We really enjoyed our stay at Mariano's place. First of all, the LOCATION. If Hotel Sheldon weren't next door you'd see straight to the water. I could see my parked car when I was hanging out on the beach. Check-in was easy. I was worried about the parking because Hollywood Beach was POPPIN the first day of our stay (there were no spots available in the private lot when we arrived bc someone was parked there improperly) but the rest of the visit I never had a problem parking in my spot. I would imagine that might turn out to be a problem if the beach were super crowded bc people start parking everywhere illegally. So head's up that the private parking might require a bit of enforcement at times. The apt is exactly as pictured. I'm originally from Miami and it's a very "South Florida" apartment to me. Everything was clean and all the essentials were available. We had a cold snap while we were there and there were even space heaters in the closets.
The reason I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5 is a couple of things that could be better: 1) the guest bedroom has a separate entrance in it. I didn't realize that from the pictures. I had my toddler sleeping in there and it was a little worrisome because there was no childproof latch/lock and my kid could reach the lock and theoretically just open that sh*t up. I don't want any wandering kiddos! I suggest that the property owner puts a latching lock up high so the door can be locked from the inside in a way where a kid cannot open it up. (Having the adults sleep in that room was not an option bc it had 2 small twin mattresses in a trundle style, versus the king bed in the master).
2) The trundle beds in the guest room were not comfy at all. I could tell even by sitting on it. I brought a pack n play for my kid but I wouldn't want to sleep in there.
3) Minor gripes: The chairs/small table out on the entrance patio are a cute idea but the walkway isn't wide enough, and it makes it a pain in the a** to try to get suitcases in and out. It also might be an egress hazard. The kitchen had coffee grounds, creamer, and sugar for the drip maker... and no coffee filters. I bought my own and left the rest in there so folks should be well-stocked for the foreseeable future.
It was a good experience at a GREAT location. Thanks for having us.