Our family is deeply disappointed in the support provided by Peace Vacations for our recent visit. Our party was made up of 2 grandparents, 4 parents, and 4 teenage grandchildren. We had many options that would comfortably house our extended family. We chose Ocean Rest for three reasons: (1) use of a private, heated pool; (2) access to a beach within walking distance from the house; (3) access to a clubhouse where we could dine on-site and as a place for our teens to hang out and our adult children to exercise. In the end, none of these amenities were provided. We were not informed that the property was for sale nor that it was sold. We would have insisted our reservation be cancelled…we have dealt with this situation and would have wanted no part of it.
(1.) Despite talking with rental agents in February and again two weeks before our visit confirming that we wanted the pool open and heated, and despite being charged $1200 for that, we arrived to find the pool filthy with a tattered cover still in place. It clearly had not been touched in months. Calls to the rental office led initially to being told that the new owner didn't want to open the pool, then that your liaison contacted them that they had to make good on the previous owner's commitment, then the pool guy was missing a part, then that he was arriving on Monday, then that part didn't come in, and then……nothing at all other than refunding the money.
(2.) We were informed that there was beach restoration going on in the area. We were not informed that this was happening within a block of the house, that the noise would be incessant and the nearest access point to the beach where cars could be parked was a mile away.
(3.) We were initially told that our access to the club would be the same level chosen by the owners, i.e. that the access came with the house. Then we received notice that there was some sort of conflict between Peace and the club and we were on our own to negotiate access at a cost of $200 a day. When I called the club, I asked what we would receive for $200 a day. They said: a parking space at the club, that their pools would not be open, and we could eat in their restaurant when it was open on Thursday-Saturday. No use of the tennis or fitness facility or golf course. Very clear from their attitude that short term renters were not welcome.
The house itself was adequate, if a bit worn, but all outside spaces were filthy. My grandkids cleaned the porch furniture so we could sit on the deck. My son-in-law cleaned the grill and swept the walks. As above, we could use neither the hot tub nor pool. I do not believe the pool person was ever called nor ever visited the property and we were put off with lies and excuses. The 3rd night was interrupted by an animal caught inside the wall at 4:15 AM…I reported it but no one ever came to the house. The final night was interrupted by the carbon dioxide sensors going off…no one had bothered to change the batteries. My husband unplugged them.
So, was this a peaceful, restful or calming visit? NO! We made do with excursions outside the community. As my son pointed out, for $10,000 a week, we should not have had to “make do!”