Vacation Rentals by Owner

Fantastic

Guest: Arthur- Rye, NH
Date of Stay: 02/04/12 Review Submitted: 04/03/12

I'll make this short and sweet - this property is as advertised. A clean, comfortable, centrally located slice of heaven. I don't know how it could be better. Our favorite spot was Inch Beach that is right across the street from the duplex. 5 STARS from our other website

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Best Family Vacation

Guest: Maria- Miami (submitted from our other website)
Date of Stay: 12/16/11 Review Submitted: 02/02/12

This place doesn't feel like a rental, it's a true home for someone who wants to relax and enjoy the comfort & Florida Keys life style. The location of the unit is great: both bedrooms have a view over canal where pelicans would come every morning, & we immediately wished that we had brought a boat with us. I was bringing my whole family for a small reunion & was worried about how my parents who are seasoned travelers were going to like it. For the whole week I kept hearing their surprised comments how just every little thing in this home is in its place and that it has virtually everything one could think of. The house is situated right across the street from Inch Beach - the prettiest little beach, that we went to every day, and never got bored of its quiet paradise. It is also very close to Sombrero Beach - the most beautiful public beach in Florida. Definitely recommend this place for everyone who is looking for a nice quiet vacation on the beach!

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Relaxing!

Guest: Walt Harbor Springs, MI (from our other website)
Date of Stay: 12/09/11 Review Submitted: 02/02/12

We had a great time just enjoying the Keys abundant sunshine & pleasant temperatures. It was nice to be able to be in the sun on the front deck, or in the shade on the back. There truly is everything you might need in this rental. The beach across the street was wonderful. Everything was as described in the other reviews I read. A very pleasant vacation. Patty is a great. Central location in the Keys for drives north or south. Check out the two fish ponds at Captain Hook's, just south of here. They feed the fish at 4PM every day, plus they offer charter fishing & diving.

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Why so many OWNER submitted Reviews?

Guest: Patty (Owner)
Date of Stay: 11/26/11 Review Submitted: 02/02/12

My guests that submit reviews are greatttt. But I would only ask them to submit a review on one of my websites, so I post from another website onto this site (VRBO & HomeAway). Plus I've been reading that my other 2 sites are asking guests for a time consuming "log in" process....UGH! This other site is simple and easy to submit reviews on (thankfully)!!! Patty

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Location,Location,Location

Guest: TJUDGE21 from Bedford, TX (submitted by owner)
Date of Stay: 10/28/11 Review Submitted: 02/02/12

If you want to keep things a little less busy & slow, (private & intimate time) then this is the place for you. The condo is very well kept & comfortable as all get go! My wife & I were both very pleased & will return to this location again next year. The owners are of the ultimate host & pay great attention to detail for your comfort & ease to lease this property. Thanks again for a fantastic experience and great memories created by this facility. Oh the private beach is really cool too!!

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A Vacation Experience of our Dreams!

Guest: Sandy (Powhatan Virginia)
Date of Stay: 09/17/11 Review Submitted: 09/26/11

There are not enough positive things to say about this property and its' owners. Lovely, clean, comfortable accomodations and ammenities were everything and more than described. The Home Owner was most helpful with information on local attractions, directions and recommendations! The home, private, "Inch Beach", as well as the Cabana Club was perfect in building wonderful memories of our 34th Anniversary! This is definitely on our 'favorite vacation memories list' and we hope to repeat it again soon! Thank you Patty, for everything!

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

great place,location,and value

Guest: keys lover! Bruce from So. Carolina
Date of Stay: 09/10/11 Review Submitted: 10/24/11

Posted from my other website Reviews : posted by Keys Lover: Bruce from So. Carolina Left on 10/04/2011 for a stay in September 10, 2011 "we have stayed in key colony three years and this is as good as it gets. inch beach was great,like being on your own private island.will probably come back." Owner Comments: Here's what I'm guessing the "probably" means: Unfortunately our last guest didn't place the trash out on the curb in time for pickup (pickup by 6am on Saturdays, but curb placement can be after 4PM on Fridays). At check in, Bruce was faced with a LOT of someone else's stinky garbage. My Property Manager couldn't get there soon enough, so Bruce had to be inconvenienced by placing these FULL garbage cans back under our carport. And then my Property Manager placed them back out for collection 3 days later. I did reimburse Bruce for this problem when I returned his deposit check and I also deducted this amount from the "problem guests" on their deposit check return! I happen to think that this is an AWFUL thing to have to do at checkin, so I totally understand Bruce's frustration! This is the first time that I know of that this has happend at my rental in over 6 years of owning it! Moral to this story, please read the contract terms explaining The City of KCB rules for garbage placement times and pickup times, don't leave your garbage for the next guest to deal with!!! These rules are a mandatory licensing agreement that every renter legally needs to sign for our City of KCB rental licensing agreement. I cover these rules on my 2 page contract, my "checkout procedures" are mailed to renters prior to check in, also filed in my rental's Visitor's Book PLUS posted in a large frame above the W/D closet!!! May this NEVER happen to you on your vacation!!! Patty

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Spotless and perfect home!

Guest: Susan
Date of Stay: 08/16/11 Review Submitted: 10/24/11

What a surprise for me with an unsolicited review on HA "A wonderful time had by all!" before I even requested it! Here’s some more information that Susan wrote on another website Left on 09/08/2011 for a stay in August 16, 2011: "We were so impressed with this house from the time we came in the door. Great, quiet location off the Highway. Very clean and roomy. The owners were friendly and accommodating. My teens liked the Cabana club and inch beach is so close. I would recommend this property in a heartbeat." Response from Owner 09/09/2011: I spoke to Susan's husband while there and he stated that they were having a wonderful time. They had all visited Inch Beach for the snorkeling/ shade, plus The Cabana Club for swimming, games and their sandy beach! He said that the new king bed was very comfortable/wonderful. He also said that the rental was perfectly clean/spotless and no bugs! And Wendy had responded quickly to their problems with the keyless entry due to humidity. I also appreciate him telling me about a "boo boo" they created that will need to be fixed- it was a small thing and no deduction from their deposit….

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A wonderful time had by all!

Guest: Susie (St.Paul, MN/ USA)
Date of Stay: 08/16/11 Review Submitted: 08/24/11

My husband and two teenage sons spent 8 days at this rental and it was perfect. The Cabana Club pool, which is included, was a big hit. You could have eaten off the floors, it was so clean. The fact that we were exactly in the middle of the Keys was great because neither Key Largo or Key West felt that far away. I would recommend this to anyone, I promise you won't be disappointed. This is a very quiet property. Although the main thoroughfare is close (Highway 1) you would never know it. Fantastic!!

Owner response:What a surprise for me with an unsolicited review on HA/VRBO before I even requested it! This is what we also wrote on another website: Susan St. Paul, MN Spotless and perfect home! Left on 09/08/2011 for a stay in August 2011 We were so impressed with this house from the time we came in the door. Great, quiet location off the Highway. Very clean and roomy. The owners were friendly and accommodating. My teens liked the Cabana club and inch beach is so close. I would recommend this property in a heartbeat. My Owner Response: I spoke to Susan's husband while there and he stated that they were having a wonderful time. Tthey had all visited Inch Beach for the snorkeling/ shade, plus The Cabana Club for swimming, games and their sandy beach! He said that the new king bed was very comfortable/ wonderful. He also said that the rental was perfectly clean/spotless and no bugs! And Wendy had responded quickly to their problems with the keyless entry due to humidity. I also appreciate him telling me about a "boo boo" they created that will need to be fixed- it was a small thing and no deduction from their deposit…. We have a brand NEW keyless entry just installed week of Oct. 16, 2011! Plus a NEW lock box is on it's way for installation as well!

