Reviews for Holmes Beach Vacation Rental - VRBO 99131 - 2 BR Anna Maria Island Condo in FL, Island Getaway 2 Unit Duplex Just a Short Stroll to the Beach!

Clean, comfortable and really close to the best beach I have ever seen!

Guest Suzie
Date of stay 11/17/12
Review Submitted 01/08/13

Stayed at this property in November of 2012. Island Getaway is very clean and well-kept. We were close to the beach and the pool out back was an excellent addition to the beginning or end of the day. The location on a quiet neighborhood street was perfect for us and we enjoyed its close proximity to the restaurants and shops on the North end of the Island. This place has everything you need for a great time away from home. We will be back!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/2

Girls' Trip

Guest GaDawg
Date of stay 09/15/12
Review Submitted 12/29/12

My girlfriends and I truly enjoyed the sparkling clean upper duplex. The fire alarm was tweeting when we arrived but the owner sent someone immediately to fix it. The pool needed cleaning and while a "pool' man was sent, the pool remained somewhat green. Not owner's fault. The tv remotes did not work but since we would rather talk than watch or surf tv that wasn't so bad. What WAS bad is the fact that my deposit was never returned to me. It wasn't much but it is the principle of the matter.

Recommended for: Girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Owner response: I am looking at the rental agreement right now. The rental agreement indicates that the "security deposit" was handled via the online rental insurance available through this website. I also indicated this in my email communications with this renter as well. In terms of the remotes, new ones were purchased once the subsequent guests notified me of the situation. Oddly enough, this review was posted in January of 2013 for a stay that occurred in September of 2012. Had I known of the confusion, I would have cleared it up immediately.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/2

Nice but needs some updates

Guest Nitasue
Date of stay 09/08/12
Review Submitted 09/19/12

First of all, we really did enjoy our stay overall. The rooms are nicely decorated, spacious and clean. The price is great! Having said that, we were very disappointed to come and find a queen size bed in the lower unit - I see he has updated the website now because previously it just listed King size beds for both master bedrooms. That is something I really look forward to on vacation. I could have gotten over the disappointment if the bed was decent but it is in sorry need of replacement. We rolled into each other all week and woke up with a backache. Looking under the mattress pad we found two very thin, creased and yellowed foam pads, so someone knew it needed help long ago! Hopefully he will take our advice to replace it soon. Our other complaints are rather minor but could easily be remedied. There are only 2 teaspoons in the silverware caddy...plenty of soup spoons however. Also only 3 somewhat normal drinking glasses- the rest are wine glasses, mugs or strange plastic cups. The refridgerator fan is annoyingly loud - unusually so. The toilet in the hall bath wobbles -again an easy fix to have someone secure it better. We did appreciate the provision of the wagon for toting beach supplies though it was a bit awkward to know if the upstairs renters wanted to use it and how to share that fairly. We found the beach umbrella was missing the lower extension pole so my husband went and bought a dowel rod to fit it so we were able to use it. Never did see the cooler that is supposed to be there but we really didn't need it. It's not a bad walk to the beach and in a nice residential setting - we would consider coming back, maybe choosing the upper unit. To the owner's credit, he did call to have someone come clean the pool as soon as the upstairs renters complained. It did not stay clean long which I'm sure is a battle there with the trees but it seemed maybe the skimmer needed some more thorough cleaning. Nice looking pool though.

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

Owner response: In terms of the bed, I advertise a duplex. The upper unit has a king bed in the master bedroom. On the website, I am unable to differentiate between the units in terms of amenities. However, I now a special note on the amenities page indicating the size of the lower unit bed. I have also made plans to change-out the mattress. This was the first complaint I have ever had in regard to its size and condition. The pool is uncovered (without a lanai). I have a cleaning service that comes once a week. However, leaves and such will obviously drop in. There is a skimmer located next to the dock box on the pool deck. In terms of the beach equipment, I provide two wagons and beach chairs. Anything else that may be there was left by previous guests. This is also the first I have heard regarding the cooler. I will be removing it from the amenities. I have also instructed my cleaning service to rebalance the silverware and drinking cups. Many times families will rent both the upper and lower. In the process, the kitchen utencils can be moved from one unit to the other. As an independent property owner, I rely on the guests to help me maintain the rentals. I appreciate this guests input. I have made the necessary improvements and I sincerely hope they will vist my property again.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/4

Great Place

Guest Andrea
Date of stay 07/18/12
Review Submitted 07/21/12

I cannot say enough nice things about this place! We happened upon it after we made a last minute decision to join the rest of our family for the yearly family vacation. We arrived and the place was cleaned and very well equipped. I was impressed with the amount of linens and extras available! Nice quiet street and a easy walk to the beach. I am hoping to stay again next year with more of our family! I highly reccommend!

