Reviews for Treasure Island Vacation Rental - VRBO 74932 - 1 BR Florida Central West Condo in FL, Waterfront Island Rental: Beach in the Front, Dock in the Back!

Surf, sun, swimming, fishing, good food, jet skiing, swimming with dolphins, etc. Great vacatio

Guest Hapatiger
Date of stay 08/15/12
Review Submitted 08/31/12

If you want to take the family somewhere to experience a variety of FUN activities, book a week or so on Treasure Island. Our family had a blast exploring all that this part of the country had to offer. The best part was having the Gulf of Mexico as our front yard, and a convenient marina as our back yard. We spent most of our time enjoying the water, but there are plenty of other fun activities available, including the Dali museum, various amusement parks (which we decided to skip this time), great food, a great aquarium that houses the dolphin from "A Dolphin Tale", dog and horse racing, Big Cat Rescue (a MUST see), a HUGE flea market, etc. The highlight of the trip came on the last full day there where my daughter and I encountered a pod of dolphins while jet skiing. They allowed us to follow them for nearly an hour, and even let us swim with them! MAGIC! The facility itself was clean, spacious, safe and gorgeous, and the owner was a gracious and generous host. Would we ever stay there again? In a heartbeat. My wife loved it so much that she would love to move there eventually. I highly recommend booking a stay there. You will not regret it. The facility is pet friendly, although we did not bring our dog--this time!

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

Owner response: Thanks Brad! You and your family are welcome here any time!!! I'm so glad you had some much fun in the area.... and playing with wild dolphins must've been the bees knees! See you all soon!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/3

Great place. Perfect Location.

Guest Jack
Date of stay 11/19/11
Review Submitted 12/05/11

I stayed at the Shell Haven in November. It was in an excellent spot, close enough to both Caddies and downtown Treasure Island to enjoy the partying, but not close enough to either be bothered by the noise and hubbub of other tourists. I loved hanging out under the tikihut in the backyard where I could enjoy a BBQ and some cold ones. The water was too cold to swim (I like the Gulf waters at 80 degress, like in the summer), but I caught a few nice fish off the dock. I stayed at a cheaper place up the street last year, but it was not nearly as clean and well kept. Thanks. I'll be back in the summer!

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

Owner response: Thansk for the comments, Jack. We're replacing that old tiki hut with a new, larger one; it will be here when you return.... See you this Summer!!!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

Labor Day was WONDERFUL!

Guest Sue
Date of stay 09/02/11
Review Submitted 09/06/11

I took my husband here for this Labor Day Weekend. This was our last opportunity to get away before he started a new job, and we really had a great time saying goodbye to the summer. We discovered a little karioke bar across the street and rented jetskis all day Sunday. That was my first time riding one... WHAT FUN!!! Thanks to Jim for telling us about all the great little restaurants and nightspots.... We'll be back!

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

Owner response: I'm glad you two enjoyed yourselves... and you sure know how to make great margaritas! Come back soon!!!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

Excellent Value

Guest Beth
Date of stay 08/06/11
Review Submitted 08/31/11

My husband and I stayed for a week in early August and really enjoyed ourselves. It was nice being close to everything, and downtown St. Pete was only a 15 minute drive down Central Ave. The property manager kept the place in great shape and just added a few palm trees in the backyard before we came. He rented us jetskis for several of the days, and didn't round UP when we came back 15 minutes late! It was nice waking up seeing the beach across the street every morning.... we will definitely be back!

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

Owner response: Thanks for the kind words, Beth. See you soon! :D

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Great Stay for the Family!!

Guest Marc
Date of stay 04/29/11
Review Submitted 05/01/11

This was our second time at Shell Haven. The proprietor is a very friendly family man who goes out of his way to make sure you have a good stay. The location is perfect, just yards from the beach and that all too cool back yard of the dock and the channel. If you have a boat it's THE place to rent because you'd have your own slip for the stay. Everything you need is in close proximity, Shell Haven will be a regular stay for my family for probably years to come. I would (and have) reccomend Shell Haven to friends and family.

