Beware of owner

Guest: marilrobin (Chevy Chase MD US)
Date of Stay: 11/20/09 Review Submitted: 02/01/10

The house is spacious and comfortable, but our dispute with the owner over our security deposit left a bad vacation aftertaste. Before leaving the house, the property manager spent an hour inspecting. He did not mention any problems that would impact the return of our security deposit. But two weeks later, the owner sent e-mail alleging damage--scratches on a bed frame. We were sure we were not responsible and responded to her e-mail. We did not receive a response, and it took 2 months for our deposit money to be returned--minus a charge for this disputed repair and a fee for the property manager to oversee the repair! In addition, the house was being renovated, and one of the bathrooms was not usable for the first 3 days of our stay. The house was advertised as 5 bedrooms sleeping 10, but the 5th bedroom was a den--a couch that converted to an uncomfortable bed. The property manager suggested using an inflatable bed. But once inflated it took up the whole room. This room had did not have access to a shower, which were in ensuite bathrooms. The house should be advertised as 4 bedrooms and a den. The house is listed as wheelchair accessible. While there is a master suite on the first level, the commode/shower area is not big enough for a wheelchair. There is no barrier-free entrance. There are about six steps from the parking area into the house, steps from the house to the pool area, and to the beach.

Owner response:This group of tenants were given a very special opening rental rate for Gulf Side Villa as they were amongst the first to visit this very special property. In response to the vacationer's query regarding the issue of access, I listed the precise location of any stairs both inside and outside the property in order to facilitate her decision as to whether the access was suitable. Upon a party checking out of the Villa, a very quick inspection is conducted to ascertain that all major appliances and electronics are in place and that no major visible damage has occurred. Our Property Manager then arranges to have the premises thoroughly cleaned at which time a detailed inspection is done. This inspection revealed that one of the vacationers' wheelchair had substantially scuffed the base of the brand new master bed on the ground floor. The vacationer was advised that we would arrange to have a furniture re-finisher visit in order to repair the bed and would charge the actual cost for us to conduct the repair only. The balance of the vacationer's deposit was promptly returned. Despite this unflattering and undeserved review sent by this vacationer, it should be noted that this party indicated after her stay with us that they had had a lovely time and asked to receive rates for next year in order to return. We take great pains to make certain that we offer a very gracious and elegant vacation experience and that we host our clients in a very generous and thoughtful way. It is most distressing to have the alternative be suggested.

Recommended for:

Truly Special

Guest: Angela D.
Date of Stay: 04/02/11 Review Submitted: 08/18/11

We spent a week here with our extended family. It was absolutely perfect! This home is truly special and we felt it an honor to stay there. It has a perfect beach just steps away, a wonderful pool, and was extremely well appointed. Upon arrival the home was spotless, well organized, and welcoming. The layout of the home is very open and spacious. All of the bedrooms and bathrooms are good size and nicely furnished with plenty of space to unpack. The location is great with St. Armands Circle about 15 minutes away. But because the home was so perfect we did not leave it very much! We spent our days fishing, swimming, reading books, playing beach soccer, going for walks, collecting shells, riding bikes. We named the bird "Bob". We really hope to return again some day. Thank you!

Owner response:Thank you so much Angela for your warm words. We are delighted that our efforts to great a truly unique vacation experience are successful. Hope to see you again in the future ! Jayne Berman

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

AMAZING

Guest: rejuvenated vacationer (Lexington, KY)
Date of Stay: 05/08/11 Review Submitted: 06/02/11

Let me just start by saying this place is AMAZING! The house is BEAUTIFUL, the concierge, John is FANTASTIC, and everything about our stay was PERFECT PARADISE! It was so much more than we expected. My husband, myself and our three kids enjoyed walking out to the beach in the morning, grilling for lunch while hanging out by the pool, feeding "Keeko" the bird at dinner.... we really didn't want to ever leave the house. We will definitely book it for the future! P.S. Our 6 year old daughter is completely disabled and this house was so perfect for our situation... we carried her out to the beach, she was able to utilize the pool, and we were able to relax knowing she was near by!

Owner response:We are so gratified that our goal of providing a unique, serene, holiday experience for our residents is being met. Gulfside VIlla is a very special place, featuring elegant furnishings, glorious views, a high level of amenities and that which we cannot provide - nature's bounty! Jayne Galler Berman

Recommended for:People with disabilities, families with young children.

