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Gulf Front w/ Pool, Amazing Decks, Sleeps 21, Beach Setup + Free Tickets!

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Paradise Cottage Too
Paradise Cottage Too
Paradise Cottage Too Pool
A wooden beach deck with a view of the ocean and beach.
Paradise Cottage Too

Reviews

6.0 out of 10
5 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 21

Popular amenities

  • Ocean view
  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View in a map
Santa Rosa Beach, FL
  • Place, Seagrove Beach East
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Seagrove Beach West
    ‪17 min walk‬
  • Place, Seaside Beach
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Airport, Fort Walton Beach, FL (VPS-Northwest Florida Regional)
    ‪62 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 21)

Bedroom 1

3 Single Bunk Beds

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds and 1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Queen Bed

Other Space 1

2 Single Beds

4 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony

About this property

Gulf Front w/ Pool, Amazing Decks, Sleeps 21, Beach Setup + Free Tickets!

There are so many gulf views to take in at “Paradise Cottage Too,” you won’t believe. From the home’s expansive decks and through its many windows, each guest will enjoy a much-needed and healthy dosage of Vitamin Sea.

This quiet Gulf-front cottage, one of the first homes built in Seagrove Beach, still retains many of the original features that give it the charm of an Old Florida cottage. Located in an amazingly private spot in the heart of Seagrove, the home offers 4 bedrooms, a loft equipped with twin beds, and a lower-level bunkroom, spanning 3 floors. As you walk through, you will not believe how many windows offer vistas of the water! The private beach walk and sitting gazebo offer places to sip coffee, wine, or just to have that long-awaited conversation with someone close.

For those seeking the simplicity—and the heart—of 30A, this home offers so much. The home includes chic and playful décor, and whimsical spaces. Outdoor decks and living seem to link together and never end, but eventually do lead to everyone’s favorite spot: the sugar white sand.

The cottage pool is one to remember—a paradise all its own—with beautiful, private groves of greenery surrounding. You will experience your own private slice of Florida just steps away from the beach, and all the while, Seagrove and Seaside restaurants, galleries, and shops are practically at your fingertips.

On the 1st floor, there is a convenient walk-out access to the pool, refreshing outdoor shower, and a private beach walkway beckoning you to explore the tranquil shores.

On the 2nd floor, there is a King master bedroom with a daybed and twin trundle, along with a private bathroom. Additionally, there is a King bedroom with a shared full bathroom, and a Queen bedroom with a shared full bathroom and Gulf views. The living area seamlessly blends with a spacious kitchen, offering dining for up to 14 guests indoors, with additional seating available outside on charming picnic tables.

On the 3rd floor, there is a Queen bedroom with a shared bathroom, a loft area with 2 twin beds, and a spacious full bathroom.

Sleeping Arrangements:
1st floor, Bedroom 1: Bunk room: 3 twin-over-full bunks; full bath, TV
2nd floor, Bedroom 2: King master bedroom with daybed and twin trundle and private bathroom
2nd floor, Bedroom 3: King bedroom with shared full bathroom
2nd floor, Bedroom 4: Queen bedroom with shared full bathroom and Gulf views
3rd floor, Bedroom 5: Queen bedroom with shared bathroom
3rd floor, Bedroom 6: Loft area with 2 twin beds

Free Beach Set Up Included:
We are thrilled to include a Free Seasonal Beach Set Up with your rental. Grab a seat in style with our free beach chair set up – two comfy chairs and a cool umbrella. You now have one less thing to worry about as you plan out your vacation with Benchmark Management!

Your stay at Paradise Cottage Too comes with Xplorie’s best activities! Tee off at Emerald Bay or Regatta Bay, zip through Baytowne Adventure Zone, and sail on the Sea Blaster Dolphin Cruise. Enjoy Big Kahuna’s Water Park, Black Light Mini Golf, and scenic bike rides with complimentary rentals. Explore 30A with ease and adventure!

*Complimentary beach service: 2 chairs/1 umbrella set up from La Dolce Vita provided March-October (weather permitting).
* Sorry, no pets allowed

A Benchmark welcome bag and initial starter kit of amenities are provided for all guests. For the kitchen this includes: 1 roll of paper towels, 1 dish sponge, 1 dish soap, 2 dishwasher pods, and 1 liner for each trashcan. For each bathroom it includes: 1 roll of toilet paper, 1 set of soap/body wash/shampoo/conditioner/lotion. For towels you will receive: 1 body towel/1 washcloth per guest and 2 hand towels per bathroom, plus 2 washing machine pods.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 1339237vb
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

About the area

Santa Rosa Beach

Located in Seagrove Beach, a neighbourhood in Santa Rosa Beach, this holiday home is near theme parks and on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Grayton Beach State Park and Seaside Beach. Sundog Books and Eden Gardens State Park are also worth visiting.
Map
Santa Rosa Beach, FL

What's nearby

  • Seagrove Beach East - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Seagrove Beach West - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Seaside Beach - 2 min drive - 1.8 km
  • Central Square - 3 min drive - 2.1 km
  • Eastern Lake - 4 min drive - 3.1 km

Getting around

  • Panama City, FL (ECP-Northwest Florida Beaches Intl.) - 41 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Perfect Pig - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Bud & Alley's Waterfront Restaurant & Bar - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Scratch Biscuit Kitchen - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Steamboat Grill - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Seagrove Village Market Cafe - ‬13 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Gulf Front w/ Pool, Amazing Decks, Sleeps 21, Beach Setup + Free Tickets! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Gulf Front w/ Pool, Amazing Decks, Sleeps 21, Beach Setup + Free Tickets!?

