Vacation Rentals by Owner

Loved the location!

Guest: alwaysasaluki (Herrin, IL/Midwest)
Date of Stay: 05/15/12 Review Submitted: 05/20/12

My parents, husband, and I stayed in this condo for a few days to celebrate the end of my school year and wedding anniversary. It was our first time in Destin, and we loved this condo and the beach itself. The condo is perfectly located. We could watch people traffic and the beach from our balcony. We walked to our chairs in less than five minutes which made treks back the condo no problem. The owners added two extra chairs this year, which means all four of us had chairs up each morning. The condo size was fine for four adults, but the master bedroom is significantly bigger than the queen size bedroom. The beach at Destin was fantastic, wonderful sand and clear water. We walked to Pompano Joe's one night and Kenny D's another. Loved the food at Kenny D's. The condo is also close to shopping and not far from the Harbor Walk. We recommend driving old 98 as much as possible to have beautiful views and to avoid the traffic on new 98. We look forward to more visits in Destin and at this condo. Thanks for a great vacation!

Owner response:Owner met the guest enjoying their two sets of beach chairs. Family has already contacted us about renting the same time next year. We really enjoy our guest and their comments.

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

An "Emerald" Vacation

Guest: trjdg (Macomb Township, MI)
Date of Stay: 03/31/12 Review Submitted: 04/22/12

What a great week we had in Destin! This was our first time to this area and won't be our last. This was the first trip that we had taken by ourselves without traveling with another family or two and we were a bit worried about our two teens getting bored. Not a chance! We took a catamaran sail through Emerald Dancers, had a very successful deep sea fishing excursion, rented a paddle board and ocean kayak, visited GulfWorld to swim with the dolphins in Panama City Beach, shopped at Silver Sands Outlet Mall, played beach volleyball, went to the movies at the Rave, etc. Our accommodations were perfect for the four of us and we loved the view and shared a few meals out on the balcony. We seen dolphins everyday on Miramar beach and was even able to swim out to them on one of the days. Great location. We also really enjoyed being able to walk down to Kenny Ds for an outdoor dining experience. The beach set-up was very handy!! Oh, and for anyone driving from Michigan - we made it home in 16 1/2 hours:)

Owner response:WOW! Sounds like this family did not let any moss grow under their feet while in Destin. Great comments and we really appreciate them. Many visitors come just to relax on the beach, and many others enjoy all the amenities of the area. It appears this family, of four, took advantage of both. We hope to have them back in the near future.

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

Wonderful stay!

Guest: Deb (South Haven,Michigan)
Date of Stay: 03/24/12 Review Submitted: 04/01/12

My husband, mother and i had a wonderful time in this beautiful condo. Sherry certainly has a designer's eye! The set up was perfect for my mother (who has difficulty getting around) to be able to sit on the balcony every day to take In the sun, dolphins and marvelous views of the gulf. We all enjoyed the balcony including the pooches. We thank the Lord for the gorgeous weather! It was hot on the beach and the gulf was warm enough to do some body surfing. The gulf breezes on the third floor were cool enough that we only had to run the ac a few times so we were able to open the windows and listen to the surf most of the time. Jim stopped by to say "hi" and see how things were going. It is nice to meet face to face. We intend on renting from Jim and Sherry again next year. Thank you Jim and Sherry for sharing this ideal condo with me and my family. Deb

Owner response:We also enjoyed meeting our guest and their four legged children. We are the Pioneers of Pet Friendly rentals in the Destin area having started that business in 1992. Most other Pet Friendly rentals along this area are customers and students of ours. We look forward to this family returning in the near future.

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

Always Great!

Guest: JohnnyU (Danville, Indiana)
Date of Stay: 10/22/11 Review Submitted: 11/02/11

Another fantastic week in Destin. Great weather, wonderful Condo. Jim and Sherry do a good job in keeping their rentals clean and comfortable. You won't be disappointed.

