This was a tough review to write because it's so mixed... And I'm just thinking of what others might have to deal with when traveling here for the first time.
Check in and Communication
We picked up the keys in Roses, but weren't told which apartment we were in, or what to find where. We've been to this area before, so we were familiar with it and maybe just assumed too much. So, there was a number on the key, I knocked on the door, and the owners of the apartment were pretty surprised to see us. We figured out that there was a second number on the key...
We didn't have the pass code to get into the garden or up and down to the beach (I felt awful nosing around trying to find the way into the garden). There was NO information in the apartment itself either. Neither how to program the air conditioner or how to get into the garden, or whether there were showers for after swimming.
We got all the info, but I've never had to write so many text messages with a host. This is the problem with organizations who rent out a lot of properties. It's missing the more familiar touch. It's why I usually book over AirBnB. HOSTS think of these things. COMPANIES rarely do. For example, there wasn't even any drinking water when we arrived, which is just a small but wonderful gesture. But having info about the restaurants opening and closing times, or the pass code to the beach...??
We had a few issues during our stay, too, but the realtor responded quickly and we figured things out, and they even sent people in to make repairs (and they were really great; very funny and effective).
Internet
We broke down and rented the Internet service the realtor provides. In the end, once we figured out the gadget, it worked relatively well (you're going to need your own charger; for five EUR a day I kind of expect to find one in the box...). There is general WIFI available through other sources, but we have used it before and it is consistently disrupted.
Apartment
The apartment is roomier than it appears in the photos; the balcony is a bit smaller than it appears, but overall, it's a fabulous place. We had one small child, a dog, and the two of us.
You'll need mosquito protection in the summer. There's a good way to get airflow into the house from the north side, and that worked well. The nights were muggy in the parents' bedroom because even with the windows open, not enough airflow from the south.
Air conditioner...meh. It helped but we feel guilty using it and it's old and noisy and...meh. TWO fans would have been the solution. We had one in the kid's room but none for us and that would have spared us from monkeying around with the air conditioner and sleepless nights caused by poor air circulation.
Location
We absolutely love the beach and the area for swimming and relaxing. And we had a great time. It's our first time here with a child, too, and I have to say, it was heaven to be able to send him down to play in the garden. We could even keep an eye on him when he was on the beach. The garden is great, with pebbles, so it's easy to keep clean but dogs are allowed throughout the unit and the garden and some owners just don't pick up after them... so for little kids, you're going to have to watch out. There really should be an etiquette about this. Which, by the way...
Dogs
If you are debating whether to take your pet with you, please note: this is NOT a dog-friendly area. Though the building allows dogs, and other dog owners and dogs are great here, don't believe you are going to have your pet with you at the beach. There are dog beaches you can drive to (about 30 mins away and they are a riot for dogs and their owners), but otherwise be prepared to get up early, take your dog down to the beach and then hide that animal from about 9 a.m. until late evening. You'll get nasty looks and comments otherwise, and to be honest, not all cultures are prepared to pick up after their animals (France, we're looking at you), so we understand the reasoning: the beach is amazingly clean and should stay that way.
We always walked our dog in town for his business before heading down to the sand for his run and swim.
We were able to take him to the restaurants and bar, but always having to go AROUND the beach during peak bathing times. If it's hot, it's torture for the dogs. There are very limited sidewalks in town, or "green areas" for them. Also, bring your own water dish. The animals are tolerated but nobody goes out of their way to make sure your pooch is comfortable.
Water Pressure
With the current drought this year it is wholly understandable and forgivable that there is so little water pressure. However, when you're tracking sand through the WHOLE building (we were on the top floor) and the shower outside dribbles, (..and with a kid who rolls around in the sand all day...omg), we were struggling trying to keep things clean. The water pressure in the house was really, really, really low. We had to have plumbers come in and help unplug the drains.
Logistics - shopping and parking in the area
Street parking is tough if you go anywhere (which we rarely did) because during the day everyone drives down to the beach and parks on the streets. Shopping is limited in town and will stretch your culinary imaginations. You'll have to go into Roses, and, again, you'll need ALL the basics.
Other Practicalities
I've posted about this on previous trips to this area. If you