betty is a gem, and the accomodations only get better!..The cottage is perfectly clean and cozy with all the comforts of home (some even better!)... We truly enjoyed exploring Pompano beach, and visiting nearby, Deerfield beach, then coming back to the cottage to relax in the peaceful garden....I have stayed at many VRBO rentals, and this is the most accurate to it's description, and the best. You won't be disappointed.

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

Ultra clean and comfy, adorable bungalow!

Guest: Suzanne R.
Date of Stay: 09/08/11 Review Submitted: 10/05/11

We stayed at Betty's Beach Bungalow this September and loved every minute of it! Betty is so friendly and sweet, and has put so much into decorating and manicuring her property down to every last detail. Everything was exceptionally clean, and in great condition. We loved knowing that all of the bedding, including the bedspread was freshly cleaned just for us. Betty had bath soap and hairdryer in the bathroom, and cleaning supplies in the kitchen. The property all around is full of beautiful plants. The inside is beautifully decorated with a cute, yet classy beach theme. There are plenty of pillows and towels, and the air conditioners worked great! The beach is a 5 minute walk, and it is quiet and nice. There is a grocery store and restaurants, and everything you would need just a few minutes drive away. We wondered about the TV because we love to watch movies at night and there was a football game we wanted to watch. The TV was a good size-- big enough to enjoy our movies and game! We felt very comfortable and safe at Betty's place, and wished we could have been there longer! This is a great place for a romantic getaway, or just a place to get away from a busy life. Thanks for a wonderful visit, Betty! --Suzanne and Kevin, from Utah

Owner response:The trust guests give me for their vacation comfort is so important to me, as it should be. Whether guests fly all the way across the country or just drive across town, they should never be disappointed. I've been sadly disappointed so often when I've traveled, so swore that would never happen to my guests! Comfort is one of the wonderful "forever memories" guests should take home with them. Small things ARE important. It was a pleasure having you Suzanne and Kevin. Please visit again. (I wrote Suzanne after she left and asked, "Did you really stay here?" She left it so clean!) ~~Betty

Recommended for:

Very good and relaxing vacation

Guest: WILLIAM M.
Date of Stay: 07/16/11 Review Submitted: 07/31/11

We rented the one-bedroom Walk-on-the-Beach apartment. The apartment is small, but was very comfortable for the two of us and our 20 lb. Terrier. Betty is a lovely person and can not do enough for you and keeps the apartment very nicely decorated and extremely clear. She even does a vary good job on the outside grounds. There are plenty of bathroom towels and kitchen utensils and other items. The area is very quite and the beach is only a few blocks from the house. There are many restaurants and stores with a short driving distances. We had a really good time and look forward to coming back.

Owner response:Bill, thank you so much for your nice comments. Thank you for TRUSTING Walk-on-the-Beach for your vacation. I take that trust seriously. I get so happy when I see my guests smiling and happy. What delightful guests! I always say, "Dogs with trained owners welcome!" and these owners loved their dog so much! It was GREAT to meet "Sandy"! You would never know a dog was there when they left. I think Bill meant "clean" not "clear" (chuckle) Clean is so important to comfort. ~~Betty

Recommended for:Age 55+, pet owners.

Wow! Absolutely charming!

Guest: Beck V.
Date of Stay: 06/11/11 Review Submitted: 07/12/11

We could not have been happier finding this absolutely charming spot! What a great vacation we had! Everything you could possibly want is provided and is exceptional quality. This was absolutely hands down the cleanest vacation rental we have ever rented. The backyard was SUCH a pleasant experience with the twinkle lights in the trees and every time I turned around I discovered another special touch that made me feel important as a guest. We were originally concerned about not being directly on the beach, but found that the very short walk enriched the experience and it actually turned out to be an advantage. What a georgeous georgeous beach! We really liked being able to park right in front. Thank you Betty for all you do to make this such a charming escape for your guests. My husband has already said we will return next year. "

Owner response:Wow, this is why I work so hard. When my guests are happy, I am happy! Thank you so much for "trusting me" with your vacation stay plans. Trust is something I take seriously. Because I live close by, it enables me to do special little things to please people and I am so thrilled when my guests return. I am so pleased that you recognized the cleanliness level. It takes a lot more time and true cleaning skills, and a review like this confirms that it is all worthwhile! Thank you! (I hope you went snorkeling at Red Reef Park while you were here.)

