I was visiting South Padre Island for the first time and was using Homeaway.com for the first time. The user experience for the site was smooth; easy to find & navigate, and the site confirms that the customer will receive a response from the owners within 24 hours. In my case, I received the confirmation almost instantly.

The condo that I booked was managed by the owner through Padre Island Rentals. I had to visit their office to initial registration and receive my keys. I ran out into an issue at this point. The lady at he counter told me that the condo that I actually booked (the one in Saida community) on the website couple of days ago has some bug issue and the owner has decided not to rent it anymore just a few hours before my arrival to the office. That was a bummer as I had picked one of the condos closest to the beach. They had moved me to a different condo community which may not necessarily be better or worse than what I had booked, but it certainly wasn't the closest to the beach and that was my major requirement. I mentioned to them that I should at least have been notified, if not asked, if my booking is being altered in anyway. They did not took the feedback negatively. In addition, I requested them to find me a condo other than the one they had moved me to, and the one which would be closer to the beach. It took the lady about a couple of calls to the owner and a few minutes of research, but she ended up giving me not only one, but two options according to my requirement. Her efforts are well appreciated, as well as owner's flexibility! Thanks a ton to them for saving my vacation. I got a condo on third floor at a property named "Beach House" (this above property - Beach House II - BT303) and it was really close to the beach; about half a mile or lesser walk and you will be washing your feet in the sea water!! There was a swimming pool, too.

Now, as far as condominium goes, the apartment was well furnished, clean, sanitized, well-lit, and full of amenities/equipment. They had crockery, dish-washer, clean towels, a large flat-screen TV in the living room, medium sized flat-screen TV in each of the three bedrooms, Set top box on each TV, a few DVDs, patio furniture, nice bed-sheets and comforter, comfortable sofa-set, etc. The master bedroom and living room had windows and doors that open in the balcony with sea view.

Location was great and I would return back here! Recommended!!