IN SHORT
Responsive, highly professional host (Thanks Alain!)
Well-appointed, clean apartment with exceptional features (such as reserved parking spot, private back porch/pontoon, new appliances), located in a safe and highly desirable location.
EVEN SHORTER
Go with Alain and this apartment. You will not regret it!
THE LONGER 10-POINT REVIEW
Throughout the rental process – from booking to check-in and out – Alain provided timely, clear information and instructions.
1. Location
Hollywood Beach is not far from the Fort Lauderdale airport; it cost us $13-$21 via Rideshare services depending on time.
This apartment is located less than 500 ft/150m from the Broadwalk, which translates to a 2-minute walk to the beach.
Morning: perfect to head to the less-busy Broadwalk for a pleasant stroll among bikers, joggers, and walker of all ages.
During the day: going to and coming from the beach at will, to take a break from the sun or grab a bite.
In the evening: a stone-throw from all the eateries, bars, entertainment that Broadwalk has to offer; yet, as soon as you are home, you cannot hear any noise and can have a quiet evening/good night sleep.
Getting around the neighborhood feels safe: be it walking in the morning, strolling in the evening, or going out at night.
2. Parking & Transportation
If you drive or rent a car to Hollywood Beach this apartment is for you.
It comes with an assigned parking spot! It is pure luxury, because parking in this area is difficult: there are no free parking zones, pay on-street parking is actually scarce and pricey ($3-4/hour); so is parking in the ramp(s) nearby.
If you do not plan on having a car, there are convenient ways to get around town:
Rely on Circuit (https://www.ridecircuit.com/hollywood) for pick-up and drop-off anywhere you choose (so long as your install the Circuit phone app). This is a cost-effective and time-efficient way to explore downtown Hollywood, or go grocery shopping (Walmart, Publix, etc).
When in a pickle, there are many convenient stores nearby (all less than a 0.75 mile / 1km away).
3. Neighborhood & Complex
This apartment is in a prime location with regards to the beach, the Boardwalk, and businesses.
As mentioned earlier, getting around the neighborhood feels safe: be it walking in the morning, strolling in the evening, or going out at night.
The apartment complex offers a residential feel: during our stay, we barely heard any music or conversations. Neighbors are particularly quiet and friendly.
Noteworthy: Private Back Porch/Pontoon
You may at times socialize with neighbors in the private back porch/pontoon, with small tables and benches for residents to use.
Additionally, the rental unit comes with a reserved pontoon space and two lounge chairs: a perfect spot for breakfast by the waterways, or to watch gorgeous sunsets.
4. Apartment
It is a true apartment - one bedroom, one living/dining room, kitchen, bathroom – that is well-maintained and well-appointed, just as pictured. Bathed in natural light throughout because every room has a window with blinds in all rooms!
Space is plentiful and optimized, and storage is more than adequate: you will not feel cramped and can enjoy staying in.
Noteworthy: front door keypad
You do not have to worry about key sharing, and you know you will not have to worry about losing a key at the beach.
5. Capacity & Condition
The unit is ideal for two adults. Space-wise (and because of the pull-out couch), it could accommodates two adults and two small children, or at the most three adults.
But again, two adults do not feel cramped in this apartment.
The entire unit is extremely clean: from the bedsheets to the bath towels, from the appliances to the couch, from the kitchen to the bathroom. It is spotless.
6. Air conditioning & Fan
The apartment is ideally equipped for Southeast Florida’s hot and humid climate: it features a strong and quiet air conditioner that cools the entire apartment. If that is not enough, you can always use the bedroom ceiling fan.
On milder days or nights, the windows throughout the apartment allow for good airflow.
7. Bedroom
The bedroom is extremely quiet. It features a queen-size bed with a comfortable mattress; it offers enough storage space in the form of two end tables, a six-drawer dresser, a linen closet, and a flat screen tv.
8. Kitchen
The kitchen is well-equipped and ideal for any (short or extended) stay: a clean, odorless full-size fridge, a powerful microwave, an excellent (and safe) induction stove top, a toaster oven.
The cabinets are stocked with all quality essentials: induction pots and pans of all sizes, sharp kitchen knives, many kitchen utensils. It all makes cooking a breeze!
There are enough dishware and silverware for a family of four; so that is definitely more than enough for two travelers.
Aside drinking glasses and coffee mugs, you will find a wide assortment of specialized glasses: tumblers, Martini and wine glasses, etc.
Alain stocked enough dish washing soap and garbage bags for our seven-day stay.
9. Bathroom
Thanks to its window, the bathroom gets natural light and can be easily aired to let built-up moisture escape.
It has a great walk-in shower, with clean tiles & grout, and good water pressure.
The storage (a medicine cabinet) is adequate for one’s essentials.
The toilet is clean and flushes well.
Our great host, Alain, made sure that we had enough bath and beach towels for our one-week stay. We also never ran out of toilet paper or paper towels.
10. WIFI & other amenities
The WiFi signal is strong throughout the unit and offers sufficient bandwidth if you need to get work/videoconferencing done.
Clothes rack
The apartment conveniently comes with a clothes rack, an iron and ironing board.
You can air dry your beachwear and beach towels.
You can iron your outfit and dresses for an evening/night out on the town.
Pull out couch
2 Flat screen TVs
End table with integrated power and USB outlets
Iron & ironing board
Hair dryer
Broom,