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

A hidden gem of paradise.

Guest: Michelle from Long Island, N.Y.
Date of Stay: 07/30/11 Review Submitted: 08/18/11

By Michelle from Long Island, N.Y. (owner transferred review from FlipKey Website) Arrived late due to late flight..when we opened the doors, we were all thrilled. The pictures do not do the property it's full justice. Extremely clean & spacious. A 2 minute walk across the street is Inch Beach, your own private beach..just as nice as an Bahama Beach I've been to, and for sunsets a 5 minute walk to Sunset Park..Inclusive was usage of the Cabana Club w. pool on ocean...Nice reasonable priced drinks you can actually bring into the ocean...Loved the quietness of Marathon as compared to Key Largo & Key West...even more scenic & pretty. Perfect location & had all the amenities you needed. The house was perfect & location...a piece of paradise there. The Levy's, the Owner's were extremely helpful with emails as to what Marathon & surrounding areas had to offer in everything to dining to snorkelling. Had a great vacation & would definately return again. My personal tips: Bike rentals very cheap..$35. per week..they deliver & pickup...very safe roads to ride on & if you have teenagers would definately suggest this. Manager Response: Thanks Michelle- This is not the first time that I've been told that my photos don't do my rental justice, I better look into a professional photographer!!!! Patty Here is what Michelle wrote me: “Aug 5 ...Thank you very much...It's been one of the best vacations I ever had....I posted pics on my facebook account....everyone said "Jealous"...My sister is very interested in renting if available next year....Would love to return here again next summer if available too. We brought a cabin in VT...would have much preferred investing & enjoying the time here...not much to do it Vermont if you don't ski :)...Thank you so much again...Hate to leave Paradise here :)” “Aug 4...I thought your pictures & description were amazing....Your house, location & Key Colony Beach was even more than we were looking for & impressive in person. My son & his friend have had an awesome time...my husband & me too. It's an absolute piece of paradise here. xxxxx We've had perfect weather...xxxxx. We rented bikes....which was very reasonable. xxxxx...everything has been great...Thank you. Michelle”

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A week in paradise!

Guest: Martha- Jacksonville,Fl
Date of Stay: 07/23/11 Review Submitted: 10/24/11

Here's what Martha wrote on another website REVIEW: Left on 08/04/2011 for a stay in July 23,2011 "This house is perfect! It has absolutely everything you could want. You do't need to bring anything but your clothes! The kitchen is fully stocked including grill utensils, coffee grinder, plenty of cooking needs- everything!!! Beach chairs and coolers to use for membership at Inch Beach and a pool at the Cabana Club (where the summer cocktails are fabulous!) the windows are heat tinted so the air stays nice and cool in the Florida Heat. The location is perfect for those who love to boat as the canal goes right to Vaca Cut - easy and fast access to the Gulf and atlantic oceans! Restaurants near by are yummy! Patty (the owner) is great to work with and she makes sure your every need is met for a fabulous vacation. The home is super clean, has every possible amenity and is in a perfect location in Key Colony. The front porch is great for coffee and afternoon drinks while enjoying the breeze from the ocean and visiting with people strolling by. The older kids could ride a bike to the CC, walk to Sunset Park with the Dog or go to Inch Beach, For a small fee, they even played golf in Key Colony. We would highly recommend this home for a long term or weekly rental. Open plan but quiet and super wonderful! A 5 star trip and home. We have been coming to Key Colony and renting houses for 17 years. This is one of the best houses we have ever rented!" Thanks Martha, please come back to Keys Ocean Drive!

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Great Key Colony vacations!

Guest: Julie- Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Date of Stay: 07/16/11 Review Submitted: 10/24/11

Here's another review from my FlipKey site: Left on 08/04/2011 for a stay in July 2011 "What a great week! The house was perfect (and very clean) and had everything we needed (everything!). Very thankful for the fridge w/ ice maker, especially when it's so hot outside! We also had access to a barbecue on the balcony, which was great for a cook like me! We had our own private beach which was great for the kids, considering that there aren't many beaches around (or the ones we found were either closed or had too much seaweed for us to go for a swim). We also appreciated passes to the Cabana Club where we went for a swim in the pool. Overall, everything was perfect and I would absolutely recommand this house to anyone. Patty was so nice to answer all of our questions, even called us during our stay to make sure everything was ok. Thank you Patty for letting us stay in your beautiful house!" You're welcome! Julie even sent me a photo of her lovely family enjoying Inch Beach- my first!!!!

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Outstanding property, even better host!

Guest: Chris from New Port Richey, FL & N GA Mountains
Date of Stay: 07/02/11 Review Submitted: 10/24/11

Left on another website Review 07/22/2011 for a stay in July 2011: "Home is everything you want and more. Fully equipped with everything you need, just bring your clothes. 2 minutes from Inch beach, wonderful balcony to sit and have a rum and coke and chat with the great residents and visitors as they walk by. Couldn't ask for a better location. Clean and great beds!!! Had a wonderful time, will be our choice always when staying on KCB! Thanks Patty, your the best!!!" Response from Owner: Thanks for the great review Chris and the "host" compliments! A vacation home owner loves nothing more than repeat guests! I try to give all of my guests and inquiries quick, fast, detailed and courteous responses. While down in KCB we had breakfast with a couple that had rented our place 3 times . I helped them secure a 6+ month rental and now they are new full time KCB homeowners too! Chris is also a vacation rental homeowner in GA. He did state that our rental "screams" for a flat TV in the LR. Now that the SS appliances have been installed in the kitchen that is my next big project. So stay tuned, Keys Ocean Drive is only getting better and better- "best location", modestly "outstanding" rental manager (me) LOL, great beds, clean and well stocked too! It's these little details that makes your vacation in paradise the best it can be!!!! So plan your vacation rental now, don't wait too long Keys Ocean Drive may already be booked!!!! Patty

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What a great week we had! continued Part 2

Guest: Mollie G from Orlando, FL
Date of Stay: 06/25/11 Review Submitted: 10/24/11

Here's part 2 of this review from our other website (it was too long to be accepted as only 1 review): Left on 07/23/2011 for a stay in June 25, 2011 continued Response from Owner: And yes, our rental is stilted not ground level (see pics). The advantages are: 1. all of our rear neighbors are ground level so we are more private 2. we have an unobstructed gorgeous end view of the rear canal all the way to Marathon 3. we have a rare "partial" view to the Ocean with tropical foliage blocking better views 4. stilted higher level gives us great air flow/breezes from all 3 sides 5. covered parking for the cars out of the hot sun and the BEST reason- I just heard from a "great proof source": 6. ground level units have more bugs and especially SCORPIONS- even coming up thru the sink plumbing!!!! So please trust in these Guest Comments and all of my photos (50 on this other website, just ask me to send you this link!) and consider Keys Ocean Drive for your vacation in paradise!

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What a great week we had!