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect for the Clean Freaks

Guest: John and Cheryl (Michigan)
Date of Stay: 03/26/11 Review Submitted: 04/19/11

Walk-on-the-Beach, what a sweet get-away! True to the reviews, my husband and I were pleasantly surprised to see how VERY CLEAN and quaint our unit was. Betty is so meticulous in her cleaning and that's important to us as guests so that we can be relaxed and comfortable during our stay. The beach was a very short walk away (just across and down the street), and we were supplied with beach towels, chairs, and even an umbrella that we really needed. I have to say that one of my favorite indulgences upon returning from the beach was relaxing in the back yard patio surrounded by a little tropical paradise and sipping wine. The bottom line is that Betty puts a lot of love and care in maintaining her property and it shows. But above all, she is a sweet and loving person who cares for and takes an interest in her guests. We made a new friend on this trip and we would definitely recommend this place to a friend!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Perfect Beach Vacation

Guest: Nancy and Frank (Plymouth, MA)
Date of Stay: 03/12/11 Review Submitted: 03/20/11

We had a great stay at Walk on the Beach. For us, the unit was the best of both worlds; a short walk to the beach and a short walk to the intercoastal. The unit was cozy, comfortable and beautifully furnished and all of the special touches Betty provided really added to the experience. The back yard has a tropical and relaxing atmosphere and I even used a cutting from the aloe plant to soothe my sunburn! It was our first time to Pompano Beach and we loved it. Betty is a charming hostess and makes you feel right at home. We will definitely be returning next year!

Owner response:Nancy and Frank! Every time I ran into Nancy she was laughing, smiling, and excited about doing something new and exploring! Isn't that what traveling is about? These comments make my work feel so meaningful! Nancy told me about places I had not been to so I can provide future guests with more information. I really love running my Guesthouse but especially when I get to meet people like Nancy and Frank. What a great couple. Thank you for this lovely review and can't wait to see you again. ~~Betty

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Paradise

Guest: Kathy & Vince (Greenville, SC)
Date of Stay: 01/02/11 Review Submitted: 01/29/11

This vacation rental was soo much nicer than I anticipated. Nice, quiet, friendly neighborhood. This cottage was the perfect size for myself, husband and our large dog. I especially loved the front porch for reading, a little vino and a quick nap (for me and my pooch) in the fresh ocean air. Everything was immaculately clean, plenty of bathroom towels, beach towels & kitchen items. I was especially happy that there were beach chairs and umbrellas for the using. Very close to the beach and plenty of restaurants. I was especially comforted that Betty allowed me to bring my dog. I must say he totally enjoyed himself especially when we took him for a swim in the ocean. thanks Betty

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway.

Guest: K & O (Washington DC)
Date of Stay: 12/25/09 Review Submitted: 12/25/09

Absolutely Wonderful! Everything that was advertised plus much more! Clean, quiet, fully equiped and comfortable. So many special areas and garden art on the property. The garden and facilities are Five Star. Betty is First Class and dedicated to perfection and to accommodating your every need. A definite repeat. Thank you for making our Christmas vacation wonderful!

Recommended for:

Enchanting Beach Oasis

Guest: K & O (Washington DC)
Date of Stay: 12/18/09 Review Submitted: 12/25/09

Absolutely Wonderful! Everything that was advertised plus much more. Clean, fully equiped & comfortable... So many special areas and garden art at the property. The garden & facilities are Five Star. Betty is First Class and dedicated to perfection & to accommadating your every need. A definate repeat.... Thank you for making our Christmas vacation special!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

HIDDEN HAVEN!!!

