We are very familiar with Marco Island, having rented Condos on the island for the past few decades.
The owner neglected to advise us that during the month of October the outside of the building, facing the ocean, was under renovation. Merida's management advised us that all owners were given numerous FYI's that this renovation would be under way and ongoing until completed. They assured us that this owner should be well aware of the situation.
Upon arrival, we were greeted with lanai furniture in the living room. The first rental day, workers were on the lanai covering the sliding doors in the living room and master bedroom with opaque plastic. We could not see or go outside for six days nor could we use the living room. We made the owner aware daily of the situation. At some point she offered a refund of $500.00. At that point, we did not feel that sum was a fair amount.
Week number two, the plastic was removed but workers were on our lanai weekdays beginning at 8:00 AM to 4:00/4:30 PM. This lasted the duration of our stay (we were there 30 days).
Daily, we sent the owner texts and pictures of the workers on the lanai. At some point, she (Kimberly) told us to vacate and she would refund the money for the the balance of the stay. We declined because finding another rental at Cape Marco was going to be impossible based on the 30 day minimum stay requirements (at this point we had roughly three weeks left of our rental vacation).
Also, we were not advised that during this month owners can remodel their units. So, between the outside painters sanding the building and the next door units being renovated, which included tile cutting equipment on their lanai, noise and dust were a constant issue.
VRBO was contacted about this issue. They told us that they contacted the owner and advised the her to contact us to find a resolution. At this time we have not heard from the owner. We have been waiting for 17 days.
We have received the security deposit refund and no other communication from the owner.
The best part of our Marco vacations is sitting on the lanai and looking at the ocean. Weekdays, (20 days) we could not sit outside or have ANY privacy because of workers looking in at us. The workers had access to the lanais via suspended platforms.
Our experience with this owner has ruined our vacation.