Guest: Mollie G from Orlando, FL
Date of Stay: 06/25/11 Review Submitted: 10/24/11

Here's another review from our other website: Left on 07/23/2011 for a stay in June 25, 2011 "Our group of mom, dad, 2 teenage boys,a family friend, and our dog Dixie had a really relaxing and fun visit to the Keys staying at this home on Ocean Drive. I had let the property manager know that we would be arriving much later than expected due to the extremely frustrating (and expensive) experience of a broken timing belt in the car as we were leaving Orlando, and she made sure the lights were on when we finally arrived at 2:30a.m.! Access to Inch Beach was really a welcome bonus, and the first day we were there, 4 manatees came to graze in the seaweed near the beach! Location of the property is great, both within Key Colony specifically and in the Keys generally. The house was very well stocked with kitchen tools, and a new dishwasher was delivered during our visit. When we were at the house and not at Bahia Honda or exploring the Keys, a common site was 3 of our group sitting at the breakfast bar on their laptops, giving it a real Internet cafe feel! Bike riding (we brought ours) was fun and flat, and the club with the pool and beach is very convenient. Lots of evening activities there, for those who are interested. One thing that was not a problem for us but might be for some potential visitors is that you must climb a flight of stairs to enter the house. Thanks, Patty, for being such a conscientious and generous owner. We had a great time!" Response from Owner: Mollie had a difficult travel to paradise! So nothing pleases me more than to know that this family had a "great time"! That's what it's all about afterall! And what a great compliment, that I'm a conscientious owner (actually his wife!). I try to provide anything and everything that our guests could possibly need. Once I even bought a pizza cutter that a guest suggested, all of our knives just weren't enough!!! LOL And then there's things that I provide that sets our rental apart from all (or most) of the rentals that guests have stayed in the past too.... BUT none of us can promise MANATEES swimming off the shore of Inch Beach (the "bonus" beach)! We had just been there the week before, my husband was green with envy when I shared that experience with him- the avid scuba diver that he is!!!!

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Relaxing, everything I expected and more!

Guest: Joanne- Port Orange, FL
Date of Stay: 05/07/11 Review Submitted: 08/10/11

My husband & I treated our friends to this week in paradise. The home was immaculate and very comfortable. From toilet paper to coolers, everything was at our fingertips. The queen bed is extremely comfortable. The dock was great, we were able to keep 4 jet skiis and our 20 foot boat there. We were fortunate enough to meet the neighbors/owners (Angie & Sean) that own the dock to the left, they were wonderful! At night sitting on the front balcony we made tons of friends that were walking by to sunset park and would stop by after the sunset to have cocktails with us! It is a beautiful home and a fabulous community. We absolutely enjoyed every second of it, and were sad to leave. But happy to know where to stay next summer! Thanks Patty Response from Owner What great guests- Joanne was a sweetheart (and very funny) when she called to inquire about our rental! They even invited their new KCB friends for cocktails thanks to our balcony on the walking path to the nightly sunsets!!! She just e-mailed me this important information: "One thing I forgot to mention in my review, about a block north of your house, an owl just had 2 or 3 baby owls! It was the highlight of our trip, we walked every evening to check on them. It was amazing! If you get to go there some time soon, please check it out, it is darling! " That's too funny that the owl was "their highlight"!!! The owl is a great part of our island. She seems to have a nest every year and we are so lucky that she chooses to be on Ocean Drive West!!!! Plus, that comfortable bed is a king, not a queen, for those of you reading this in planning your trip! We love entertaining repeat guests! And in the near future, kitchen appliances will be replaced with SS fridge, oven/stove & DW. Plus a flat screen TV, adding a 3rd TV to BRM#2! Patty

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Beautiful, safe and quiet

Guest: Missing paradise (Oklahoma)
Date of Stay: 04/16/11 Review Submitted: 05/09/11

This rental is beautiful, the pictures don't do it justice. The community is quiet and safe. Our first morning sitting out on the deck, we noticed the Key Colony Beach police. They had stopped one of the walkers and asked if they had seen a small dog. Now I don't know about you but if the police are looking for a lost dog, it sounds like a pretty safe place. The duplex is so roomy, clean and has everything that you need, from utensils to information about local spots to everything needed for a day at the beach. The owners are absolutely wonderful and it was a pleasure renting from them. The duplex is halfway between Miami and Key West, which makes it convenient for sight seeing. There are bicycle trails up and down US1, and plenty of places to rent bicycles. Sombrero beach is a must see, and there is plenty of shopping in the area. And oh the seafood! After all it is know for it's sport fishing. We visited Sparky's which is in the Colony and their key lime pie and lobster tacos are amazing. I would recommend this property to everyone I know.

Owner response:Tracy and her husband chose our rental to celebrate their anniversary! She requested restaurant recommendation, I'm always happy to facilitate all planning requests with MANY travel links and ideas! So that compliment of "absolutely wonderful" is greatly appreciated, but I did tease my husband as to what part he played in this compliment...but then again he does pay the mortgage!!! When searching the FL Keys for your perfect location, remember that our island is very different. It is centrally located in the Keys at MM 53.5 (Key Largo MM 110 and Key West MM 0-5) and there are bike trails. Our KCB island doesn't have much crime so the sheriffs can help search for lost doggies but watch out for speeding throughout the Keys!!! When I called the guests mid-week they hadn't been to The Cabana Club swim club but they loved Sombrero Beach in Marathon, plus Inch Beach just across the street! More happy vacationers enjoying a little piece of our paradise! Patty

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

The best place to stay in the Keys

Guest: Dave W (Marietta, GA)
Date of Stay: 04/09/11 Review Submitted: 05/19/11

My wife and I found this home to be very clean, well maintained, well equipped, and very comfortable. I felt right at home as soon as I walked in the door. The location of this home on the island is amazing with two beaches within VERY short walking distance. We rented a boat and spent a day out on the water exploring the area including Sombrero Reef. The fact that this home is canal front makes boating in the Key’s incredibly convenient. We really enjoyed the membership to Inch Beach and The Cabana Club. Inch Beach was the cleanest beach we saw during our entire trip to the Keys. The Cabana Club had a heated pool, a large beach and a bar with some GREAT frozen drinks. The service we received was fast and very friendly. For dining I would recommend Sparky’s Landing, The Cabana Club and The Key Colony Inn. Key Colony Beach is a clean and quiet community with a small town feel. It is very obvious that the owner takes great pride in keeping this property in top notch condition, and is very attentive to her guests. I highly recommend a stay at this home in Key Colony Beach. With so many things to do in the Keys we certainly hope to be coming back in the years to come.

Owner response:Thanks Dave, you are welcomed back anytime! I give him a lot of credit as he was the best guest ever- he FIXED the seal on the fridge by putting it back on properly! He is in the construction business and he knew exactly what to do!!! I really appreciate any guest that can simply correct a problem quickly! Our appliances are in good shape, but rest assured I am in the process of getting new appliances for the kitchen- fridge, oven/stove & DW. Patty

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Wonderful Beach location

Guest: Richard & Shellie- Denver,CO left review 6/11
Date of Stay: 03/26/11 Review Submitted: 08/10/11

This rental had a wonderful location on Key Colony, with great access to the private beach club (Inch Beach) as well as the Cabana Club. This rental truly had everything you could need for a beach vacation, and was very comfortable. We loved the central Keys location, and enjoyed day trips to the Dolphin Research Center, Turtle Hospital, Key West and the Dry Tortugas. We would highly recommend this rental! Owner's Response: As of June 29th we have NEW GE stainless steel kitchen appliances: large side by side refrigerator with outside water & ice dispenser, convection oven/smooth top stove and dishwasher with SS interior! New LR TV still pending! Plus added new large ice chest on wheels to take to Inch Beach & another ice chest for boat. Plus 2 new small chairs & table for rear balcony to overlook entire view of canal toward Marathon (former guests had requested this!). Master Bedroom: new comforter & 2 king pillows. Guest Bedroom: new king foam topper for "king conversion" (ask for this setup), 2 new pillows & laundry basket for Guest Bedroom. Professionally cleaned sectional sofa and again all carpets- rug in LR and both bedrooms.