As of 10 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Gulf Front w/ Pool, Amazing Decks, Sleeps 21, Beach Setup + Free Tickets! on 11 Aug, 2026 start from S$1,223, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Gulf Front w/ Pool, Amazing Decks, Sleeps 21, Beach Setup + Free Tickets!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Gulf Front w/ Pool, Amazing Decks, Sleeps 21, Beach Setup + Free Tickets!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Gulf Front w/ Pool, Amazing Decks, Sleeps 21, Beach Setup + Free Tickets!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Gulf Front w/ Pool, Amazing Decks, Sleeps 21, Beach Setup + Free Tickets! located?

Nestled on the beach, this Seagrove Beach holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Seagrove Beach East and Seaside Beach. Seagrove Beach West and Seaside Repertory Theatre are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

6.0
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 10 out of 55 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 55 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 55 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 9 out of 55 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 14 out of 55 reviews

5.8/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Check-in

8.0/10

Communication

10/10

Location

5.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

8/10 Good

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great views of the beach and oceanThe dishwasher does not work and doors are hard to open and close
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Aug, 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re glad you enjoyed the beautiful beach and ocean views. We’re sorry to hear about the dishwasher and door issues you encountered during your stay. We’ve shared your comments with our maintenance team so these can be addressed promptly. We truly appreciate you bringing this to our attention and hope to welcome you back for an even better experience next time.
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Rachel B.

Paradise on the Emerald Coast!

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We absolutely had a blast at this big and beautiful and well-kept home directly on the beach. The pool and hot tub was lovely, the views were spectacular, you have direct access to the beach and even a covered pavilion.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept, 2023
Rachel, Thank you for sharing your glowing review! The views, private pool & spa, private boardwalk, and central location are all wonderful amenities that make a trip to the beach feel like absolute paradise. We hope to see you again soon for another great beach getaway! Sincerely, Benchmark Management
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing location! Right on the water!

Our family had a blast at this place. It’s our third trip down to the general area and this house was by far the best! The kids ran down to play on the beach while I drank coffee on the porch and watched them. Crab hunting, lunch, mid-afternoon nap, everything was easy because of the location of this house-plus it had everything we needed and wasn’t so fancy I was afraid our kids would break something before we could leave. It checked all our boxes. Thanks!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Shelly M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Place

My group of 17 ladies loved this place. The beach view is spectacular. Even though the neighbors are very close, its very private. The palm trees and landscaping around the pool keep you from seeing any neighbors. The back porch is big and nice. We plan to rent again. The outdoor private shower is not useable, but the other rinse off stations are. The pool is very nice. We had no issues with pests as was mentioned in earlier reviews.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Oct, 2023
Hello Shelly, Thanks for staying with us at Paradise Cottage Too. We are so happy to hear that you loved the place! We really do try our best to maintain these properties and to provide an excellent beach vacation experience for guests. We have taken your comments regarding the outdoor shower into account and will bring this to the attention of the relevant parties, to ensure that this is not an issue for future stays. We do apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused during your stay with us. We also thank you for your honest feedback regarding the pests. Thanks again for choosing to stay with us! Regards, Benchmark Management
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Allison S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location was PERFECT, home was amazing

The house was in a perfect location, just steps from beach. I had no problem entertaining my teenagers because there was plenty to do. The bunk beds were perfect for them to be out of the way. The kitchen was a tad smaller than I’m used to, but it had plenty of what I needed to cook everyday. I loved the tankless hot water heater. I was confused when the hot tub didn’t work and the property owner told me that it was not heated, but the kids enjoyed the pool anyways. Thanks for hosting us.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Jun, 2024
Allison, thank you for your thoughtful review. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the prime location of our property and that it provided ample entertainment for your teenagers. It's wonderful to know that the bunk beds were convenient and that the kitchen met your daily cooking needs, despite being smaller than you are accustomed to. We apologize for any confusion regarding the hot tub. Your feedback is invaluable, and we will ensure to communicate clearly about the amenities in the future. We're glad the pool was still a hit with the kids. Thank you for choosing our property for your stay. We hope to have the pleasure of hosting you again soon. Kind regards, Benchmark Management
From a partner site