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

Owner response: Thanks alot, Marc! I had a good time with you and your family too... next time you come, we'll have the jetskis ready for a cruise around the Boca Ciega Bay!! ;-D

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 6/6

first family vacation was a success

Guest MeliSSa
Date of stay 04/20/11
Review Submitted 05/01/11

Just recently i had taken my very first vacation with my kids and we stayed at Shell Haven. What a delight it was. The location was exactly what i asked for..stores were close by as well as many restaurants..the area was ideal if you are traveling with little ones..the beach was directly across the street and a cross walk was near by..my kids had the best time ever !! In the bay in the back of the house we seen dolphins and so many birds..i would most definitely be back again..thank u Jeannie for your suggestion to stay here..i will recommend this location to anyone !!!

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

Owner response: I'm glad you guys had a good time, Melissa! ItIt took alot of time to train those wild herons and egrets to play in the backyard for you guys... (Just Kidding!) ;-D

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

shore haven...delightful

Guest pat
Date of stay 02/01/11
Review Submitted 02/18/11

An ideal spot for a getaway or a long stay. Watch the birds and the dolphins from the yard or the deck. Walk to many restaurants. The beach right across the street. Absolutely wonderful. We shall be bck.

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

Owner response: Thanks, Pat! We're glad you enjoyed your stay at the Shell Haven... we look forward to seeing you next year!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 6/6

our favorite spot on Treasure Island

Guest Coach Howie
Date of stay 12/18/10
Review Submitted 02/09/11

This was our 2nd year we stayed at Shell Haven over the holidays and we love it. The location is fantastic, the condo is so relaxing on a wonderful piece of property with great views (especially the daily dolphin swim bys!) We stay in the pet friendly apt and it is a wonderful property for Sunny to enjoy that is safe with plenty of room. Location is great, we can walk to the stores and local eateries, etc and right across the street from the gulf. It is our definite place to stay when we are in the St Pete area. Everyone is always so friendly & helpful too!

Recommended for: People with disabilities, families with teenagers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, sightseeing.

Owner response: Thanks Coach!! We always have a blast when you visit!!! Hugs to your lovely wife!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 7/7

Charming...

Guest Gary
Date of stay 12/11/10
Review Submitted 02/09/11

My wife and I celebrated our 30 year anniversary with a week at the Shell Haven this past December. We were very impressed with the cleanliness and comfort. The Property Manager "Beach House Jim" was a amiable fellow who was eager to please, providing us with an extra set of towels from the laundry room. He was replacing all the mattresses before his snowbird season, and they were good quality. It was our pleasure to "break it in" for him!

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

Owner response: Thanks Gary! It was a pleasure to have you stay with us!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 6/6

Lovely View - Great Value!

Guest Bill J.
Date of stay 03/01/10
Review Submitted 03/28/10

My wife and I just finished a one-month stay at the Shell Haven, and we were very satisfied. The upstairs unit with the patio was clean and well decorated, and our kids and grandchild were able to visit. We would watch the boats go by in the backyard, and our grandchild caught lots of fish off the dock. It was not in the middle of busy downtown, which made it nice and quiet, except for the morning traffic up and down Gulf Blvd. We like modest, quaint places to stay, not big and pricey, and we definitely feel we got our money's worth. We will be back!"

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

Owner response: You're welcome! It looks like the live shrimp worked better as bait for your grandson than the previously frozen squid. And the fish always bite better around dawn and dusk. We look forward to your next visit!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 6/6

Do not stay here!!!!!!