Owner response:This family has been renting from us for many years. Always glad to have repeat friends visit our properties.

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

Great Time in Destin!

Guest: Meejy (Easley, SC)
Date of Stay: 08/13/11 Review Submitted: 08/25/11

My husband and I came down from SC with two teenage children. We all absolutely loved it! We're already looking at dates for next summer. Everything was wonderful and the condo is so beautiful. It very much feels like an actual home and is so neat and cozy. The view from the balcony is beautiful with the clear water. We could actually see schools of fish swimming by while sitting on the balcony. The local restaurants are to die for and everyone that works at them are so friendly. We met the owner of the condo one morning on the beach and he is so polite and easy to work with. I can't wait to come back, not only for the beach and food but for the condo also. We loved it!!!

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.

Absolutely incredible!!!!

Guest: Thomas P. (Arkansas)
Date of Stay: 08/06/11 Review Submitted: 10/25/11

I should note that I am only writing this after getting my 2012 reservation request in!. My family has been renting this particular condiminium for 5+ years. Simply put, this is the best family vacation we have ever had, and part of that "success" is due to this location. You wake up every day to glorious views of a beach that is just footsteps away. For the person that is footing the bill (me in our family), one thing you should consider is that included in this rental are reserved beach chairs right next to the water. By itself that may not seem like much, but with many other units, there are no reserved beach chairs, and the ones you get are $100+ per week and may NOT be next to the water. For the driver in the family (also me) you have direct ingress/egress onto 98 at the back of the property, and everything you need to drive to - Wal-Mart, outlet mall, restaurants are all very close. We absolutely love Maravilla 2301!

Owner response:Thank you so much for your wonderful comments. We are currently making our annual upgrades for 2012 and are very appreciative of our long standing repeat customers.

Recommended for:

Maravilla 2301

Guest: John and Lisa
Date of Stay: 07/09/11 Review Submitted: 07/22/11

Last minute reservation due to a health cancellation. Very kind and appreciative guest and visited with them a couple of times. Should except to see them more often on return visits. Jim and Sherry

Recommended for:

Beautiful gulf beach sand and water views, within easy walking distance

Guest: O'Neil (Dallas, TX)
Date of Stay: 07/09/11 Review Submitted: 07/21/11

Thanks again for the great location and cozy decoration of your condo. We loved being able to see the beach and gulf water 24x7, all only a short walk away. We have never seen such emerald water and white sand! We would highly recommend your condo to anyone, especially someone like us, coming to Destin for the first time and with their family dog. We are now DESTINed to return!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, tourists without a car, pet owners.

Wonderful time for ALL!

Guest: Dana (Smiths Grove, Ky)
Date of Stay: 06/18/11 Review Submitted: 06/28/11

We always stay somewhere else and our room was already booked this year. My husband saw the view of the ocean for this one and since we were taking my parents along, thought the balcony would be a perfect place for thier mornings and evenings together, AND IT WAS!! We all loved the unit, very nice and settling to the soul. Thanks so much!! Very Easy to work with!! LOVE LOVE LOVE the back entrance from 98!!!

Owner response:I met the lovely family and their toy schnauzer. This corner unit has a panoramic view of the gulf, so guest enjoy the balcony. Hope to have them back in the future. Jim and Sherry

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

Vacation with the feel of home

Guest: Dan (Cincinnati, OH)
Date of Stay: 06/11/11 Review Submitted: 06/19/11

After arriving and being warmly welcomed by a beautiful view of the coast, we settled in an spent a week of comfort and relaxation as if we were in our own home. The property was clean, well maintained, and everything we needed was available. The location and convenience to shopping and attractions was great.

Owner response:Met the ladies while walking on the beach and later saw them walking their dog. Guest left condo as clean as when they arrived, much appreciated by the cleaning service. Definitely welcome their return.