Paradise

Guest: Kelly (Louisville, KY)
Date of Stay: 06/19/10 Review Submitted: 05/23/11

We have been vacationing in the Siesta Key/Longboat Key area for many years. This was our first stay at the Gulfside villa. It was fabulous! We booked our vacation for next year as soon as we returned home. The house is very spacious and beautifully decorated. John, the concierge, was very helpful in providing a tour of the home and answering our questions. The views are breathtaking and the area is very serene. The house is well furnished with everything you need. I highly recommend for a relaxing get away.

Recommended for:Families with young children.

A lovely private vacation home!

Guest: Grammy (Barrington Il)
Date of Stay: 03/26/11 Review Submitted: 04/14/11

The pictures on the internet do not do this home justice. The view from the upstairs master is fabulous! With the private pool and beach we didn't want to leave the premises. The appointments were top notch and there were plenty of dishes and beach towels. John, the property manager was very helpful and unlike a previous commenter, we recieved our deposit back four days after returning home. The only improvement I would suggest is adding some adult board games and a few more books. We would definately consider a return trip if we ever have our whole family vcationing again.

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Longboat Luxury

Guest: Brian (Toronto)
Date of Stay: 11/07/10 Review Submitted: 04/14/11

Classic Florida, Very beautiful (modern decor) Beach House in a great location. The house had absolutely everything included, every kitchen appliance needed, beach toys, chairs, towels. We were very comfortable with my children (8 & 10) and grandparents. The beach was serene with more dolphins, pelicans, cranes,than people. My sister and brother in law recommended this place, and they were 100% right. Concierge was attentive to our questions & needs.

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

Wow!

Guest: Becky (Indiana)
Date of Stay: 03/12/11 Review Submitted: 03/30/11

Our family has been vacationing in Longboat Key for many years, however our best two weeks were spent recently at Gulfside Villa. Was the listing accurate....yes.....but upon arrival we were all pleasantly surprised that everything was better than expected.....rooms larger...kitchen fabulously well stocked.....pool and furniture exceptional...and wonderful customer service by Consierge John. We were able to enjoy the beautiful beach, the Mote Aquarium, the exquisite Euphemia Haye restaurant, and the fun of St Armand's....ice cream included. This property gets my highest recommendation and we look forward to returning.

Owner response:Thank you Becky! We look forward to hosting your family again :-)

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

Fabulous Gulf-side property

Guest: Soo (Norfolk, UK)
Date of Stay: 10/22/10 Review Submitted: 11/02/10

This house was perfect for our family holiday. The interior was spacious, well furnished and comfortable plus it was equipped with everything you could possibly need whilst away from home. The house tour from the concierge was invaluable in assisting us with settling in and finding out how everything worked. The outdoor area was equally well equipped and the pool was a real favourite with the kids when the sea was choppy. The inclusion of inflatables and a two-man kayak enhanced our stay considerably. The only thing missing from this house was a field guide to birds and some binoculars - its a wildlife haven on the doorstep of this property. The sunsets are beautiful. I would recommend this house and would certainly stay there again.

Recommended for:Families with young children.

Wonderful time!

Guest: LMW (Florida)
Date of Stay: 10/06/10 Review Submitted: 10/12/10

My husband and I celebrated our 20th wedding anniversary at the Gulfside Villa and had a very special time indeed. Every morning I awoke to looking at the most beautiful view of the ocean and magnificent beach. The house was a bit bigger than we needed but we appreciated the space we had. The pool was a wonderful distraction from the beach. Between the delicious meals at Harry's and long bikerides, the experience was a memorable one indeed.

Recommended for:Girls getaway, romantic getaway.

A wonderful beach getaway in April 2010

Guest: Max & Julie (Bow, New Hampshire, USA)
Date of Stay: 04/09/10 Review Submitted: 05/26/10

We enjoyed our stay at Gulfside Villa. The house is spacious and well equipped with top notch furnishings and amenities. The pool was wonderful. We really enjoyed the views and the wonderful beach that is only steps away. It has a great location on Longboat Key. We had a positive experience with both the owner and the property managers. We hope to stay here again next year!

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