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Perfect Family Getaway

Guest: Heather
Date of Stay: 03/19/11 Review Submitted: 08/10/11

Moscow Mills, Mo "Wow what a fabulous week the only bad part is it went too fast. We fished, snorkeled, swam, played at the beach, better than anything just relaxed with our family. You're so blessed to have such a beautiful property and we feel grateful to get to share that blessing this week. The people, the community, the property could not have been more pleasant. We called Sandra before we left so she could get a head start this morning. We tried to do as much as we could to help her out. We got to meet her last night when she came by to take out the trash. She is a sweetheart. Well thanks again. Not just for the accommodations but all the time you took to help us find our way around. We had a perfect week. I hope to be back down soon. Thanks, Heather” Response from Keys Ocean Drive 1038 W. Ocean Dr., KCB, FL 33051 - 05/20/2011 Owner Thanks Heather! We hope to host this family for another fun-filled vacation in the future! KCB is the best for family fun-a planned community with tons of things for a family to enjoy! Our island is safe for children with police patrols and designated walking paths; clean with strict zoning enforcement; a rare private membership community swimming pool right on the ocean! And it's close to everything the Keys have to offer!

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Spring break '11- guest submitted on diff. webpage

Guest: Lisa Abbs
Date of Stay: 03/12/11 Review Submitted: 04/11/11

Our guest submitted this on anotner website: "• By Lisa A from Gap,PA on 3/28/2011 for a stay in 3/1/2011 We took our daughter who is in college to become an RN to the Keys for her first time,(we go at least 3 times a year). This was a gift to her for finishing the semester with a 4.0 GPa.We were also able to bring our dog which was a big plus in my book! With the bedroom balconies overlooking the canal and from the front balcony you can see the atlantic thru the Palm tree's. Just two blocks walking distance from Sunset Beach which is dog friendly & absolutely beautiful! This property also includes the Cabana Club which I think is a must on Key Colony' It has an olympic size pool,tiki bar with the best frozen drinks,a game room and a beach with lounge chairs,plus wonderful food. Location,location,location Key Colony is located off of Marathon around the 52 mile marker & the only real reason you would have to travel off the island is to go to the grocery store! Which is not far away probably 3 miles(I would recomend Winn Dixie over Publics on this Key! Most relaxing vacation we have had in a long time! I would like to thank the Levy's for sharing their piece of Paradise with us! The beds where exetremly comfortable the second bedroom can be converted to a kingsize bed which was quite comfortable.I could say so much more but you get the idea,everything you need is there except your food!!! Enjoy More... " Manager Response to Lisa A: Thanks for the lovely comments Lisa! This "other" website has the LEAST Guest Reviews BUT the MOST photos(49- even a photo of us at the end), so ask me to send you this link on your inquiry! Our island of KCB is very different from most islands in the FL Keys. It is a "planned community" except for grocery stores(actually about 5 miles from our front door) but we do have an island deli for bare essentials and CC has a liquor store (but pricier than the Marathon Walgreens). Our KCB location and the rental location on this island is unbeatable! Plus with TWO memberships, that makes us quite unique for a rental! Our rental has everything that you will need, more than most rentals many guests tell me constantly! And with the addition of the NEW king Sealy bed it's now even better! If you want the two twin beds converted to a king just ask- Lisa even stated that that was "quite comfortable"! Palm Wishes, Patty

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What a find!

Guest: sunshine (United States)
Date of Stay: 02/26/11 Review Submitted: 03/21/11

We stayed at the Keys Ocean Drive rental for two weeks in early March 2011. What a find!! The house was clean and comfortable offering everything advertised and a bit more to make us feel at home. The location of the house is priceless. We loved the beach a few steps out the front door and a canal with boat access in the back. We saw two Manatees in the canal!!! Little details like beach chairs, plenty of beach towels, coolers, comfortable beds, dog friendliness and great customer service make this the best little place in Marathon. We will be back!!

Owner response:Could these little extras be our "mini" first aid kit with peroxide, alcohol & witch hazel, cotton rounds, Q-tips, paper cups plus more! Even a fish cleaning travel case, rags for cleaning your boat and many beach items as mentioned. Reviews from Guests guarantee visitors that our rental is everything as advertised or better! Why book a rental without reviews and risk disappointments!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

General products in this rental:

Guest: Levys
Date of Stay: 01/06/11 Review Submitted: 02/07/11

HI- I have posted this a long time ago, so I decided that I would re-post higher up in my reviews: Generally speaking, my Property Manager is instructed to leave the following products, if not, please bring to my attention at check in (I hope this list helps future guests pack): Toilet Paper- 4 rolls- 2 per bathroom Kleenex- min. 3 boxes in 3-4 locations Paper plates for last meal B-4 checkout Paper cups for bathrooms Paper Towels- 1 full roll Trash Bags- min. 2- 1 in can & 1 extra Kitchen baggies, foil, clear wrap. Pads of paper & pens in 2 locs. (min.). Bar Soap- 1 bar in each bathroom, Softsoap- pumps filled in 3 locations. Master Bathroom- First Aid Kit, Peroxide, Alcohol, Witch Hazel, Cotton Rounds, Swabs. Cleaning Products- Dishwasher Soap, Dish Soap,Windex, Disinfectants, All-Purp.Cleaners (2), Toilet Bowl cleaner, Carpet Spot Cleaner, 1 NEW Sponge, Vacuum, Mop, Bucket, Broom, Dustpan, Extra Light Bulbs, Iron & Board, and sometimes Laundry Detergent. FOR FIRST NIGHT ONLY: Sample Sizes of Shampoo, Cond., Body Lotion & Coffee packets (e-mail me with questions or call me to discuss!). Plus for monthly or longer stays I have an Excel spreadsheet that inventories practically everything in our rental. This will help you pack for longer monthly stays- just ask me to e-mail it to you! I hope that this posting helps you decide that KEYS OCEAN DRIVE has it all!

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Excellent place to stay

Guest: Dave (Dunlap, IL)
Date of Stay: 12/22/10 Review Submitted: 01/27/11

We stayed here over Christmas 2010 and had a wonderful time. The duplex was spacious, well-equipped and squeaky clean. Patty provided excellent customer service in setting up the rental, checking in to see how it was going and whether we needed anything and refunding our security deposit. We have stayed at eight plus rentals in KCB over the years and this was the nicest one. I highly recommend this rental.

Owner response:According to the Mrs., this family has stayed at this rental for the 3rd time. The first time was prior to our ownership when it was managed by Exit Realty. The 2nd time was when we owned it and it was still managed by Exit. And now the 3rd time we manage it ourselves, no real estate management company! She told me that it is even better than the prior 2 rentals. And that it has NEVER been cleaner. Now that's what I like to hear and only more reason to rent from a "rental by owner". I would like to think that our guests notice the little details and upgrades of the owner managing their own properties! We look forward to hosting this family for their 4th visit to paradise! Patty

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

Very spacious and clean. Lots of peace and quiet.