2/10 Terrible

A guest from Whitesburg, Ga

Disappointed

Rating Details: The property manager was adequately helpful. The vacation rental was very dirty. I was very happy with the location. I was very dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: This property is sorely neglected and the property managers appear to be stretched too thin to fix problems that come up promptly.
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept, 2023
Dink, we are verry sorry to hear of your disappointment with the property. The issue reported to us during your stay was regarding the pool heat at the property. Maintenance confirmed that they could not get the pool heat to work, and we issued you a refund of $274.40 for it being unusable during your stay. We are glad to report that the owner of the home is replacing the enter pool heater to ensure future guest do not experience any issuing during their stays. We hope you consider staying with us again at Benchmark Management, we would love the opportunity to provide you with a 5-star vacation. Sincerely, Benchmark Management.
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Steve S.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy

sucked

dirty. no pool heater. shower broke. TV didn't work. cockroaches. Ridiculous. I've rented many place around PCB. by far the worst experience ever
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Oct, 2023
Thank you so much for your feedback, Steve! We hate to hear that you did not thoroughly enjoy your vacation with us! Paradise Cottage Too, does not have pool heat. We would have definitely loved to book you somewhere with pool heat, if that was a request! We did send maintenance out and they were denied access to fix some of the concerns you had. We strive to provide each of our guests with a 5-star vacation experience. We try to rectify any concerns during your stay as soon as possible. We do hope that you will come back and join us again soon! We would love to provide you with the 5-star vacation! Kind regards, Benchmark Management
From a partner site

6/10 Okay

David C.

Great Location but Overpriced

Rating Details: The property manager was somewhat unhelpful. The vacation rental was somewhat dirty. I was very happy with the location. I was somewhat dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We stayed here before back in 2018 and came back this fall. Great location on the beach. House is in need however of several repairs. We had issues with the back door, gas grill, lights not working, etc. Had emailed Benchmark, but they didn't respond. They are clearly taking advantage of the location with minimal maintenance and charging too much for what you really get.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept, 2023
David, Thank you for choosing to return for another beach getaway with us at Paradise Cottage Too! We're sorry to hear that we let you down in areas of cleanliness and property condition, but we do value your honest feedback. We have shared your review, along with a few others, with the proper departments so we can work together to return this property to the pristine condition that made you want to come back in the first place! We hope we are able to welcome you all back again in the future for the opportunity to provide your family with a complete 5-star vacation here in Seagrove Beach. Sincerely, Benchmark Management
Verified

4/10 Poor

Hillary B.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy
Deceiving listing photos.This house COULD BE absolutely amazing, if care was put into. Half painted walls. Back door (from living room to upstairs porch where picnic tables are) is ROTTED OUT, one hard push even when locked and it will push right open due to rotted frame. Water stain and damaged windows. Pool fence coming unsecured from trim that it was attached to and unsturdy. Outdoor shower was an embarrassment with all exposed and rotting wood. Uneven and trip hazard of a walkway/landing from stairs to pool to beach walk out. We requested to see an inspection. Sent photos, was told someone would be out to see, no one ever came. All they could tell us is we hear your complaints and apologize for the inconvenience. I am also posting pictures of the other two bathrooms as they are not comparable to the bathroom highlighted in the listing.I am purely giving two stars based on the great location and good bones to the house. Great water pressure, hot water, and the kitchen was average and well stocked. If the house issues could be corrected this would be a great place for families. These are mostly safety/health issues and I will be looking into reporting to the county/state regulatory agencies. This house was very alarming with 3 toddlers in our group.
Upper Back Porch Door off Living Room
Upper Back Porch Door off Living Room
“Outdoor shower”
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug, 2025
Thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback, Hillary. We sincerely apologize that your stay did not meet expectations, especially regarding the condition and safety concerns you raised. Guest safety and comfort are our top priorities, and we take your observations very seriously. We regret that the maintenance issues you mentioned, including the back door, pool fence, outdoor shower, and walkway, impacted your experience. We have already escalated these concerns with our management team to ensure prompt inspections and repairs. We appreciate your recognition of the great location, good water pressure, and kitchen amenities. Your feedback is invaluable as we continue working to improve the property’s condition and ensure it is a safe and enjoyable place for families. Thank you again for bringing these matters to our attention. We hope you might consider giving us another chance in the future to provide a stay that truly meets your expectations. Sincerely, Benchmark Management
From a partner site

2/10 Terrible

Aaron C.

fRat House on the beach

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very dirty. I was very unhappy with the location. I was very dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: I knew this house was a little dated via the listing photos but it was a last second trip planned to the beach and we wanted something right on the water. This house was horrible. Rotting wood everywhere inside and out, black mold on the walls they tried to paint over, chipping paint everywhere, couches are stained brown, roach poop in the cupboards, hardest beds in 30A, so much rotten junk laying around the property. If I had to guess this house was hurricane damaged and never fixed. It’s not healthy to stay in at all. It’s a total hazard. Thankfully the booking company found us a replacement immediately, that was a huge upgrade. Do not rent this. It needs condemned or renovated. Health department needs to intervene immediately. Dr. Aaron Carmean.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2024
From a partner site

6/10 Okay

Bryson H.