Guest Dennis Kathy
Date of stay 01/15/10
Review Submitted 03/26/10

Without a doubt the worst place we have stayed in 26 years of travel. The lower lever one bath is actually a garage partially. The door into it is through a laundry room and very small in size. No windows in the whole unit that open for ventilation except one in the garage/bedroom. There were no rugs of any kind there either. (We went and spent $200.00 for an area rug, bath mat and 4 smaller rugs for the kitchen and bedroom). There is no ventilation in the bathroom. (If you turn on the kitchen exhaust fan and leave the bathroom door open it helps). Showers make it a sauna with door closed. It was infested with ants at arrival also. We spent the second night away from there as we had fogged the entire unit. (Spent $25.00 on spray and traps). Owner has stated they will refund one night to us, but we have not received that as of yet. The grout in the tile is disgusting. There are also electrical problems with the whole place. We lost power on two occasions. There are way to many circuits on each fuse. (I located and replaced a fuse). The dryer broke on two occasions. It actually ran for 6 hours one day without anything in it. It is also vented with a rain downspout. The blinds on the back door did not work after a few days. (I removed them, re-assembled and installed again). The kitchen light was hanging from it's wires when we arrived. (I reattached with screws found in the laundry room). The stove burners worked occasionally. Never all at once. Sometimes only one or two at a time. The back door did not latch properly and we had trouble locking it everyday. The shower head was half plugged upon arrival. (I removed it and soaked it in CLR). There is only a 1/2" line feeding all 4 units with hot water. Showers were a challenge to say the least. We have a 40' boat and were told it would be ok to moor up to the dock on site. Actually the dock is in terrible shape and I wouldn't put a 16' boat on it, let alone a 40'er. Owner stopped in to install a booster on the internet router located in our room. He said it would take 5 minutes. We explained we had to be somewhere but had 10 minutes to spare. After 30 minutes he asked to use one of our computers to load a program and try it since his didn't do it. Of course we said NO. He seemed a bit frustrated that we would not allow that. The outdoor light behind our unit had a broken globe on it. Owner did replace during our stay. There are no hangers at all, only one dresser for clothes and only one closet in the place.

Owner response: First, thank you to VRBO for the opportunity to respond here. Obviously, this review is a malicious attack to slander our fine property and good reputation. 95% of this is outright false, and the other 5% is misleading. It is true that I did go by to install a WIFI signal booster and had trouble loading the software, and when it took longer than planned I agreed to return at a more convenient time. Anyone viewing the photos of this unit can see that the it has a bedroom window, rear exit into the laundry room and a pair of french doors in the opening onto the lovely patio. The photos also show the dock in good shape and floor rugs. This couple arrived a day early and displayed anger about being asked to pay for the extra day. During their visit, I had to talk with him about the several complaints from other guests (with children) about his profanity and apparent public drunkenness; and after the second time I had to ask him not to smoke cigarettes in his non-smoking unit, he displayed an angry outburst towards me and he was calmly invited to take his business elsewhere. As a Property Manager, I am required to provide my guests with a peaceful, comfortable place to stay, and you can see from the other reviews that we take this responsiblity very seriously. We hope you enjoy your stay at the Shell Haven!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 7/9

Clean, economical and conveniently located

Guest Belinda
Date of stay 10/30/09
Review Submitted 02/09/11

My daughter and I stayed at The Shell Haven in the Treasure Island/ Maderia Beach area recently and found it to be a very rewarding experience. The property was absolutely beautiful, clean and the location was conveniently located and we were able to walk where ever we wanted. I found the owner Jim Hebin to be very personable and helpful. Traveling alone with a teenage daughter can be frightening, but he reassured me by letting me know just how safe the area is. I have recommended the Shell Haven and Beach House Jim to all of my friends and family. You really can't beat the quality of care or price. It was very reassuring to know that Jim was just a phone call away.

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

Owner response: Thank you for the kind words Belinda! We loved having you... hope to see you again soon!

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 5/6

Guest comment entered by owner

Guest Patti Parsons
Date of stay 03/21/06
Review Submitted 03/20/06

I'm sending you this e-mail to let you know that my family and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves when we were there in March. My niece had never been to Treasure Island before and just fell in love with the whole area. We will be coming back again. Also, your manager, John, was such a hoot! He made everyone feel at home. Shell Haven was so quaint! We all loved the cottage and the surroundings. Like I said, "we will be back" Thank you so much, Patti Parsons

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 3/3

Vacation Rentals by Owner

Waterfront Island Rental: Beach in the Front, Dock in the Back! [#74932] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (13)

Surf, sun, swimming, fishing, good food, jet skiing, swimming with dolphins, etc. Great vacatio

Surf, sun, swimming, fishing, good food, jet skiing, swimming with dolphins, etc. Great vacatio

Great place. Perfect Location.

Great place. Perfect Location.

Labor Day was WONDERFUL!

Labor Day was WONDERFUL!

Excellent Value

Excellent Value

Great Stay for the Family!!

Great Stay for the Family!!

first family vacation was a success

first family vacation was a success

shore haven...delightful

shore haven...delightful

our favorite spot on Treasure Island

our favorite spot on Treasure Island

Charming...

Charming...

Lovely View - Great Value!

Lovely View - Great Value!

Do not stay here!!!!!!

Do not stay here!!!!!!

Clean, economical and conveniently located

Clean, economical and conveniently located