Guest: Sherry T. (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Date of Stay: 10/02/09 Review Submitted: 10/06/09

I cannot even find the words to describe my stay at Walk on the Beach. We found this oasis through a friend who referred us to Betty the owner, now a dear friend. Betty was on-site when we arrived, working hard on her beautiful property. You feel like you have entered shangri-la. Just a peaceful beautiful place which you can tell every detail was cared for with love. For me it brought a much needed healing as I had recently lost my beloved mother to cancer. It was a retreat that brought calm and peace. All my stress ,melted away upon entering Walk on the Beach. Betty is a wealth if information for all the special little hidden places to go like The Galley and quaint waterfront restaurant for Breakfast and Sea Watch which looks out on the ocean for lunch. (I personally loved staying in the guest house as it was so quaint and comforting. We stayed in the 1 bedroom and I never wanted to leave the room. SO CLEAN AND SUCH ATTENTION TO DETAIL!! We will be keeping Betty busier then she's ever been as we hesitantly are sharing our new little home away from home with our friends. (We want to make sure she's not so booked out that we get shut out of our tropical haven ) :) We love Betty, Walk on the Beach and the many years to come that we will be revisiting our new special place. Thank you Betty for pouring your heart in to giving us such a special place to heal, laugh. have fun and be at peace! Love Sherry and Elvis.

Owner response:Thank you to Sherry and Elvis who pulled me out of the hot sun and Tropical backyard to SeaWatch for blackened grouper. The outside shower certainly came in handy! Even as a resident I still find it pretty cool to be able to walk into a restaurant with wet hair and sit outside. How fortunate to meet such precious people as Sherry and Elvis! Indeed we have not stopped talking since they were here! Elvis is a wealth of advanced internet operation intelligence and Sherry, well, I simply can't wait to see her again! Special people indeed.

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway.

A True Hidden Jewel

Guest: The Timmer (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 09/17/09 Review Submitted: 09/24/09

This was my first time using Home Away and I did not know what to expect. I had travelled over 20 years in sales so I know a bit about staying out of town and being in a good or bad hotel/accomodation. Well, this place is truly a hidden jewel. First, Betty Francis, the owner, is one of the most accomodating people you will ever meet. She helped me find places to go to for both meals as well as essentials. She is a first class hostess who anyone can consider a friend. And secondly, the place itself is just neat as a pin with a lot of nice decor to go along with it. A lot of work and love has gone into making this a nice home away from home for either 3 days like me or even a whole month. The beach is a short walk away, there are places to walk or run and it is a safe and secure area. Trust me when I say this Guesthouse is truly a Florida Hidden Jewel!!!

Owner response:Tim is the jewel! I love the opportunity to make people happy when they travel. Thank you so much Tim for staying here and posting such a kind review. Am so glad you escaped to the beach!

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

Fabulous home away from home

Guest: Dr. Amy (Fort Lauderdale, FL)
Date of Stay: 08/31/09 Review Submitted: 09/05/09

Charmingly decorated, peaceful cottage with EVERY necessity supplied, from bedroom to kitchen. Owner is very accommodating and flexible, and keeps the cottages and yard meticulously clean and maintained. I am a physician who needed a place to stay for a month and I couldn't have asked for a more suitable location. And, as a woman staying here alone, I felt safe and was able to enjoy all the area amenities without apprehension. I especially enjoyed walking on the beach, jogging on A1A, and being close to many restaurants. I highly recommend Walk on the Beach Guesthouse!

Owner response:What I should do is trade this rental for a face lift from Dr. Amy! What a delightful guest. She made my day when she said as soon as she walked in, she knew wanted to stay here. That is my goal! All three apartments are so special and different. Definitely not your typical beach rental. I have put a lot of expense into quality. Thank you Dr. Amy!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 06/10/09 Review Submitted: 06/10/09

"Walk on the Beach" was absolutely perfect for us. It is one block from the beautiful beach and is super clean, quiet and quaint. My husband and I stayed there for the Memorial day weekend and just loved it. We are big scuba divers and the screened lanai was exactly what we needed to keep our gear safe while it dried. Betty was a gem to work with and we've told all our friends that we will definitely be back. Thank you for a great experience!

