Crystal Sands Condo, Directly on the Beach, Open in Dec

The first impression was not a good one. The carpet is stained badly, the walls are dirty, the hair dryer is an electrical fire waiting to happen, half of the outlets don't hold a plug, and the view is beautiful but the plastic patio chairs are awful. Expecting guests to do the laundry should be included with the description of this property. Be aware you are expected to launder, fold and and return all towels before you check out at 10:00am. Don't ask for a late check out or early arrival because you will be charged for both. I was caught in the Hurricane Michael mess and this owner would not work with me at all. There are so many beautiful properties in this area and great owners. I suggest using a different one.

The unit is dated and the furnishings are tired, as is the carpet in the front room, but we didn't visit the seashore to become interior decorators. The kitchen and appliances were clean and well-ordered; the bathrooms were clean, and the mattress was average. The view from the balcony where we spent a lot of our time is great and the beach is beautiful. We were there the last week in September, and I think the room rate was fair. Mr. Seki, the owner, promptly answers emails and texts. He returns messages and inquiries within minutes. I have read other reviews which mentioned noise from other units. We did not have that experience. We had a really good time.

Pros: Location! Easy access to the beach compared to other places we have stayed.

View! Breathtaking view from the balcony.

Owner: Replied quickly. Informative we had an issue with the vacuum, but it was replaced in a timely manner.

Check in and check out: Simple and easy.

Washer and dryer work Great.

Blender made my adult beverages very nicely!

Unfortunately I have a Cons list:

Cons: Unit needs a Deep CLeaning, and some repairs. Light switches are filthy, along with the bunkbed frames, sliding door jams, between the stove and refrigerator. Lamps shades dusty and stained. The “surface” cleaning was done.

(I didn email owner and he responded that he would send the cleaning crew out if we would like. But after traveling 12 hours and carrying things in, I wasn’t interested in someone coming in and cleaning, so I did what I could myself) There is normal wear and tear on the carpets, but there are several stains.

There are several scuffs along the main hallway, a busted door, wobbly toilet seat, broken bathroom cabinet door and a few other things here or there. (Nothing that made our stay unbearable.)

There is NO WHERE to put your groceries other than the counter top or on top of the refrigerator.

Pans need replaced ASAP. They are no longer “non-stick”.

The blow dryer does not work.

There is NO dresser for the 2 hall bunks or the 2 people for the sleep sofa to put their clothing and personal belongs. (Up to 4 people)

A few hooks on the balcony would be nice to dry towels and swim suits.

The most nuisance were the outlets. Most of them are very “loose” and plugs do not stay put. Finding somewhere to charge our devices became a challenge.

Overall We enjoyed our stay. Would we rent from this owner again, possibly, with the hopes that a few changes are made.

The view is amazing! Small building and not overcrowded with units! Quick and response owner.

Very convenient to area restaurants, stores, gift shops, etc. Best part is the view and walking distance to the beach, not to mention a very nice and responsive owner. We will be back, thanks!

Gorgeous views right on the beach, easy access to everything Destin has to offer. Many things are in walking distance. There is some wear on the furniture and carpet from ongoing use, but the unit is clean. My husband and I stayed comfortably for 6 nights with our 3 teenagers. We did an initial inspection report on arrival and the owner was immediately responsive. He sent someone quickly to fix a couple of issues we found. The owner was helpful and friendly. We would stay there again.