Sadly, our stay at this vacation home was overshadowed by several issues, which we hope the owners will address to improve the experience for future guests.
One main concern was the poorly supplied kitchen, which made meal preparation difficult. For example, there was a lack of measuring cups, no tea kettle, and minimal kitchen tools, such as a peeler. Despite frequent cleaning, ants persisted on the countertops and inside the microwave. Furthermore, the cleanliness was subpar, evidenced by dirty plates, bowls, and a coffee maker that still contained grinds from the previous guest upon our arrival.
The house layout also proved inconvenient. With the master bedroom's en-suite bathroom, three bedrooms shared a single bathroom. The washer and dryer were only accessible through one bedroom, turning laundry into an uncomfortable chore. Additionally, the ominous messages posted on the washing machine regarding towel overloads were off-putting.
While the property's proximity to the beach initially seemed attractive, most of the beach was off-limits due to private property markings, making it hard to find a suitable spot to relax. We were also disheartened by the absence of advertised pool toys. Despite confirming the availability of pool noodles beforehand, none were provided, leaving our children disappointed.
During our stay, we encountered several maintenance issues, including a malfunctioning air conditioner in the master bedroom and a toilet with flushing difficulties. The former required a service call to the property manager.
The property manager's unannounced visits were unsettling, such as when he appeared at our screened-in porch during our dinner without knocking or ringing the doorbell. His irregular presence around the property without warning added to our discomfort.
On a brighter note, the home provided ample parking and an open-concept layout, which fostered quality time together. Nevertheless, the overall experience was underwhelming. We hope the owners will consider these concerns and make the necessary improvements for future guests.