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

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

Look no further. Perfect beach house on a quiet street steps to the beach.

Guest MJ
Date of stay 04/27/12
Review Submitted 05/19/12

I live in the Tampa area and recently I researched extensively for a beach house my friends from Boston and I could rent. I found the perfect house, which in turn provided "the best vacation of my life". The house is located on a very quiet street which even a gorgeous pool in the backyard. Inside it has the feel of a beach house, but with the conveniences of a hotel. Unlimited towels and the washer and dryer should not be taken lightly when the beach is a stone's throw away. We rented the bottom house, my 2 friends and I and one of there fathers. Beautiful beds and rooms which were super clean. We are big guys and we had more than enough room. We ate like kings in the kitchen. I am a chef and this kitchen had everything I needed to put out some beautiful dinners. With one trip in the grocery store 3 miles away, we had all the food, booze and anything else we needed to maximize our vacation. Basically this property allows you to feel as though your at an all-inclusive resort. Maximize both your dollar and your vacation with a trip to this house on Anna Maria Island. I plan on booking another trip when I am done writing this review.

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.

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

Great Time, Clean Property, Short Walk to Beach! Stayed In December 2011.

Guest Mike G.
Date of stay 11/30/11
Review Submitted 01/10/12

My family and I stayed at this property from Nov 30th to December 7th. All I can say is wow! The trip was a last minute decision and we found this property reasonably priced. In fact, because of this property's affordability, we were able to book both units and use the stay as an early Christmas with our extended family. The pool was great and the beach is close. The owner indicated it was less than 5 minutes away and he was right! Both units were clean and well cared for. We could not have been happier. Between both units, we had 12 people comfortably stay. We used the charcoal grills for grouper on a number of occasions. Most people don't think of visiting AMI in the fall, we found it to be awesome. Most days the temps were in the upper 70s to low 80s. However, the biggest benefit to visiting in the fall is the fact that the island is much less crowded. Overall we were very happy. The owner, Joel was easy to work with and the property was exactly as we saw it online. We will be back!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 8/8

Weekend getaway with the family!

Guest Claychix
Date of stay 05/28/11
Review Submitted 06/08/11

We really enjoyed our stay at the condo. It was really nice to go there and just relax. The condo is clean and well stocked. Plenty of towels, dishes, glasses, etc... the beds were comfortable and we really appreciated the air conditioning. We walked to the beach every evening to watch the sunset...you just can't beat sunsets there! I will definitely go back!

Recommended for: Families with teenagers, girls getaway.

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

THANK YOU FOR SHARING

Guest Laurie T.
Date of stay 12/27/10
Review Submitted 01/07/11

THIS WAS THE SECOND TIME I HAVE RENTED THIS PROPERTY DO I NEED TO SAY MORE IF YOU WANT A RELAXING SAFE VACATION CHECK OUT THIS PLACE. IT IS CLEAN AND YOU DONT HAVE TO BRING ANYTHING EXCEPT YOUR FOOD AND CLOTHES...THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR PROPERTY JOEL

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

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

holiday with my girls

Guest airliner
Date of stay 08/31/10
Review Submitted 09/15/10

I stayed in this cute house with my 2 daughters and it was just perfect for us. Very nice furniture, everything was we needed was there, just a few steps to the beach, a nice, cleaned pool and we feeled safe. Also the house was very very clean. Joel was helpful always when we needed him. Thanks again. I sure will recommend this vacation rental!

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 9/10

Awesome Time!!!!!! Clean and Comfortable Property, Fantastic Location.