Needs some work for the price.

Rating Details: The property manager was adequately helpful. The vacation rental was clean. I was very happy with the location. I was somewhat dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Hello. Great location and weather was perfect. Just a few things about the property to help make it more enjoyable for fellow visitors.1. We had to buy extra trash bags because there were not enough provided.2. The hot water handle in the master bedroom was loose and came off. Had to use the downstairs shower entire trip.3. The chains on the bikes were so rusty, they were extremely hard to ride and the tires had low air pressure with no way to fill them up.4. Hot tub never got hot.5. Kitchen lights would sometimes work. Had to get a chair to reach the bulbs to twist them to get them to come on.6. Could not get internet to work on any of the TV's even after calling customer service. We could connect our phones but the TV's would not connect. Could not watch TV the entire trip.7. Pictures displayed on your site make the place seem twice as big as it really is.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Oct, 2024
Thank you for your feedback and for highlighting our great location and perfect weather. We are sorry to hear about the issues you encountered during your stay. We will work to address the concerns you mentioned, including the hot water handle, bike maintenance, and the hot tub functionality. Please note that we only provide the initial trash bags as outlined in the amenities section of our guest guidebook. Your input is valuable to us as we strive to enhance the experience for future guests. Thank you for staying with us. Sincerely, Benchmark Management
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Jeff S.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness, communication, listing accuracy

Rat Infested Cottage Too

Lines of communication were horrific. Benchmark was going to send an inspector first thing Monday morning. After waiting 2+ hours with no inspector, we found another place to rent and told Tiffany that we were vacating this property for health hazards and filthiness, and that we were going to dispute all charges. We got a text message from Benchmark on Monday afternoon that they were going to send Florida Pest control over and Benchmark would come over after the house was treated by pest control....and they would change the sheets for us. We got another text message that Florida Pest control came over to the cottage THURSDAY and set some traps, and if any of the traps went off, FL Pest would come and remove them....3 days after we vacated the cottage. Thursday afternoon, Benchmark texted us and said finding alternate accomodations was a reasonable decision. Until major upgrades and rat problems are addressed, this rental should be shut down. Location was terrific, but the house is in extreme disrepair. Also, this house was definitely not cleaned before we arrived. I only got text messages from Benchmark, no verbal communication at all. If I had been in there position, I would've shown my face and apologized for the extreme trauma caused to my family. If I could give Benchmark a rating of negative stars, they deserve it.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept, 2023
Thank you so much for your feedback. We appreciate you telling us this so we can make sure this does not happen again. We do apologize, that you did not feel like you had our best customer service. We strive to make sure all of our guests have the 5-star vacation they deserve, and we strive to provide top of the line customer service. We do hope that you will give us another chance to provide you the 5-star vacation you deserve!
From a partner site

2/10 Terrible

Greg V.

Great location, but below average property in need of repairs

Rating Details: The property manager was adequately helpful. The vacation rental was somewhat dirty. I was more than happy with the location. I was very dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We had a family of 13 in the rental for a week. We assumed there would be plenty of room- given the property details it sleeps many more. We were wrong. It would be a magic trick to sleep this many people. On top of that, we were provided very few linens. Everyone had one towel and we had to wash constantly. The sheets had stains and were obviously old. The ice maker in the fridge never worked. They did send someone to look at it and he stated “you need to call someone to fix it.” The whole week- in July in Florida- no ice maker. The property is very run down. There are holes in the wall, a hole in the actual tub wall, the shower head is falling out of the wall, several ceiling stains, the back door handle is coming completely apart and makes the entire door difficult to open, the coffee pot is missing, the kitchen has no pantry- we used the bookshelves in the living room, the downstairs isn’t built well and there were bugs in it constantly.The pool is nice, but the landscaping hasn’t been touched in years and is grown up. We have stayed in this area every year for years. Always had really nice, large, beachfront homes. We have always been impresssd. This property cost more and was of much lower quality. I have photos of most of what I detail.
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept, 2023
Greg, Thank you for staying with us for your summer vacation! We are sorry to hear that we disappointed you in comparison to other properties you have previously stayed in. Should you ever have questions about specifics such as how many the house sleeps and how, feel free to give us a call and we will do our best to assist you. We have shared your feedback with the proper teams regarding your communications. The happiness of guests is our #1 priority, and more than anything we want you to enjoy your stay. We would love to welcome you back in the future for the chance to provide you with a 5-star vacation. Sincerely, Benchmark Management
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Julie M.