Guest: Talia (Des Moines, Iowa)
Date of Stay: 12/03/10 Review Submitted: 01/26/11

This condo is in a very nice area. Ample peace and quiet - not touristy. This was the ideal type of location for us. It is close to everything - restaurants, grocery stores, shopping, state parks. (I highly recommend a visit to Bahia Honda) The condo is within walking distance of a few good restaurants and also a very cute coffee shop. The condo was much larger than expected. More than enough room for my fiance and I. I am sure it would very comfortably accomodate a group of 4+. It was well furnished, clean and nicely decorated. The private beach across the street is very beautiful and well-maintained. It's the perfect spot to watch the sunrise. It doesn't get much more convenient than that. The property manager was extremely helpful and also refunded our deposit very promptly. I would highly recommend this property to anyone looking to have a relaxing vacation in the keys. It was a great value.

Owner response:As the owner's wife, I really care about our rental property and the comfort of our guests! We use to be managed by a local real estate company and, unfortunately, I couldn't tell that they did care about us or our guests...... Talia and I corresponded after checkout and she wrote: "xxxx you can be assured that we will still think very highly of your property and of you as a property manager. I really appreciate the fact that you are asking my opinion on the topic! (We have a rental property of our own in here in Des Moines.)" So I need guests to write reviews for future guests to read and compare all options for their vacation destination and rental, especially fellow rental owners! Plus let me know how I can improve our rental for return visits! Patty

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

Nice location

Guest: Scott F. (Ogunquit)
Date of Stay: 11/16/10 Review Submitted: 12/08/10

We had a wonderful stay at this house. The location is ideal. There is a private beach across the street with pool access to the Cabana Club. The Club is a little dated but it is right on the ocean and the staff is real nice. The house/condo has all the amenities of home. Patty also has taken the time to put together a nice book of the area attrations. Also the Key Colony Beach Inn is a MUST to dine at. We hope to go back some day. We highly recommed this place. The Fortin Family, Ogunquit ME

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

Wonderful Week

Guest: Chris- Hamilton, Ohio on FlipKey10/22/2010
Date of Stay: 10/06/10 Review Submitted: 02/03/11

"We stayed here for a week in October and found everything wonderful. The home was everything as described and more. I enjoyed the beach very much and found the peace and quiet I was looking for. We thought the Pool was great and enjoyed the meals when we ate at the club. Everyone at the club was wonderful to us. I will definately go back again in the future.There was so much to do. I enjoyed the short drive to Key West where we spent the day. Fishing was good and our catch was prepard by a local restaraunt and was a very good meal!!! The weather was fantastic. I will return." Owner Response to Chris: Thanks for the great review Chris! This was my first unsolicited review, I hadn't requested it of them yet!!!! I usually post my reviews on Homeaway, not FlipKey, as you can sort properties by # of reviews. I am proud to say that Keys Ocean Drive has more reviews there than any other rental in KCB. To see more than 48 Guest Reviews go to: http://www.homeaway.com/177344 Wherever you stay, enjoy your next vacation in the beautiful FL Keys! Patty

Recommended for:

Sommerurlaub 28.06.- 12.07.2010

Guest: Matthias (Sulzbach am Taunus, Hessen, Deutschland)
Date of Stay: 06/28/10 Review Submitted: 07/18/10

Nachdem wir nach ca. 24 h Anreisedauer (FRA-ATL, ATL-MIA, weiter mit Mietwagen) am Ferienort angekommen sind, haben wir (Familie mit 2 Kindern (19 und 16) unseren Urlaub hier in Key Colony sehr genossen. Key Colony Beach ist ein sehr ruhiger Ort. Die Straßen werden mit nur 25 miles/h befahren, sodaß der Fahrzeugverkehr nicht stört. Die Lage des Hauses ist ideal um den dortigen Privatstrand auf der anderen Strassenseite (3 Minuten zu Fuß) zu nutzen. Die Aussicht auf den Kanal ist sehr schön. Wir sind keine Bootnutzer, sodaß wir den Bootanlegebereich nicht genutzt haben. Sehr angenehm ist der überdachte Parkplatz, somit wird das Auto nicht so stark aufgeheizt. Die Klimatisierung des Hauses ist hervorragend, was bei den hohen Aussentemperaturen sehr wichtig ist. Gerne haben wir die Terrasse genutzt. Das Haus ist sehr komplett ausgestattet. Geschirr und Besteck ist in mehr als ausreichender Menge vorhanden. Sämtliche Elektrogeräte sind in gutem Zustand. Wäsche (Handtücher und Laken) ist in ausreichender Menge vorhanden. Die Größe des Hauses ist ausreichend für 4 Personen. Sehr angenehm ist der offene Wohn-/Essbereich. Gerne haben wir bei Sparky`s gegessen. Einkaufsmöglichkeiten gibt es in Marathon, in einer Stunde ist Key West zu erreichen. Probleme werden von Patty sehr ernst genommen und sofort beseitigt.

Owner response:Thanks Matthias for reviewing our property! The only concern that I had was that it is in German! He has graciously translated so I can add to my site as an "owner's response".....for all English speaking guests! This is our first German family and our only 4 Star rating, but that's ok, as my husband says that it makes this system more believeable! We (German family with 2 kids of age 19 and 16) had a very nice holiday in Key Colony Beach after the long journey from Frankfurt, via Atlanta to Miami, then by rented car to Key Colony, total travel time was 24 hours. Key Colony Beach is a very quiet location. The max, speed on the roads is 25 miles/h, so traffic is very quiet. The location of the house is perfect to the private beach area (3 Minutes walk). We enjoyed the nice view to the boatchannel but didn`t use the boat landing. The canopied parking area was very comfortable, the car was not so strong heated.. The climatisation (air conditioning ) of the house was perfect which is absolutely necessary with the very high temperatures outside. We liked the patio very much.The house is very complete. Dinnerware and cutlery was more than enough for 4 persons. All electrical equipment was in good shape. Lot of towels and linen. Enough space for 4 persons. The open architecture is very convenient. We liked to eat at Sparky`s. There are a lot of shopping places in marathon. Only one hour to Key West. Patty took our problems very seriously and removed it quickly.

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

Great Location, Lovely Home

Guest: Renee & John (New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 05/08/10 Review Submitted: 07/05/10

We visited during the month of May 2010, and found this home to be completely prepared for our visit, with every single thing thought out. It was clean, obviously well-maintained, and had every amenity described in the VRBO. There were four of us- two adults and two older teens, and we found it quite spacious, with its open kitchen and living room, and wrap-around balconies. There were several places to set for meals- both inside and out, and plenty of dinnerware and flatware for every purpose. Many of the appliances were new and everything worked perfectly. The location within Key Colony Beach is central, which allowed for people watching and for getting around very easily. There are a number of really great restaurants in the Keys, and Key Colony is a great spot to stay, because from here you can reach most of them within a few minutes to a half-hours drive. My husband and I have been coming to the Keys for the last ten years and we have stayed everywhere, from larger homes, condos, hotels and B&B's- at locations up and down the Keys. We have found that Key Colony offers the most convenient location for a number of things, including fishing - tarpon, flats, offshore, reef, and even canal, to kayaking and sightseeing. The Cabana Club included in this rental offers a beautiful stretch of beach and a really easy way to enjoy it, regardless of the ages included in your group. It's like being at a resort and yet having the luxury of the privacy of your own home to return to at the end of the day, which was really great for us and the kids- particularly the food service, which was outstanding, with great burgers! Inch Beach across the street provides a place to enjoy the beach in a different way, and we found it to be quite private. Visiting the Keys is always an adventure, as can be renting a place to stay for your vacation via the internet. Renting this home took the surprise factor out of it - it was a lovely, clean, and well-located base for our Keys adventures. We truly enjoyed it!

