8/10 Good
Maggie B., Columbus, OH
6 Feb 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, listing accuracy
Nothing better than being directly on the beach with a pool, but there were some issues
The good: 4 BR, on the beach, semi-private pool, interior great for a big family
Not listing-specific, but as Ohioans here for the 1st time, we noticed: properties in this gulf region are much more $$$ than further south in FL. Traveling w/5 kids, we opted to pay more in order to cut 3-7 hours out of the drive. Also, there's not much vegetation relative to further south. And not walkable - no sidewalks on this main drag. Feels a little desolate.
The bad:
-Chiefly, the pool was broken for ~3 days. After repair, the underwater light never came back on (thus robbing us of pleasant nighttime swimming ambience). Things break. That's life. But unfortunately mgmt didn't make it right via small partial refund, gift cards, etc. (something I know exemplary VRBO listings do). We paid a premium for a pool that was unusable for almost 1/2 the stay.
-Outdoor shower plumbing leaks everywhere when in use & is "secured" w/duct tape. Vacuum cleaner doesn't work.
-Stingy amt of supplies: 1 dishwasher pod, etc. Maybe that's the standard in Gulf Shores, but definitely doesn't feel hospitable for a place that sleeps 12
-Confusing communication after booking. An unsolicited & vague text from property mgmt read like spam. Before I engaged, I messaged the owner on VRBO to verify legitimacy
-"Clean" bedding was sandy upon check-in
This year we're driving 4 hrs further south to stay at a place w/almost same amenities, 1k more sf, but at half the price.
Maggie B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023