Fabulous location, Older home

Rating Details: The property manager was more than helpful. The vacation rental was clean. I was very happy with the location. I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: This property was clean for the most part. The location and views cannot be beat, but it seems the previous tenants had partied pretty hard there. Our family of 6 arrived at our 4pm checkin time only to find 2 maintenance people inside trying to repair some tvs. This was pretty awkward and unsettling to be honest. They were kind and left after about 45 min. So we couldnt unpack and head to the beach until then. There were quote a few things broken that they came and fixed by the end of the next day: shattered coffee pot, exposed live wires from a previously removed wall fire alarm (scary), nails sticking up out of the wood walkway to beach (several kids got hefty splinters),. Other things they did not fix... broken window shad that was hanging down when we arrived— couldnt raise blocking view of ocean, hole in door ina bedroom, shower handles dangling and large gap front door allowing insect pests inside. When we went to make breakfast for the family the first morning, turned on the oven and smelled something weird. We found an entire dish of old macaroni and cheese in the oven, the coffee pot had been shattered and left, and mustache stickers on the walls?? On the positive side, beds are pretty comfortable but definitely not luxurious, the convenience to the beach is amazing. It comes with one beach set up every day (2 chairs and 1 umbrella that Vaucazen comes to set up before 9am right in front of the ocean). There a sand wash off shower in the back. The place is very large with many beds and bathrooms. You are an 8 min drive to Publix. They over 2 old rusty bikes to ride one with flat tire). The poolWas clean but very small. Hot tub. There is a large storage container (outside in back) of sand toys, some beach chairs (some broken, some not), pool noodles, flippers, balls, etc. you can use. So don’t buy any before you get there and see what they have to use! All in all it was a good stay but I think we all expected a nicer place
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Oct, 2024
Thank you for your feedback on your recent stay. We appreciate your honest comments about the property's cleanliness and the maintenance issues you encountered upon arrival. We understand how unsettling it must have been to find maintenance personnel there during your check-in, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience it caused. We want to assure you that we have since addressed many of the issues you mentioned. Your safety and comfort are our top priorities, and we are continually working to improve the guest experience. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the location, beach setup, and the comfort of the beds. Your insights about the bikes and storage of beach toys are also valuable and will help future guests make the most of their stay. Thank you for staying with us, and we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future. Sincerely, Benchmark Management
From a partner site

2/10 Terrible

Erika H.

DO NOT STAY HERE: property in disrepair

Rating Details: The property manager was somewhat unhelpful. The vacation rental was very dirty. I was very happy with the location. I was very dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Paradise Cottage Too is in a state of disrepair. The entire property needs a deep clean, tons of upkeep, and several repairs. We arrived to a dirty house, with an unbelievable amount of trash all around the grounds, a grill covered in old food chunks with no grill brush, shower heads protruding from the walls, broken AND dirty dishes in the cabinets, broken handles on cabinets, kitchen cabinets in need of refinishing, a hole in a wall, broken dressers, a moldy smell, mold growing up the walls in 2 rooms, an air return vent COVERED in layers of dust, a deck with missing rails and broken boards which our kids nearly fell through, holes in the exterior walls, exposed wiring and rust all along the house, a dirty pool with debris everywhere, disgusting filmy and dingy couch and chair covers, broken decorative accessories haphazardly placed, exterior doors in need of replacement, the floor of the exterior shower rotted and collapsing, and broken bathtub drains among several other items. While management was quick to respond, no one remedied the situation for us financially. The repairman took the cabinet pulls off, drilled a few boards and beams back in, sanded down exposed nails at shin level, replaced a vent, tightened up a door handle, and glued a dresser knob back on. We were told the owners couldn’t make up their minds whether or not to tear the home down or fix it. No one offered to make any of this right for us considering the home was not even close to what was advertised especially considering the amount we paid for the rental. The location and view are great, but the home itself is in bad shape. Benchmark never took responsibility for anything, only defaulting to “we called the owners, but haven’t heard back”. Unacceptable. We will not be renting from benchmark again and plan to review on all platforms as to warn other travelers before they too are ripped off. Do yourself a favor and look for other accommodations through another compa
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept, 2023
Hey Erika, We always strive to provide a good experience, and greatly apologize that the mark was missed for your group. When we spoke over the phone, I noted each thing to relay to the property manager that met with you to discuss and forward to our maintenance team to correct ASAP. It's never ideal to have a vacation where you're dissatisfied with your accommodations, and we truly hoped to remedy your stay and get your vacation back on track. We are sorry that the provided solutions were not acceptable, and truly hope to have another chance to accommodate you again and provide a full 5 star experience. When you next book, please give us a call so we can find the most ideal property for your needs. Paradise Cottage Too is a great property for the size and view as it's a low price for a large gulf front home, and we never aim to sell it as anything otherwise. We hope to see you again under better circumstances, Erika! Sincerely, Benchmark Management
Verified

2/10 Terrible

Michael R.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Mold & Mildew Bomb