Guest Michael
Date of stay 07/24/10
Review Submitted 07/29/10

We just got back and wish we had more time on the Island. Anna Maria Island was PERFECT! Loved everything about it. The beach, the people, the shops and this property. Very clean and real nice to have a pool right in the backyard. This place had everything we needed down to the BBQ utensils and beach wagons to haul everything down to the beach. Beach chairs, umbrellas and coolers all there. Even had a fishing pole for my 10 year old daughter to use! Place was very clean and looked like pics listed and as Joel described it to me. Joel was very helpful and recommended things to do on Island. Lots of room for entire family. Kids had a blast riding the bikes that were there around the island. Short walk to beach maybe 5 min. If you rent this place make sure you catch sunset on the beach, one of the prettiest white sand beaches and sunsets we have ever seen and so close. Make sure you get the fresh grouper from the seafood shop right on the island as you drive in. I rode the bike there to pick it up everything is very close. Than I BBQ'ed it on the grill that was there, very tasty. All an all for the money this was one of the best trips that myself and my family have been on. Was only an hour south of Tampa airport and easy to get there. We will definitely be going back to Anna Maria Island and we will call Joel again to rent his property. Mike from MI

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 13/13

needs updates

Guest kwoo
Date of stay 06/26/10
Review Submitted 07/07/10

We stayed in the upper unit. The place REALLY could use some repairs/updates. Lots of the beach equipment was broken, rusted or over-worn. The bikes were all rusted and had flat tires. I inflated one bike's tires only to find the pedals did not work. Broken resin chair on porch was cleverly pieced together to look like it was intact. These things just need to be thrown away. A broken hand rail to the 2nd floor was none too reassuring. We brought it to the attention to the cleaning/maintenance man but it was never addressed. No water pressure in kitchen sink. Both toilets kept clogging. TV remote in den did not work. We had to clean the pool each time we used it. No one provided that service. Could really use a couple of RUGS and maybe a mirror or two in the bedrooms.

Owner response: I guess I am a bit surprised. As an independent property owner, I rely on the guest to communicate with me in regard to problems they experience. When I send out my final communication to the renter, I include my cell phone number and indicate they should call me should they require assistance. During this guests two week stay, I never received a call. Had I known of the problems mentioned, I would have taken care of them immediately. Incredibly, this review was posted before the guest even checked-out. With regard to the pool. I have a weekly service that cleans it. They do a great job, but the pool is open with no lanai. Subsequently it needs to be skimmed. The bikes were left by a previous guests. They were such a hit we decided to leave them for others to enjoy. In terms of mirrors and rugs, there are large vanity mirrors in both of the bathrooms and rugs usually soil easily. In terms of the beach equipment, I repurchase chairs for each unit every 3 months. The chairs that are still working at that time are kept for additional seating. If you take a look at my other reviews I think you will find I am not a neglectful owner. I am sorry the guest felt as though my place needed "updating". Had he communicated his problems to me directly, I would have taken care of them immediately.

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 7/15

Stayed November 20-November 26, 2009

Guest CQ
Date of stay 11/20/09
Review Submitted 11/28/09

We just returned to Central New York from a great stay on Anna Maria Island. This house was exactly what we were looking for. Our family includes four girls ranging from 7-16 yrs. Plenty of space for all. Everyone enjoyed the pool and the beautiful beach is truely a 4 min walk. Renting via the internet can be tough. This house is exactly as Joel says. Clean and complete with all the necessities. We arrived a little early and the gentleman preparing the house was very nice and gave a few helpful ideas about where to eat and what to see. Heat was not working on the pool when we first arrived. Repair was done within few short hours. Didn't stop our northern girls from getting in. Plenty of pool & beach toys. Would recommend this rental to family & friends. Hope to go back oursleves next year. Trolley is a great way to travel around the island. A car is not a must if you plan to hangout at the pool & beach. I do recommend having one to see sights in the near by Sarasota or Tampa areas. Rod & Reel best place to eat with great prices. Publix has anything you may need. Very quiet neighborhood. Thanks Joel for a wonderful first travel experience to Anna Maria Island.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 6/7

beautiful home

Guest grammatoots
Date of stay 10/03/09
Review Submitted 10/24/09

We haved stayed in a lot of rental homes on vacations, but this house is by far the cleanest and best kept. Beautiful furnishings , everything worked and anything you could possibly need is there. Pool was in excellent condition and the walk to the beach was very short. Owner is extremely helpful. I would highly recommend this rental to anyone. Thank you for letting us share your home.