Owner response:I meet the nicest people at Walk-on-the-Beach! I had not realized how perfect my beach bungalow is for scuba divers previously, but it is! I have an outdoor shower and it so close to a popular Dive Shop that runs dive trips. This couple were serious divers and I so loved hearing about their experiences! Hope they will come back.

Recommended for:

Welcoming, clean, comfortable, relaxing

Guest: 1savvylady (Cleveland, OH)
Date of Stay: 02/12/09 Review Submitted: 02/18/09

Just what I needed -- a spotlessly clean environment close to the beach where I could soak up the sun and enjoy the warmth of Florida in the winter. Betty is delightful, welcoming and sweet. No disappointments whatsoever! Plus, location, location, location!

Recommended for:Age 55+, sightseeing.

The Place to Stay

Guest: Nika (Austria, Europe)
Date of Stay: 05/01/08 Review Submitted: 08/04/08

I stayed in the efficiency and it was lovely. I used the bus to get around and felt perfectly safe as a single woman. It was wonderful to have the beach just a three-minute walk away, and if I wanted a longer walk to the shopping mall, movie house, and Publix, that was just a 35-minute walk one way. The apartment was great. I loved the pastel colors and the beach decor. I had a full stove, microwave, toaster oven, and a large ice box; cable TV, a lounge chair, plenty of storage space, an iron, an ironing board, and good lighting to read at night. The apartment was very clean, with air conditioning and a fan. The windows are positioned so you can get the sea breeze when you open them. The scent of the oleander as I walked across the 14th street bridge in the evenings was delightful and the sky at sunset, especially at Lighthouse beach, was perfectly stunning. I regret not having gotten up for a beach sunrise. For me, it was the perfect summer beach ambience and a thousand times more personal and nicer than a big hotel. It felt like a home away from home. The owner, Betty Francis, was more than accomodating and caring. She met me at the guesthouse, gave me a full tour of the area, and was available for any questions I had. I will definitely go again.

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

Better Than Home Away from Home

Guest: gillinforest (Farmington Hills, MI)
Date of Stay: 06/01/07 Review Submitted: 06/12/07

If you're looking for an extremely clean, complete home away from home then this is the place. All ameneties are provided, along with beach gear including towels, chairs, umbrellas and a cooler. The apartments are cozy and well organized, with a lot of space for storage. The bedding is high quality, along with the appliances, making things comfortable and easy. A lot of care has been put into each room so your vacation is more tranquil being surrounded by clean lines and beautiful colors. The towels are clean and fluffy and presented as you would find them in a spa. Betty, the owner, is more than helpful and makes sure that you have everything you need before you get there. She is also there to greet you with the keys, make sure your needs are met, and answer any questions you may have. Parking is right in front and the beach is a block away. We can't wait to go back!

Recommended for:

Beach Lover's Delight

Guest: Jo & Larr (Toronto Canada)
Date of Stay: 02/28/07 Review Submitted: 12/26/08

.My husband and I spent 2 months at Walk-on-the-Beach and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Betty the owner couldn't have been more welcoming and accommodated our every need. We enjoyed the easy access to the beach (one block) and spent many hours watching the kite boarders skidding across the water. The owner provided us with lounge chairs to make our time on the beach more comfortable. We stayed in the front apartment and had the advantage of a beautifully furnished screened in lanai where we ate our meals. The location is great, next to the 14th street bridge with lots of restaurants and shopping nearby. We would highly recommend Walk-on-the-beach, it is such a beautiful relaxing atmosphere and the perfect place to spend a vacation

Recommended for:Age 55+, tourists without a car.