It takes a lot for me to give one star. I would give zero if possible. The location on the beach and deck are great. After that, everything went downhill. Annoying, but still 5 stars: I've never stayed at a rental, let alone at this price point, that did not include basics like salt & pepper, wine opener, and other 101 things that are typically included as part of the rental. All of the showers (excluding basement which has tons of cracked tiles) are plastic shower enclosures with tension curtain rods. Red Roof Inn has nicer showers. We were afraid to walk in bare feet due to rotten wood - outdoor shower almost not usable due to the amount of wood rot. The cleaning crew does a fine job of cleaning hard surfaces, after that, the house has not been "properly" cleaned in years. The ceiling fans were so dusty we were afraid to turn them on & the dishes were dirty and the cooking sheets had large chunks of food stuck on them. Maybe not a huge issue normally, but during COVID, we cooked at the place a good bit. Enough to knock this down to 3 stars: The pool was disgusting with algae growing on the walls and pounds of debris in the pool. The only reason we rented the place was for the beach and pool. The rental company quickly responded to the pool issue on Sunday. Pool company got there late Monday and said we couldn't use it until the next day due to the amount of chemicals they had to put in it to get it clean. Deal breaker: This house is a mold & mildew bomb - it is so bad that I question the safety of staying there. You can smell the mildew OUTSIDE from ~15-20 feet away. The house was built in the '70s and has not been maintained. Literally every single room has water damage in the ceiling and rotting wood. All of the vents have mold and mildew dripping from them. It looks like the owner/management tried covering up the mold with a Kilz like product, but the mold still bleed through. The mold was so bad that when we got home, we had to throw away anything that was not washable - cereal boxes, reusable grocery bags, etc. We had some clothes that we never took out of the suitcases - we've washed them 3 times and the odor is ALMOST gone. I wish you could post pics as part of a review or have people contact you. I hope no one ever stays here for free, let alone pays for it. .
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept, 2023
We appreciate you taking the time to share your feedback. We do sincerely apologize that you experienced any issues during your stay. The happiness of guests is our #1 priority, and more than anything we want you to enjoy your vacation. We hope to have you again for a more accurate representation of Benchmark Management’s care and customer service. Sincerely, Benchmark Management
From a partner site

2/10 Terrible

Lynne H.

Worn out house with great view

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was somewhat dirty. I was more than happy with the location. I was very dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: House was very dated and worn out. Small rooms. Great view.
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept, 2023
Lynne, Thank you for reviewing your recent stay with us at Benchmark Management! We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed the views provided by this property. We are however sorry to hear you were not pleased with the rest of the home. We will pass along your comments to the proper parties to ensure future guest have a pleasant stay. We hope you consider staying with us again, we would love the opportunity to provide you with the 5-star vacation we strive for here at Benchmark Management. Sincerely, Benchmark Management.
From a partner site

8/10 Good

Brad W.

Old(er) Home in Great Setting

Rating Details: The property manager was more than helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this property as it provided us unlimited beach access as it is oceanfront and was close to the best of everything the Seaside/Seagrove area has to offer.You have to know going in that this is an older home with some age showing, but it still has a fun vibe that families and adults will enjoy. It's a throwback to the original Seagrove Beach and raking in the oceanfront view each day will not disappoint.
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept, 2023
Brad, Thank you for sharing your review! The views, private pool & spa, private boardwalk, and central location are all wonderful amenities that make a trip to the beach feel like absolute paradise. We hope to see you again soon for another great beach getaway! Sincerely, Benchmark Management
From a partner site

6/10 Okay

Danielle N.

Typical Beach House

Rating Details: The property manager was adequately helpful. The vacation rental was somewhat dirty. I was more than happy with the location. I was somewhat dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: The good was the location and size of the house. It was perfect for our party of 9 but any more than 10-12 it would be a tight fit. It was great to have the pool for the kids after a long morning at the beach. The bad was a few things... the toaster was broken, landscaping around the pool was severely overgrown, noticeable mold and ceiling peeling in most rooms (with a musty smell), and most significantly was the pool fence that wouldn’t latch. The fence post itself has been rusted out for quite some time but this was/is a safety issue and concerned our group given having young kids.Overall for the price we would not stay here again.
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept, 2023
Thank you so much for your feedback. We are glad to hear that your family enjoyed the location and size of the home. We always aim to resolve any issues with guests as quickly as possible during their stay. We, unfortunately, did not receive any communication of the issues you had, or we would’ve been happy to assist you! We would love for you to give us another chance to provide you with a great beach vacation. Benchmark Management
Verified