Owner response:Thanks Renee- What a lovely and thorough review of our rental as well as the island of KCB! Our island is a "planned community" with the rare swim/ocean club/restaurant as well as our "rare" Inch Beach membership just across the street! Plus KCB has a public golf coarse/tennis courts and children's playground with restrooms! And being located at Mile Marker 53.5 it is a great location to explore all of the FL Keys! Patty

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

Best Time We Have Ever Had in the Keys

Guest: Veronica (New York City)
Date of Stay: 05/01/10 Review Submitted: 08/04/10

My husband and I have been to the keys numerous times over the years but this property, in this perfect location catapult our vacation to the best we ever had in the Keys. First of all the location is super quiet but super convenient. Being at the head of the canal where we able to see water in both directions was a plus. The house is immaculate! The house has everything we needed, super large kitchen, carport, 2 baths, terrace with grill, really large living room, large bedrooms, cable TV, comfy and upscale furnishings. The cabana club has a great pool and we were the only people on Inch Beach. Great scenery for morning walks, sunsets on the pier down the block, easy for biking and kayaking. Close to great State parks and Key West can be a day trip. Of course being 1 block to the Key Colony Inn Restaurant helped a lot. We will be back to stay again!

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

Our Get Away!

Guest: Deb and Lon (Boyertown, PA)
Date of Stay: 04/25/10 Review Submitted: 05/10/10

This rental property is located on the most beautiful, convenient location of all the Keys. Your are able to look across to the ocean and walk to the other end of the home and watch the Pelican that would arrive every morning and perch himself on a neighboring boat that sits in the bay! The home is beautiful, clean and very accommodating from kitchen, bathroom, closets, drawers, sitting area and to the eye catching decor! And the convenience of the walking paths all around Key Colony, to the private beach across the street and the beach club only a few blocks down the street, which we took advantage of all of them! We truly enjoyed our stay! We would highly recommend your rental home to everyone!

Owner response:Thanks for the kind words about Key Colony Beach (MM 53.5), our rental and its amenities: 1.) location on the walking path 2.) two memberships for our guests, up to six 3.) "partial" oceanview from the front- the palm tree foliage has now blocked some views as seen in our pics 4.) entire length of canal view from the rear canal dock 5.) beauty of accomodations. Another happy guest in paradise!

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

Inch Beach great feature of this rental!

Guest: Kimberly
Date of Stay: 04/17/10 Review Submitted: 09/12/10

These guests had their car broken in & laptop stolen while stopping for lunch in Miami on their way down (in front of Cracker Barrel no less)! So Kimberly had e-mailed me that she would post once she had time after arriving home. I've gone ahead and posted what she had e-mailed me... "What a nice surprise inch beach was!! We spent most of our time there - definately a great feature of your rental!! The grill did not have any propane in it so we replaced the tank per the instructions on the fridge.xxxxx Everything was great in the house. You are definately equipped for your guests!! xxxxx I will certainly leave a comment on the website below once I have a computer again. Thanks so much for the opportunity to rent from you. We truly enjoyed your home and our time at kcb. We can't Wait to go back next year. Hopefully you will still have the rental for our return visit!!” As the rental agent for my husband's KCB rental, this is the very first time that I have posted a Guest Comment from any "guest received e-mail". All of my other 46+ Guest Comments are sent in by my former guests via an e-mail link I send out with deposit return!!!! Enjoy reading all of my wonderful reviews! And thanks to all of our other guests for their contributions as well, Patty

Recommended for:

Better than we expected!

Guest: bate5 (byron, Il.)
Date of Stay: 03/27/10 Review Submitted: 04/06/10

We were so thrilled with this rental! It was clean and had everything we needed. Having private beach across the street was perfect. We only cooked a couple of times but it was nice having a gas grill all ready to use.We never needed to run out and buy any supplies for the kitchen and had plenty of towels. We brought a teen,a 8 yr old, and a 2 yr old and they all loved this place. We especially enjoyed the deck to eat breakfast in the morning-it was wonderful! The owners always got back to us with any questions before we left-they were really great.We can't wait to come back.

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

We had a great time

Guest: Matt & Brenda (North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 03/20/10 Review Submitted: 06/26/10

This was our second visit to KCB. As much as we enjoyed our first visit, this time was even better as we were already familiar with the places we enjoyed the most. We spend most evenings visiting Sparkys Landing for happy hour and their great appetizers and low prices. I went fishing one day on a charter boat. The captan and crew were great and caught our limit on a gorgeous day on the water. My wife and I took a couple of the fish I caught to Sparkys where they cooked and served them perfectly for our supper. We also drove to down to Key West and had a wonderful time, good food and as always, enjoyed the "Conch Republic" attitude for fun and play. The condo was the perfect location for all the things we enjoy. The property was very well maintained, a nice community with active people walking, biking, and jogging. The condo was everything as advertised; comfortable, organized, spotless, and completely equipped for cooking, grilling, relaxing, or whatever. Every detail was considered for our comfort and enjoyment before our arrival, during our stay, even a caring call from the owners, to make sure everything was just as it should be. Of course we have recommended this property to our friends and family and eagerly look forward to the next time.

Owner response:Thanks! Another happy couple in paradise! And I didn't know that Sparkys would cook your catch, I knew that Annettes would though! Enjoy! Patty

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

The House With Everything

Guest: Happy in KCB (Pennsylvania)
Date of Stay: 03/13/10 Review Submitted: 07/07/10

We had a wonderful week in March. The house was equipped with everything and anything we needed. How thoughtful to have essential toiletries available for the first night before we could go shopping at the local Publix. The kitchen was fully equipped for all kinds of cooking. Lobster Monster and Keys Fisheries were the best places to buy seafood. The house was across from Inch Beach and we went every day to relax or walk on the beach or read in the shade under the gazebo. There were great views from both sides of the house. The canal was especially pretty at night. It was also easy to tie up the boat right at the dock and hose everything down. We heard that a coffee shop opened just down the street near Sparky's Landing which would be a nice walk in the morning next time we visit. Patty was very helpful with scheduling our week and returned my call promptly when I had a question. It was refreshing to deal with someone who didn't rush through a phone call.

Owner response:Thanks Cheryl! I am always enthusiastically happy to help new and returning guests in answering any and all questions about our rental as well as our island and the entire FL Keys area. This guest is thinking about returning in October for another week in paradise. And we now have high speed internet to make this rental FULLY equipped with the two memberships and great views of the ocean as well as the boating canal! Patty

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

Wonderful accommadations

Guest: JANE & JIM (PERRYSBURG NY )
Date of Stay: 03/06/10 Review Submitted: 03/25/10

We stayed one week at this property. Very beautifully decorated in every room. Furnished with anything you would need. Just bring your clothes and food. Very nice, safe, and friendly neighborhood. The private beach is a dream. We especially loved the balcony. Had our morning coffee there every day and sat there evenings also. Would very highly recommend this property. Oh, yes, and the view from the back of is one of a pretty canal.

Recommended for:Age 55+

Great Time in Key Colony Beach!

