Vacation Rentals by Owner

Crew Rest Stop Review

Guest: Andrew J.
Date of Stay: 03/10/12 Review Submitted: 03/18/12

We were very impressed with the house. I loved the keyless door system. We never had to worry about keys, and checking in was so easy! The furnishing were very nice. We loved having wirless internet and cable as well. All of the rooms were nicely appointed. All of the beds were comfortable and I loved how close we were to the beach. Crossing the street was a breeze and the beach was wonderful. The only downside was the heated pool. It was to be heated and did not stay heated for the duration of the stay. Otherwise, it was a great place to stay that was away from the rowdy beach down the way. Will definately use again! Thanks Jan!

Owner response:Thanks for the positive response. The pool heater is a new addition to the house and I found out that the heater only heats the water when the pump is running. The pump runs about 8 hours a day so we will run the pump more now to compensate. This is definately the best end of the beach and we can walk to our favorite resturant,Schooners.

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Great vacation home!

Guest: debbie (Grayson Georgia)
Date of Stay: 08/21/11 Review Submitted: 09/02/11

We had a great vacation in this beautiful home! I loved that we all had our own seperate space, large enough, lots of bathrooms, no waiting. The decor was beautiful and Jan thought of everything to make our stay comfortable. I had my 2 small dogs with me and the layout was perfect for keeping them out from under our feet. Location was perfect, on the main road but far enough away to give some privacy on the beach.Everything was clean and comfortable. Thanks for sharing your home with us ! ]

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

Great House!

Guest: Mandy (Prairie Grove, Arkansas)
Date of Stay: 06/11/11 Review Submitted: 06/22/11

We just returned from our first trip to Panama City Beach. This is our 5th women only trip and this was by far the best house we have had so far. We have always rented houses with pools and this was the first one that the pictures actually reflected what the house truly looked like. In the past, the pics looked great, but the house seemed much older and run down than the pics showed. The walk to the beach was very easy. We were leary at first with four lanes of traffic, but with the median in the middle, it was a very easy stroll every day and we lugged a very large, heavy cooler over each day. This was also the first house where the maid had not taken all the leftover soaps, laundry, dish detergent, etc. We purchased everything not knowing this, but there was plenty of leftovers there to keep someone from having to shop right off the bat. House was very convenient to shopping, restaurants, ice machines...pretty much everything you need. Beach area was wonderful because it was in the neighborhood of mostly houses so we had plent of room to spread out and not be so cramped. You could look down the beach and see that was not the case down in the areas of the large condos. They were smashed in there like a bunch of sardines. I hope this review helps anyone looking to rent this house. Every woman in our house was very pleased so that is an accomplishment in its self!! We will definitely be returning in the future!

Owner response:Mandy, thank you for your wonderful response. I do try to add extra things to make the house feel like home. Not the case with many of my neighbors. I keep up with repairs and try to make my house look fresh . Many people are disappointed with many beach houses down here because they look so sterile. Mine is exactly like you see in the video. Thank you so much. Jan

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

Nice Place

Guest: grace80 (Woodstock, VA)
Date of Stay: 07/03/10 Review Submitted: 07/11/10

We stayed here 7/3 - 7/10. Great if you like to be near the action but not on top of it. The road is busy that you have to cross to the beach but we never had a problem. We did feel the beach was a little further than advertized but wasn't really a problem. We had a 7 months pregnant lady with us and we always walked to the beach. House was very clean, nicely decorated, pool area nice and cozy. We had 10 staying here, (11 if you count the new baby with us) and had plenty of room, mainly because we were outside most of the time. We would definitely rent this again.

Owner response:my house is where Thomas Drive goes down to two lanes. There is a grassy island in-between the two lanes. Its very easy to cross. My house is literally 75 steps to beach if you walk straight across to beach. I am the first tier of houses from the ocean. My house does sleep 12 people. Its very comfortable and decorated so much better than most beach rentals down here. Thanks .

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

Our stay at this home

Guest: Gayle (Louisville Ky.)
Date of Stay: 06/05/10 Review Submitted: 06/17/10

Thanks Jan for sharing this great home with my family . This home was set up great for each family to have private space or be a family .We all had a wonderful time while there . The price was good for all that was included . The pool was great. We were a little concern about not going through a realty co. and renting from a private owner but it was all good . Not having to keep up with keys was great also. The key code system was nice for all of us to come and go as a family or independent . Captian Jack's was a good family restaurant . I would suggest that anyone with children go on the pirates ship , this is fun for the whole family . Thanks again .

Owner response:thanks for the great review. I try to furnish a well stocked house. And I am close to the beach and nice resturants so thats a plus. Jan

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

Great vacation home and thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this beautiful and convenient location.