6/10 Okay

Sue E.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Communication, listing accuracy

not as advertised, would never stay here again

the other reviews list this property as mildewed. we were assured that it got a deep clean about a month before we stayed there. however, the truth is this property is MUSTY. there’s nothing cleaning will do, it’s embedded in it. the house has a lot of beds but the actual living space is really small. the rug in the living room still had what seemed to be white cat hairs on it. it was definitely not well cleaned. upon arrival we were told the pool heater was broken and no one would be out to fix it for minimum 7-10 days and they refused to use another pool company. that was a major issue given the spotty march weather and all the wind that had red surf warnings almost every day. the view was great. but this house was way overpriced for what it was. the must had one member of my family up coughing each night for 2 hours. we have been renting here for a decade and have never had such poor management. would never rent from benchmark again. for this money, you can get MUCH nicer accommodations. we still had fun because the beach is gorgeous….
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept, 2023
Hi Sue! We appreciate you taking the time to write a review of your stay at Paradise Cottage Too. We're sorry to disappoint you in areas of cleanliness and property condition; We greatly appreciate your feedback, as this will help us provide a more pleasant experience for our guests. It is unfortunate that you find the smell of the home overpowering among other issues and have already shared this information with our team for improvement. A refund of the pool heating fee was issued to your card, we know it does not compensate for the troubles, but this is our way of acknowledging your concerns. Thankfully, you still managed to have fun at the beach despite the misadventures. We would love to welcome you back in the future for the chance to provide you with a 5-star vacation. Sincerely, Benchmark Management
From a partner site

6/10 Okay

Kelsey M.

Fall Break Trip

Rating Details: The property manager was very unhelpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was somewhat dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Overall our stay at this home was great. It's got a wonderful spot on the beach and the mostly private driveway into the house is wonderful. We had 2 families of 10 people staying and it accommodated us nicely and could have fit a few more people. The bedrooms were great, cute, and very comfy. You definitely need to consider renting a golf cart to get to town easily. Would be quite a walk otherwise and parking for vehicles in town is scarce. I do have a few negatives for this house. The pool picture shows 4 loungers, only one was present. Not a big deal but we would have used the pool had there been enough loungers. The door knob on the back door in living room was broken upon arrival and was a constant annoyance to get opened every single time. The 5 tvs in the house were not operational. We contacted the property management a few times... the first call we were asked "is this a repair emergency?" the second time we were told a technician was coming (they never did) and the third time we were told the internet provider would be looking into it. Overall we enjoyed our stay for the beach location and the were quite comfortable. I would stay here again if these corrections were made but would also recommend a better answering service in case issues do come up.
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept, 2023
Jonas, Thank you for staying with us at this Gulf-Front home in Seagrove this year and for taking the time to share your detailed review. We agree, this home is a great choice for larger families! Your suggestion of a golf cart is a great idea, many people prefer to get around on a golf cart in this area as it does seem to be a bit easier to get around and find parking, especially during busier times like fall break. While we do our best to keep our pictures up to date, we are unable to guarantee owner-provided items, such as pool loungers. This information has since been shared with the proper departments to get proper updates completed, though! We have noted your feedback about our after-hours service as well and will discuss that with the appropriate team. We are always available via phone call, text message, email, and live chat to properly assist you. We would be honored to welcome you back for the opportunity to offer a complete 5-star stay to accurately represent our customer care and attention to detail. Thank you, Benchmark Management
From a partner site

4/10 Poor

Carla P. Y.

Renter BEWARE! MILDEW/MUSTY/DUSTY

Rating Details: The property manager was very unhelpful. The vacation rental was very dirty. I was very happy with the location. I was very dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: I will start with the positive, the porch and the view was amazing. The weekend was the 55th birthday celebrations for 6 lifelong friends. Upon entering the home it smelled like a damp basement. The entire house smelled like mold and mildew. The air return vent was covered with layers of dust and dirt, visible dust and dirt. The bunkroom on the bottom floor was the most musty and there were no curtains on any of the windows, so that room was not useful for dressing or sleeping. The bushes and foliage around the pool is overgrown and there was trash and debris around the property. The second floor bedrooms didn't have curtains and the couch and loveseat both had stains and just didn't look clean. We tried to contact management and they sent the cleaning sve back to the house; but they still only surfaced cleaned. This property is tired and definitely in need of a refresh and update for the amount of $ they are asking. We stayed at the property because we paid $6,000 and there was no available rentals with a comparable view, we looked. I have been home for five days and my luggage, purse, the contents of my purse and my clothes all still smell like damp basement. I have washed my clothes twice to try and remove the odor. The management company after many calls has only agreed to compensate us 5% of our cost. We stayed at the property and didn't expect a full refund but 5% is a slap in the face. I will NEVER use rent a Garrett Realty/Benchmark Property again. Obviously, Benchmark only cares abt the bottom line and not the customer.
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept, 2023
Carla, Thank you for staying with us at Paradise Cottage Too this summer with your friends. We are sorry to hear that we let you down in areas of cleanliness and property condition; we greatly appreciate you providing us the opportunity to resolve these issues as soon as we could. We will share your feedback for matters outside of the home to the proper team in hopes the landscaping can be addressed. We did send our cleaning team back to the home within 24 hours as you requested, we are sorry to hear that our efforts were not worthwhile in improving the condition for your stay. We apologize that you feel we did not care for you all even though we offered a solution both during and after your stay for your below-average experience. We do our best to provide all guests with a 5-star experience and we falter from time to time, so we appreciate your honest feedback. We have taken your comments into account and will do our best to provide better beach vacations for all moving forward. Thank you, Benchmark Management
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