Guest: Densie, Al, and Lilly (Chesapeake, VA)
Date of Stay: 02/06/10 Review Submitted: 03/09/10

We just returned home to the cold weather after spending a wonderful month at Keys Ocean Drive. We loved the house and Key Colony Beach. The house had everything that anyone could want when spending an extended time away from home. The kitchen was so well-equipped that we found everything we needed when making any appetizer, meal, or dessert. The home was very roomy, clean, and beautifully furnished. We highly recommend the home and Key Colony Beach to anyone who wants to get away from it all!

Owner response:And here's what Denise e-mailed me: "Thanks, Patty, for the prompt follow-up about the security deposit. We did enjoy our stay and although Al did not catch as many fish as he may have like, we both had a great time. Lilly so enjoyed Sunset Park and meeting all the other doggies and we loved Inch Beach. We also had a great time visiting with our friends on 11th street. We xxxx found EVERYTHING we needed at the house. I will comment on the webpage, you certainly do make a vacation most enjoyable with all of the conveniences of home. Again, thanks for sharing your house with us for the month. Denise, Al, and Lilly" For an extended period of time, please ask me for my very detailed "furnishings" spreadsheet. In that way you can be assured that this kitchen is well equipped and that there are plenty of linens as well! And I try to promptly respond to all questions and requests you might have to make your vacation wonderful. Please read my other Guest Comments- current dated and more than any other rental on the island of Key Colony Beach!

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

the perfect spot!

Guest: hukilau (clinton,ct)
Date of Stay: 01/02/10 Review Submitted: 02/19/10

We just returned from our 3rd stay at this Key Colony duplex. With so many choices for places to stay on this fantastic florida key, we seem to come back to this one for the comfort and location. In the many years we have been coming to Key Colony we have stayed in several different duplexes and condos.Once again, we can only give the highest recommendations for this location. Our stay was comfortable, the home is spotless and we had every need met during our stay for the entire month.The house decor is light, bright, tropical and inviting with plenty of room to move around inside and out. We visited the beach across the street frequently..perfect for a morning or evening stroll or a picnic lunch.it was great to have beachchairs, cooler, towels and even the beach bag provided!(which came in handy for the times we ventured to the nearby state parks & nearby sombrero beach in marathon). The grill on the outside deck worked perfectly for our cookouts before heading just down the street to sunset park for the spectacular sunsets. The proximity to nearby restaurants, the marina, and cabana club made it easy just to walk everywhere..and walk we did! We continue to love the neighborhood and the beauty of key colony beach...friendly is the word here! The owners continue to maintain this rental to high standards...without hesitation we would definately stay here again for a 4th time! One note: this visit we had guests/family with us twice...this home because of its open floor plan, wonderful views from the decks, and well equipped kitchen (not to mention plenty of towels and bedding) makes this the perfect spot for a family gathering or couples getaway! Fantastic dining, fishing, bike rentals, boating, and even golf are just moments away!

Owner response:The best compliment a rental can have is a happy repeat guest! And we have been very lucky to host this couple and their friends for their 3rd & final visit! They love our island so much that (after I helped them secure a long term rental) they have bought in 2011! We invited Joe & Pam for brunch when we were all down there June 2011- what great fun to meet these guests!!! So peruse our Guest Comments and decide for yourself if you would like to spend paradise in "the perfect spot"! I try my best to be quick to respond, answer all your questions and supply links to help plan your perfect vacation in paradise. Oh and host this beautiful rental for your comfort and happiness. Why be disappointed, please consider Keys Ocean Drive for all of your vacation needs- even that beach bag!!!!

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

Excellent stay at key colony

Guest: Kentucky Mom (Lexington, Kentucky)
Date of Stay: 12/26/09 Review Submitted: 03/15/10

My family and I stayed at this residence in Key Colony between Christmas and New Years. It was a very nice stay-we had everything we needed. We caught mackerel during our fishing trip and cooked it up fresh for dinner. We really enjoyed the beach access, especially watching the sunset. The residence was very clean and comfortable.

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

A Little Piece of Heaven (12/19-12/26/09)

Guest: Tonda & Todd (Murfreesboro, TN, USA)
Date of Stay: 12/19/09 Review Submitted: 01/12/10

My husband and I decided to go to the Keys for Christmas, and we took my parents with us. This duplex was more like staying in somebody's home than staying in a rental unit. There was nothing missing. We had a wonderful time on our escape from reality for the holidays. We drove to Key West two times, but we definitely prefer the slower pace of the middle keys. We had fun at the Dolphin Research Center, and we learned a lot at the Turtle Hospital (both less than 30 minutes from the duplex). We found the Key Colony Inn to go menu, so we decided to call and place and order, and then we walked to the restaurant to pick it up. It was very good food, and very hefty portions. On Overseas Highway, we ate at The Wreck (right next to Dolphin Research Center), The Cracked Conch Cafe, and Herbie's. They were all very good. We were surprised by the down-home cooking found at Herbie's. The rest of the time we spent at Inch Beach or just hanging out at the duplex. Inch Beach was very private; I was able to get some very good pictures. We also went to Sunset Beach a couple of times to try to get some good sunset pictures. You get to meet a lot of people when you go there. It was always cloudy while we were there, so the pictures aren't as spectacular as I hoped, but they are decent. We had a wonderful stay in a wonderful place. The duplex was decorated very nicely, and it was even better than I had imagined. Thank you for opening your duplex up to us to allow us to have such a wonderful week to make memories.

Owner response:Since these guests were staying over Christmas, my 24/7 Contact Person decorated at Tonda's request and surprised her family, especially her husband. He thought it would be strange to spend Xmas in FL. But here's his reply: " Hey Patty, this is Todd, Tonda's husband. I just wanted to drop you a line and tell you how much we enjoyed staying at your place last week.It was an awesome trip and a great way to spend Christmas! Thanks so much for the Christmas tree and lights that was a nice touch. I really appreciate all you guys did to make us feel at home. Happy New Year! Todd" So, in summary, even the husband was happy! I rarely hear from the husbands so that's the best compliment! This is what we hope for in guests staying at our rental!

Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

COMFORT AND LOCATION! Second visit

Guest: hukilau2 (clinton, ct )
Date of Stay: 09/05/09 Review Submitted: 01/18/10

We stayed at this lovely home September 5-12.This was our second visit to this duplex and we were thrilled to find it as perfect as the first time!Compared to other rentals we have stayed in, these owners have gone to great lengths to make sure guests are comfortable and well accommodated. We especially love how it is organized,nicely equipped, very neat and incredibly clean.The interior is bright, open and inviting by all means. Access is made possible to 2 of our favorite KCB spots. Across the street we enjoyed swimming, snorkeling, & picnicing at Inch Beach (beach towels, chairs, and cooler provided!)Just down the street,is Cabana Club, where we enjoyed the pool, restaurants, and private beach. Each morning, after coffee on the oceanview front deck, we were able to walk to shopping, restaurants, marina services,or the beautiful Sunset beach..an evening favorite to watch the sunset. We have already booked this vacation retreat for our 3rd visit next year! We keep coming back because we know everything we could possibly need comes with this house. The location and amenities are superb. We definately recommend Keys Ocean Drive for the family who wants the ultimate in comfort and relaxation on their getaway while getting great proximity to all that KCB and the Florida Keys have to offer. More... ·

Owner response:As owners of this rental, we are thrilled to have these guests stay for the 3rd time at our place the month of January!