Guest: BeBe (Atlanta, Ga)
Date of Stay: 05/29/10 Review Submitted: 06/14/10

Incredible vacation spot and loved everything about this well-maintained house. It is very comfy and homey with lots of little touches that make it special in every way. The pool is great with lots of seating and the individual master bedrooms are perfect for an extended family get-away. The kitchen is well-stocked and shopping is convenient for groceries and sundries. We loved Pier Park for restaurants and personal shopping and even a small carnival ride area for the kids. Miracle Mile has many fun activities for everyone. It is so nice to have the comforts of home while vacationing. We hope to return again next year and the year after that, Lord willing. Thanks so much.

Owner response:thanks for the positive response. I try to make it feel homey. Jan

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

Beautiful House with a few drawbacks

Guest: missasu (United States)
Date of Stay: 05/22/10 Review Submitted: 06/01/10

My family and I recently stayed at this house and it was lovely and the floorplan was ideal for our party of three families. The pool was great when the children were napping. The only drawbacks to this house is the lack ammenities that you would expect when you go on vacation- things like toliet paper, trashbags, soap etc. There is a shopping list on the fridge that instructs you that you need these things but it would have been nice to know this in advance as these are things that you generally expect when using a vacation rental. Also, there is no internet access in the house which was advertised when we choose to rent the home, there was a note with a wireless key code but the service must have been disconnected. There are notes all over the house instructing you what you can and cannot do with the house- including a canister of grass mats for the beach that the owner does not want used and is listed as for display only. You will also be asked to do laundry and clean the house before you leave even though you are paying for a cleaning service which isn't a big deal but is a little unusual. This is a beautiful home but if you are driving remember to bring your own toliet paper and beach accessories and if you are flying in make sure you are prepared to go shopping.

Owner response:The contract I send to people tells them exactly that they are to furnish their own paper products. I called the person who rented the house and he new nothing of the review that was sent. Obviously this is a young member of his family I assume. The beach mats this person refers to is a decorative big vase with beach mats in it on the stairwell. Its just for decoration and not for their use. I don't know why this review was even put in as it is unfounded. There are a few notes around the house just to be helpful to the renters and as anyone who owns a rental knows that many people do not treat your house as well as their own. My house is decorated beautifully and many more things in it that many rental houses do not have. I could get rid of many decorative items and then it would be a ho-hum boring run of the mill rental. Mine is not. Its beautiful. I am not a hotel and do not have a maid coming in everyday with toilet paper for them. I supply the first roll and the contract tells them to supply their own paper products. It should not be a surprise. I try to please. Jan

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners.

Mother/Daughter Spring Break Retreat March 2010

Guest: AnaMarie (St. Louis, MO)
Date of Stay: 03/27/10 Review Submitted: 04/19/10

Home away from home! Great location, liked that home was not located right in the heart of Panama City Beach but minutes away from local attractions. Schooners is great, good food and music and you can walk there in 2-minutes. Loved all of the bathrooms because it was a houseful of moms/daughters. The beach was very clean. Ran/walked in St. Andrews Park - beautiful ($2 to enter, so bring money with you). Had a great time and we would definitely stay here again.

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

Always a great stay and easy to rent!!!!

Guest: J.Angel (Chicago)
Date of Stay: 12/07/09 Review Submitted: 02/19/10

Just finished my third stay at Jan's CREW REST STOP and I can't stop saying great things about my stay. From the time I get a copy of the contract until I stay and get my deposit back, it is a pleasure working with Jan. And I can not forget the wonderful house and the great views. I live in Chicago and it is great to enjoy the beach and sand or the private pool and the weather. Keep up the great work Jan I will be back next year as well. I have been telling all my friends about the great stay!!!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway

Guest: DeRosa family_HAC83860 (Grand Island, NY)
Date of Stay: 04/29/09 Review Submitted: 04/29/09

House is big, beautifully decorated and in a great location. We all really enjoyed our stay and hope to return next year. You will not be disapointed if you decide to vacation in Panama City Beach at this great house.

Owner response:I try to make my home like staying in a really nice place on vacation. I appreciate your positve thoughts. Thanks Jan

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A little slice of heaven

Guest: J.Angel (Chicago)
Date of Stay: 03/07/09 Review Submitted: 07/22/09

I work in the travel industry and needed some time away from the fast pace of my work schedule. I was pleased from the time I started the quick process to rent this amazing property. I was blown away by the details from the front door to the sheets that are on all of the beds. The pool area is fabulous and it was a joy to host my family's dinner. The white sands of the beach was a great way to wake up to every morning and I enjoyed my evening walks. I will be renting this property next year.

