This house was perfect for my family. We had my husband, myself, and our 8 year old daughter, my son, his wife and their 1.5 year old, my son and girlfriend, and my cousin with special needs. So 9 of us total. The house was clean, open, inviting, fun and had all the amenities we could ever need. It had an air pump to air and deflate the pool items. Outdoor shower to rid ourselves of the sand. The pools were great and in the back yard but required us to walk a very short distance to enter through the gate. Everything felt safe here. There was even a small electric vacuum to rid my vehicle of the sand! Laundry facilities in house and were great! Enough dishes to use throughout the day. We found it a little tough to store a lot of food in the fridge but managed. I ran into a few hiccups upon arrival but texting for help to Panhandle - their response time was immediate. Our king bed was great! The two rooms upstairs are a little small but ok - queen beds/closet/nightstand. The hand soap in all the bathrooms/sinks were great. Loved the room sprays from Sand & Fog were amazing! I ordered for my home on the drive back! Although we could walk to the beach we chose to drive every time. We had so much stuff to take. So we chose a close beach (close to waterpark) that always had parking and were away from hotels but close to bathrooms/souvenir shop/and a restaurant. We paid $12 for a full day to park there. You have to download an app. The converted garage was helpful for it had open space, extra mirrors and hairdryers, and open play area and two sets of bunk beds. The back patio grill was great. Beach towels are not provided but they do have lots of towels for the pool. We did laundry often and vacuumed sand daily.
The only negatives, Master room - door would lock but not latch and the master bath pocket door doesn't lock. The sprinklers tend to come on at a very strange time - when we're playing in the back yard in the evenings. : )
also - Since it slept 14 the house comes with 14 wristbands to wear at the pool -- so that is convenient. If you lose one it's $50 to replace. I wasn't sure how that worked so letting curious people know.
We loved our time here. I researched a lot to find the place that fit us. We needed four bedrooms and three bathrooms. That was my minimum and it narrowed my search greatly. Ultimately it came down to the reviews. When I booked it, this property was owned by an individual and her reviews were amazing. She ended up selling her property to Panhandle so I had to rebook. They honored my dates and price and have been attentive to all my needs. I'm not sure if they will take all the little extras out of this property or not but I hope they choose to keep it exactly the way it is. We made a lot of memories here!
I've never wanted to vacation at the same spot twice but this trip was amazing and i'm thankful for this house and all it...
Read moreAfter reading the first paragraph, you will want to jump down to the 2nd paragraph!
Brittany P. was super nice and very helpful in getting us booked in the best condo for the money! She and I talked over the phone once and exchanged several texts that I felt like I was bothering her, but she replied to every one of them with promptness and kindness! Thank you, Brittany P., for making this easy and fun!
Unfortunately, upon arrival, our experience with local management fell off of the cliff! Upon arrival on Sunday evening, we were told that the dishwasher was broken, and a new one would be installed on Monday. On Monday we were told the dishwasher would be installed on Tuesday for which I requested compensation. Come to find out, the activities that were offered "in good faith" as compensation were part of our rental, yet we were made to believe they were making a grand offer to us!
At one point, we were offered a total of $70 ($35/day comp) and a late departure on Sunday. I did not hear anything from Panhandle Getaways after Wednesday, and this was because I asked for the rental agreement as a reply to PG's notice to boil water after a water main break in town. After I told this "manager" I needed it for a consumer protection claim for which I retold the story AGAIN and was offered the same activities as were offered earlier in the week. This debacle was "pushed up the ladder" again.
Another manager, Joe, said he would help me with this issue and yet again offered me the same activities that were part of the rental. Oh, by the way, when the activities were first offered, a link to the ones being offered, at least that's what was implied, only to find out that another "manager" sent this link by mistake. And my wife's arm is in a cast making it impossible for her to wash dishes in the sink!
And then another "manager" called me this morning after Joe supposedly sent all the information/notes to her, at least that's what his text said. A few seconds of conversation with her did I realize that supposedly the only info given her that we had a concern with the dishwasher. And she didn't do anything sooner because she was off yesterday! I asked her had she not read any of the notes from this week about the unprofessional manner in which the whole situation was handled? She had not.
She ended up offering a settlement of $252.00 for which I reluctantly accepted.
Attached are screenshots of the texts along with a snapshot of my rental agreement showing that the activities offered in compensation were already available to me! Though the last manager thought that I said that she was incompetent, what I actually said was that Panhandle Getaway booking agency is incompetent!
I hope no one else has to experience this as my family did and wish that each of you has a wonderful experience in this beautiful resort.
Mark...
Read moreThis was my first trip with Panhandle Getaways and how I learned about xplorie. I was very impressed! I had a question and called and spoke to a very knowledgeable representative who answered all my questions. I was able to book two activities on my phone. It was simple and easy. When I booked my VRBO, I had no idea this service was available. I will definitely be booking again. These perks were very much appreciated and fun!
The condo is exactly as the pictures shown. The condo was clean, roomy and well maintained with a good size kitchen and living room. Master bedroom was lovely with a king size comfortable bed. There was a Jacuzzi tub in the master bath, large walk in shower, two sink/vanities and large walk in closet with plenty of space for additional clothing. The balcony was great with extra seating, table and lounge chair. You can see the ocean from the large sliding glass windows/doors from both the kitchen/living room and bedroom. The pool is well maintained with plenty of lounge chairs and tables with umbrellas. There is also an outdoor jacuzzi and exercise equipment (building) on the the property.
This was our first time to the Florida Panhandle. The sand on the beach was the whitest and pristine we have ever seen (no garbage and well maintained). The water was clear with beautiful turquoise and blue colors. You can rent beach chairs/umbrellas or bring your own. From the condo you have a gorgeous view of the ocean and pool area.
We were glad we rented a car as most restaurants are not close, although you can walk to the Back Porch restaurant. There are many other restaurants on the water and other choices inland. Highly recommend Moe's Original BBQ and Harbor Docks. There are also many seafood markets nearby.
Be sure to read the property emails before you arrive as they provide check in specifics. You must pay $15 per guest for wrist bands for pool and beach access. You will get the bands from the front desk after registering your car details for parking on a link they provide. There are plenty of luggage carts available and the condo is located on the 1st floor so it is easy to access. The stairwell is directly across from the front door also near the garbage chute. There is plenty of outside parking. The staff (security and janitor) were very helpful and friendly and we felt safe at all times. The pool and ocean gates are only accessible by code provided (another safety feature).
We highly recommend this property and we look forward to...
Read more