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

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

Island Getaway

Guest Prescott
Date of stay 09/23/09
Review Submitted 10/16/09

We have been vacationing on Anna Maria island for the last 3 years. Peaceful & Quiet street. A short walk or a quick 1 minute drive to the beach

Recommended for: Families with young children

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

What a Wonderfull time at Ana Maria

Guest Tony Q
Date of stay 07/01/09
Review Submitted 08/04/09

Thank You Joel for such a nice place, let me start by saying that we had two families to accomodate both units and took it on this past 4th of july weekend. it was hard for us to feel on vacation, we pretty much felt at HOME, everything, and i mean everything was included but being skeptical we brought wayyyyyyyy. to much stuff. we had issues as soon as we arrived with the refrigerator and it was taking care of early the next day!!! Whao not even back home will it be taken care of that quickly.LOL. the beach on the 4th was spectacular and fireworks coming from every side of the island. we took our own boat and fit perfectly into the space provided and then some for about 4 more vehicles.I had my one year old boy cried everytime he stayed indoors and this goes to say he felt comfortable outside on the porch, versus inside with AC.my daughter (17) visiting from out of state for 30 days learned how to Surf and the people there are super friendly and courtious.my father in law stayed in the upstairs unit and he claimed he has never felt so good on ANY of his previous vacations and he has gone to plenty of cruises,etc.as for me i loved the fact the island of Edmond Key is a short 40 min boat ride and you will not get lost because we found it within eyesite. We are already planning for another, yet shorter weekend stay, it was wonderfull.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 10/10

Perfect family getaway!

Guest Susie C
Date of stay 04/16/08
Review Submitted 05/01/08

My husband and I were looking for a relaxing vacation with our 10 month old daughter and found this property to be perfect! We stayed in the upper unit and it was very clean and well-maintained. The space was very large and would easily accomodate a large family. I enjoyed the glider rocking chair which was perfect for nursing my daughter and getting her ready to sleep. The location was incredible, just a quick walk and you are right on the beautiful beach. It was so nice to have an umbrella and beach toys provided - we had such a great time. The owner was very nice to work with and we look forward to returning to the property in the future.

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

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 21/21

Great place to stay, amazing beach!!!

Guest Boilermaker80
Date of stay 01/05/08
Review Submitted 07/28/09

We stayed here in January 2008 and are going to book another week and just could not imagine coming back to Florida and not staying here. It is a short walk to the beach and the pool and the grill were great to have out back. The inside is decorated nice and has all the comforts of home. It was about a 45 minute drive from the airport and was easy to find, even in the dark! We did Orlando in one day and did not feel tired because we got there much quicker than we expected. Highly recommend this place to everybody!

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

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

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Guest Laurie T.
Date of stay 10/01/07
Review Submitted 10/26/07

GREAT HOME GREAT LOCATION 4 MINUTE WALK TO THE BEACH 1 OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES IN FLORIDA WOULD DEFINATELY STAY HERE AGAIN THIS SPOT IS EVEN BETTER WHEN YOU HAVE THE WHOLE RENTAL TO YOUR SELF

Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 22/31

Vacation Rentals by Owner

Island Getaway 2 Unit Duplex Just a Short Stroll to the Beach! [#99131] | View Property

Traveler Reviews (18)

Clean, comfortable and really close to the best beach I have ever seen!

Clean, comfortable and really close to the best beach I have ever seen!

Girls' Trip

Girls' Trip

Nice but needs some updates

Nice but needs some updates

Great Place

Great Place

Look no further. Perfect beach house on a quiet street steps to the beach.

Look no further. Perfect beach house on a quiet street steps to the beach.

Great Time, Clean Property, Short Walk to Beach! Stayed In December 2011.

Great Time, Clean Property, Short Walk to Beach! Stayed In December 2011.

Weekend getaway with the family!

Weekend getaway with the family!

THANK YOU FOR SHARING

THANK YOU FOR SHARING

holiday with my girls

holiday with my girls

Awesome Time!!!!!! Clean and Comfortable Property, Fantastic Location.

Awesome Time!!!!!! Clean and Comfortable Property, Fantastic Location.

needs updates

needs updates

Stayed November 20-November 26, 2009

Stayed November 20-November 26, 2009

beautiful home

beautiful home

Island Getaway

Island Getaway

What a Wonderfull time at Ana Maria

What a Wonderfull time at Ana Maria

Perfect family getaway!

Perfect family getaway!

Great place to stay, amazing beach!!!

Great place to stay, amazing beach!!!

Untitled

Untitled