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

Guest: ParadiseFound (Summerland Key, FL)
Date of Stay: 09/02/09 Review Submitted: 09/02/09

Hi Patty, just a quick note to say that we thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Oceans Drive. We celebrated an anniversary and birthday and your extra touch of leaving mimosas in the fridge was a great surprise and very much appreciated. It was also a plus that you accept dogs as it's hard to leave ours home during vacations. For anyone trying to decide where to stay, Keys Ocean should not be overlooked. All the necessities of home have been provided. You will also find square footage often not available in most 1/2 duplexes. The location is great, walking distance to Inch Beach, Sunset Park, Key Colony Inn, and even Cabana Club. The only thing I missed was an Internet connection, but only a little since I wasn't here to work. Thanks again for a great stay!

Owner response:Great location especially for "man's best friend" as we have a grassy front & side yard plus 1 block to Sunset Park which is "dog friendly" with baggies & water (as well as great sunsets!)....

Recommended for:

Great place to bring the boat and enjoy the beach.

Guest: Ron (Orlando, FL)
Date of Stay: 08/22/09 Review Submitted: 08/06/10

We came down with the our daughter's family and loved it. The boat dock around back is great and Inch beach was a big hit with our grand daughter (right across the street). Cooking out on the grill and enjoying the cool ocean breezes and the view was my evening routine. Right before we walked the pups down to sunset beach. Great place to bring the family.

Owner response:Please note that when browsing Guest Reviews that ALL of my reviews were posted by my guests only, no "Owner Comments" posted from my rental guestbook! And all very current....over 45 FIVE STAR now!

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

Guest: Pam Mitchell1 (Jacksonville, FL)
Date of Stay: 08/18/09 Review Submitted: 08/18/09

Patty, We highly recommend your home to the vacationers who want to relax and enjoy thier surroundings. Your home is very comfortable and roomy, tastefully furnished, well maintained and especially clean. You have thought of everything when it comes to a guests needs. One of our favorite features was Inch Beach. It was literally like having your own private beach across the street. We took full advantage by cooking out and eating at the "Tiki Hut" pavillion in the evenings. We walked to "Sunset Park" for the views and met people from all over. The "Cabanna Club" is another wonderful feature with all the amenities you need for a day at the pool or beach. Your home provided the perfect back drop for our family memories and we will definitely be back. We had friends staying in another location that came to visit us during our stay. They were so impressed that they took down your information for next year. I've reccomended your home to friends and family for future visits and hope these comments help convince potential guests that this is the place to stay. (of course not the week we want to return);) The Mitchells

Recommended for:

Guest: Terri20 (Crystal River, FL)
Date of Stay: 08/04/09 Review Submitted: 08/04/09

This house had everything we needed for a wonderful week of vacation. My husband really appreciated the bait freezer on the dock next to the boat and I really appreciated how well organized and stocked the house is down to a deep fryer and salad bowl set. Although we really didn't use it because we were on our boat most of the time, Inch beach is a beautiful spot that would be absolutely perfect for small children to play in. And lastly I would like to thank Patty and Barry for allowing us to bring our little dog. It is very difficult to find a nice place to stay that allows animals. It was wonderful to be able to bring her with us. Thank you so much!

Owner response:Thanks Terri! Guest comments are a great way of choosing your next rental! Within two former comment responses I have listed the supplies that are in the rental. Plus I am able to send a complete inventory list (Excel) of the furnishings upon request! This helps those driving in to know what to pack or not!!!! Due to the Health Dept., nothing ever left behind in the refrigerator/freezer!

Recommended for:

Guest: Susan Quarnstrom (Maple Grove, MN)
Date of Stay: 06/05/09 Review Submitted: 06/05/09

We had a very nice stay at the Ocean Drive Duplex. Very clean and all the comforts of home. We liked that it was centrally located in the Keys. Key Colony Beach is a quiet and relaxing island, and only an hour from a little more action in Key West. The weather was always perfect and the water Awesome in color! So Beautiful! We would for sure recommend this Duplex and area to anyone. We thought Patty was very accomodating and thoughtful.

Recommended for:

Guest: Erica Ciucci (Charleston, SC)
Date of Stay: 04/13/09 Review Submitted: 04/13/09

This was the ideal vacation rental! Incredibly clean, well-stocked and convenient to everything! Taking our 11 month old to Inch Beach or the Cabana Club was so easy and enjoyable! Had a boat delivered to the spacious dock and the canal location was so convenient for fishing/boating. Kitchen had everything we needed, and loved the furnished linens (more than enough!). Enjoyed walking to the great playground and the friendliness of the residents. Loved all the nearby restaurants. Can't say enough great things about this rental -- just would love to rent again next year!

Owner response:Erica and her friends really liked the fact that we have the Inch Beach membership for their toddlers to play in the grassy area just across the street! She also told me on the phone that she "loved" the washer & dryer- that they were "better than their own at home"! I told her that they were the same Brand & Model #s that I have in my home in Ohio.....no commercial type machines in our rental! And we LOVE repeat renters!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/01/09 Review Submitted: 02/16/09

We visited the property the last week of January, 2009 with our friends,the Distels. The house is perfect for a vacation in the Keys. The decor was tropical and the colors were perfect. We loved the cool aquas and blues. Our location made travel to all areas of the Keys easy. All the amenities were there--I could not think of anything else we needed. We enjoyed Inch Beach and also Sunset Beach-and got to enjoy a concert there one evening. We did not have time to visit the Cabana club. One of the nicest things was sitting on the balcony watching the sun rise or set, reading, eating our breakfast,and greeting all the neighbors who walked along the sidewalk--everyone was so friendly. This place is a must if you enjoy having luxury plus convenience.

Owner response:Here's what Jane had already written me, another guest that NEVER made it to our CC (Cabana Club) membership but instead really enjoyed INCH BEACH- the private membership that we offer. In a referral group that I belong to of 30 owners that rent, there are 2 of us with Inch Beach and we (Keys Ocean Drive) are the only one with both Inch Beach and The CC! Dear Patty, We returned to snow land on Sunday but still have your beautiful beachhouse and the Keys in our minds. We had a great time and enjoyed living for a short while in paradise. Your house was perfect. We loved the location and your decor was beautiful. Thank you for your thoughtfulness in providing for all our needs.xxxxxxThe stairway light was burned out but we called 24/7 Contact Person and she replaced it. xxxx Once again, thank you. We had a great time at your house.Jane

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Beautiful Keys at their best

Guest: JR- Kentucky
Date of Stay: 01/24/09 Review Submitted: 02/03/11

We traveled with friends (Olive Hill, KY) to visit the beautiful home and love the spaciousness and beautiful decor. The owners had thought of everything we would need and were very pleasant to deal with. The house was very clean and the decor was appropriately tropical. We especially enjoyed sitting out on the balcony and chatting with the people who were walking to the little oceanside park nearby. We would highly recommend this property to couples and families.

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/22/08 Review Submitted: 12/22/08

Patty, I just wanted to say again that we had a wonderful family vacation at your duplex. It had everything we needed and I would highly recommend it to anyone with kids. My two nephews learned how to fish off of the canal dock and I got a great picture of that first catch for my Christmas newsletter. The boys hunted for treasure on several occasions at our “private” beach thanks to the duplex's Inch Beach membership. Odd as it may seem, I also really liked the fact that the duplex was keyless. Having to enter a code to get into the duplex meant we didn’t have to worry about the keys being dropped into the Gulf, which has been known to happen. And, did I mention that the sunsets from the balcony were really awesome? We can’t wait to come back!

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