This place is cute and modern looking, and it photographs well. Everything is straight from an IKEA showroom in the best way possible. It was a nice place to stay—plenty of room to sleep and eat, plus easy access to the beach. The kitchen had enough basics to make meals when we wanted to, and it turned out the valet parking was lovely and convenient.
…but with all of that said, here are some significant alerts for future travelers: $30 fob fee, $10/day parking, Susanna not a great communicator, building old & musty, and staff grumpy (except valets).
More detail below.
ABOUT ADDITIONAL COSTS:
1. Valet parking (required) was $10/day. We didn’t know this until the day before we left.
2. The key fob was a *non-refundable* $30. Again, we didn’t know about this until the day before we left.
Also, FWIW: The fobs are dime-sized (literally), so that it’s a miracle if you don’t lose it in 24 minutes, let alone 24 hours. Bring a keychain to make the fob findable.
ABOUT BEING SUSANNA’S GUEST
1. Susanna answered our request for a *plunger* by telling us she would call a *plumber* at our cost. She could just as easily have said “it’s under the sink in the other bathroom,” which is where we eventually found it.
2. Extremely minimal instructions were given about what to do with towels, bedding, garbage, dishes, etc. We did the best we could, stripping the bedding we used and piling up the towels —but after her plunger email, we were scared of doing it incorrectly.
3. We were also told if “sand” was found in the unit, it would cost us another $100. This is a beach condo! We did our best and always washed outside/took off our shoes at the door. We also swept the unit completely, but it was a Sisyphus-like task.
4. The linens are all washed in fragranced detergent and/or dryer sheets. Anyone sensitive to smell may need to re-wash & redry.
ABOUT THE BUILDING:
1. The entire building smelled of must and mildew (doused in cleanser). If you have asthma/allergies, this isn’t the building for you.
2. The pool closed at random times. We were told dawn till dark, but we were kicked out while it was still light, including once at 6:00 pm (in March).
3. There is a laundry card in the unit, but it has to be loaded with money before it will work.
4. There is only one luggage cart for the entire building, and it only fits in the service elevator.
5. Speaking of the service elevator — get used to it. You’re not allowed to use the regular elevator if you are coming/going from pool or beach.
Bottom line: Except for the valets—who were WONDERFUL—the rest of the building staff treated all the guests (including me and my family) as if we were recalcitrant children.