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

First time in destin

Guest: Vickie (Athens, tn)
Date of Stay: 05/21/11 Review Submitted: 05/29/11

Loved the area and the condo was great. Very clean and was furnished with some supplies we needed. Close to stores and great resturants. Owners were super nice. View from the balcony was heavenly. Special beach chairs were amazing. They were always in the same spot everyday (across from our balcony) and close to the beach access. Pet friendly condo with plenty of room to walk Luke. The corner unit was close to the elevator and the room was very quite. The elevator was quick to respond. Air worked great and kept the condo very cool. I would recommend a stay at this location.

Owner response:I met the guest as they were departing. She stated she left it as she found it, which was not necessary. However, it was left in very clean condition and cleaning lady appreciated it. Looking forward to future visits.

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

Beachy in Every Way!

Guest: Jim (Murfreesboro, TN)
Date of Stay: 03/19/11 Review Submitted: 04/08/11

We were fortunate to spend our Spring Break at Jim and Sherry's beautiful condo at Maravilla Resort in Destin. We had everything we needed for a high quality week at the beach. The view off their balcony is gorgeous. The amenities of the resort were great. The pool at the resort is heated (and heated in this sense is truly heated). It is a great family destination. We enjoyed watching movies on the flat screen TV. Restaurants, Shopping and all types of fun are within a short distance of the resort. The beach was wonderful. They are so blessed to have Matt attending the beach. What a gentleman. We look forward to returning again soon. Our little canine family member, Belle, also gave her approval. Thanks again to Jim and Sherry, Wonderful Hosts!

Owner response:We have had Pet Friendly Rental Propety since 1992, when we began Pet Friendly rentals in the Destin, Fl area. To date, we have never had a Pet Destroy our property, and Pet Owners are our best guest. We Wecome the Pets and if they wish to bring their masters, it is OK with us, as long as they are reponsible.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, pet owners.

LuLu and Puddles love Destin

Guest: Pat (Sugar Tree, TN)
Date of Stay: 09/11/10 Review Submitted: 01/30/11

We have been lucky enough to rent this condo for two years in a row. It is a great place with great views. We feel at home and so do our pets. Being a pet friendly condo we get to meet the nicest people when we are walking our dogs. Jim and Sherry work very hard to make sure we have what we need to enjoy our time in Destin. We are planning a return this visit this year

Owner response:Thank you for your king remarks and we also look forward to you and your 4 legged family returning to THE BEACH. Sherry, Jim, and Pepper II

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

Outstanding Accommodations

Guest: Ed (virginia)
Date of Stay: 06/26/10 Review Submitted: 07/06/10

We just returned from the beach and rented for the third time unit 2301. It was the best time we have ever had !!!! Even though we dealt with the elements of Hurricane Alex a bad weather day in Destin is always better than a day in the rat race !!! The fact that we could bring our dogs made the trip even more enjoyable. We made a point to eat at as many local restaurants as possible and I cannot tell you how appreciated we felt when the staff became aware that we drove all the way from Virginia and did not cancel our trip. We love the Destin area and the local folks need your help!! They did not cause the spill but are taking a major economic hit!!! We have rented from Jim and Sherry McDaniel since 2002 and everyone of their units have been well stocked and spotless. You could not have two more decent individuals to plan your vacation. Ed Ruda

Owner response:Our business has been extremely successful due to repeat customers. If you treat people fairly and provide them quality, not only will they be customers for years, but you will develop a new friendship. We appreciate all our visitors to our vacation property. Being the founders of Pet Friendly Rentals in the Destin area has enabled many visitors to bring their 4 legged family members on vacation. Jim, Sherry, and Pepper II

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.

Snowbird Roost

Guest: Yvonne and George (Springfield, Illinois)
Date of Stay: 01/01/10 Review Submitted: 02/03/11

This is our 6th year as Snowbirds in 2301.....We love the unit and each year it is more welcoming...Sherry and Jim are wonderful owners and have become great friends. Yvonne and George Perks Springfield,Illinois

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.