Recommended for:People with disabilities, age 55+, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: carol106 (Chattanooga, TN)
Date of Stay: 09/18/08 Review Submitted: 09/18/08

9/18/08 We just got back home, but wanted to say that Jan iz super to deal with. House was wonderful-big and roomy. Pool was perfect and yes it was very pet friendly for our dogs. Hope to return next year

Owner response:thanks Carol. I appreciate your positive response. Jan

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Guest: Marcy2 (Decatur, AL)
Date of Stay: 08/28/08 Review Submitted: 08/28/08

Thank you so much Jan. It was a pleasure dealing with you. The house was huge, absolutely beautiful, and what a great location! It was great to be able to bring our four legged friends. My family got some much needed R&R. I hope to do it again next year. Thanks again! Marcy

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Guest: jp bradley (richmond,va)
Date of Stay: 08/17/08 Review Submitted: 08/17/08

I stayed here this summer. The house has a great pool, very large for the area. ocean was close,about 150 yards to beach from the house and house was well equipped and nicely furnished. We enjoyed it.

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Loved our stay!

Guest: Break from Iraq (Clarksville, TN)
Date of Stay: 07/20/08 Review Submitted: 06/10/09

We stayed and had a family reunion here. What an amazing way to vacation! The house had everything we could need, the pool was amazing, the kitchen well stocked, the linens soft and everything was so clean! This was the perfect retreat! We had our dogs as this is a pet friendly spot and they loved it!

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

Dirty house on a busy road...?

Guest: cajungirl (Lake Charles, Louisiana)
Date of Stay: 05/24/08 Review Submitted: 02/02/09

We stayed in this house last year and I realy didn't want to write the review but I had to. House was not clean when we opened the door. Maybe because homeowner was there before us, I'm not sure. Grill was sooooooo dirty, but we realy didn't have choice, we had to use it. That was only way we could eat something healthy, we couldn't bake. Oven door wouldn't close. We called owner and she informed us that somebody stepped on oven door and it needed to be repaired. House was beautiful but it's right next to super busy 4 lane road, which you have to cross to get to a beach. So you who have children be very careful. And, I know this is terible but we waited on our deposit more than a month..... So go ahead think about it before you book your next vacation. We would not stay at that property again.

Owner response: In response to this review, the home had not been totally cleaned yet because the renters arrived before the 3pm check-in. They were not finished cleaning yet. As far as the oven door, I got a new oven when I found out the oven was stood on and had a broken door, I try to repair things as soon as I find out. As far as the grill, the renters are to clean the grill after they use it. It was overlooked by the maids but are now instructed to check that the grill is clean. May is a busy time and we work hard at getting everything right when it comes to cleaning. I have a beautiful home as this renter implies. As far as a busy street, I am close to the beach and everyone wants to be close to Thomas Drive, which is the main street thru the beach. Thomas Drive goes down to two lanes here and there is a grassy area in the middle of the street, which makes it very easy to cross.The house is very quiet when the windows are shut.because I have high impact windows.(2005 built) Very quiet. My location is very desirable. Its a fair value home being that close to the ocean.Its a fairly new home,private pool ,as compared to the ocean front homes without a pool. The deposit was held up a couple of weeks due to trying to locate some missing items the maids could not find. I have had many happy return renters because they love my home. They have come back every year since I bought my home. I work in the travel business and know what people like when they go on vacation. I aspire to make people happy with my home. I can't please everyone but I certainly try to make a comfortable beach retreat to most .

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Great Beach Home!!! One of our Favorites so far!!!

Guest: audthefrog (Atlanta, GA)
Date of Stay: 04/22/08 Review Submitted: 04/29/08

This house was great! The location was nice and quiet and great walking distance to the beach. Almost everything you need is provided. Was definately pet friendly as well---we loved having a grassy area out near the pool so our family dog could hang around outside with us! Overall it was a great experience and we will definately book it again!

Recommended for:Families with young children, pet owners.

Beautiful home

Guest: BeBe (Atlanta, Ga)
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/17/07

Our stay at this beautiful home was incredible. The weather cooperated during our stay and the location was so convenient to shopping (Destin outlets, Pier Park, Wal-Mart), dining (Schooner's is within walking distance and serves a mean hamburger and great chicken Ceasar salad - yummy! and, of course, Capt. Anderson's) and other attractions (St. Andrew's Park, Miracle Strip with rides for the kids). The house provided every possible amenity and felt so homey with all the personal touches. Every bedroom was spacious and had an adjoining bath. which accommodated our large extended family. Being able to step out to the patio and our own private pool and grill was an added bonus. Our experience was superb and we will definitely return. We booked several months in advance because it is a popular spot right on Thomas Drive. Thanks so much for providing a wonderful vacation getaway! It couldn't have been more perfect. Thanks!

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