Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was spotless.
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:
The positives (there are many): The unit was clean and had all amenities advertised, including wonderful views of the gardens and ocean. The property mgmt staff were responsive and helpful. Be sure to flip over the envelope with your keys to see the photos guiding you to the correct parking area -- we missed that initially, but staff got us to the right place. Beds and linens were comfortable, and pool towels were appreciated. The negatives: There were a few maintenance/minor repair items we flagged at arrival -- kitchen stove hood and primary bath vent not working, blinds jammed in secondary bedroom, door handle falling off primary bath door. I was surprised staff merely said they'd pass on the info -- no acknowledgement of less-than-optimal condition, but OK. I do hope they repair those items for later guests. The main issue we had was with the huge difference between the "sunning beach" shown in the listing photos and the current conditions. Apparently the property was dealing with an erosion problem (as are most coastal communities), and installed a coral rock revetment (wall) that replaced any dunes or vegetation you see in the "sunning beach" pictures save 2, sad palm trees with roots exposed in the surf zone. The area with chairs (seaward of the pool) is now a flat section of compacted fill behind the wall; not loose sand you can wiggle your toes in, and if you're lounging in a chair, it's tough to see the ocean over the wall. The "beach" and "aerial" photos in the listing showing dunes/vegetation and crossing must either be old (pre-wall construction) or from Smathers Beach? Either way, current photos and/or clear photo captions in the listing would've better managed our expectations and plans for use of the property. Fortunately, the pool and spa area were great, and we made good use of them instead. Overall, we had a fine stay, and would recommend the unit provided the few minor repairs are made.