A guest from Fayetteville, AR

Best Location on the Beach

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Private walk to the beach. Pool when you are tired of the sand. Can't think of anything that would improve the set-up
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept, 2023
Hi Mark, Thank you for sharing your feedback on Paradise Cottage Too home. We were so happy to have you and we appreciate your response. We work hard to bring ours guests the best vacation experience possible. The home is located in a great spot, and yes the pool is nice option to have besides the beach. We can’t wait to see you again, thank you for being such great guest. Sincerely, Benchmark Management
From a partner site

2/10 Terrible

Erika H.

DO NOT STAY HERE: property in disrepair

Rating Details: The property manager was somewhat unhelpful. The vacation rental was very dirty. I was very happy with the location. I was very dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Paradise Cottage Too is in a state of disrepair. The entire property needs a deep clean, tons of upkeep, and several repairs. We arrived to a dirty house, with an unbelievable amount of trash all around the grounds, a grill covered in old food chunks with no grill brush, shower heads protruding from the walls, broken AND dirty dishes in the cabinets, broken handles on cabinets, kitchen cabinets in need of refinishing, a hole in a wall, broken dressers, a moldy smell, mold growing up the walls in 2 rooms, an air return vent COVERED in layers of dust, a deck with missing rails and broken boards which our kids nearly fell through, holes in the exterior walls, exposed wiring and rust all along the house, a dirty pool with debris everywhere, disgusting filmy and dingy couch and chair covers, broken decorative accessories haphazardly placed, exterior doors in need of replacement, the floor of the exterior shower rotted and collapsing, and broken bathtub drains among several other items. While management was quick to respond, no one remedied the situation for us financially. The repairman took the cabinet pulls off, drilled a few boards and beams back in, sanded down exposed nails at shin level, replaced a vent, tightened up a door handle, and glued a dresser knob back on. We were told the owners couldn’t make up their minds whether or not to tear the home down or fix it. No one offered to make any of this right for us considering the home was not even close to what was advertised especially considering the amount we paid for the rental. The location and view are great, but the home itself is in bad shape. Benchmark never took responsibility for anything, only defaulting to “we called the owners, but haven’t heard back”. Unacceptable. We will not be renting from benchmark again and plan to review on all platforms as to warn other travelers before they too are ripped off. Do yourself a favor and look for other accommodations through another compa
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept, 2023
Hey Erika, We always strive to provide a good experience, and greatly apologize that the mark was missed for your group. When we spoke over the phone, I noted each thing to relay to the property manager that met with you to discuss and forward to our maintenance team to correct ASAP. It's never ideal to have a vacation where you're dissatisfied with your accommodations, and we truly hoped to remedy your stay and get your vacation back on track. We are sorry that the provided solutions were not acceptable, and truly hope to have another chance to accommodate you again and provide a full 5 star experience. When you next book, please give us a call so we can find the most ideal property for your needs. Paradise Cottage Too is a great property for the size and view as it's a low price for a large gulf front home, and we never aim to sell it as anything otherwise. We hope to see you again under better circumstances, Erika! Sincerely, Benchmark Management
From a partner site

4/10 Poor

Rachael P.

Dirty Broken Down House in need of Renovation

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was very dirty. I was somewhat unhappy with the location. I was very dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: My rental experience was one of the worst I have had in 20 years traveling to 30A. House was dirty. As in filthy. Old food and trash left lying around in the outside areas. Slip covers on sofas covered in food and dirt. None of the TVs in the bedrooms worked, cable half functional in living room. Shower handles in master bath broken, toilet in master bath broken, pool heater broken....I could go on and on. I was horrified at the lack of cleanliness during a pandemic. Wine all over the walls of kitchen. Not near enough living space for the number of bedrooms. The only redeeming thing about the house was the view of the ocean however there is a public access literally on top of the house so if you were sitting on the balcony you got to wave at all of the people walking up and down the public access. Awful lack of privacy! Once the pool heater was repaired the pool was enjoyable. Steps down to the pool felt like they were going to collapse at any moment. Property in dire need of landscaping, cut back, clean up, weed removal etc.... The staff at Benchmark responded quickly and we had repairmen at the house for the first part of the week trying to make all of the necessary repairs. The staff seemed to be genuinely concerned and they did not charge for the pool to be heated.
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept, 2023
Rachael, Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We are so very sorry about how your stay went, as we do try to maintain our homes to the best of our ability and it's never fun to know that we didn't give you the experience that you deserve. We are glad we were able to send our maintenance crew out to make the repairs needed and that you did recognize our concern for both your stay and the home. We wish we could have been able to achieve a perfect review and provide a perfect stay for you! We do hope that you'll give us another chance in the future! Thank you, Benchmark Management.

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