Gulf Gardens Resort — Hotel in Madeira Beach

This complex accepts only personal checks. We sent the deposit for an agreed price of $650 per week. Manager Dave sent us the receipt two days before or trip for a higher amount. He did correct the amount when we arrived; however, he denied that it was he himself who scheduled the unit with us. In the process of leaving for the airport, we forgot or checkbook (we never travel with checks because cash and card are the only forms of payment nearly all places will accept. He stated that there were two pull-out beds to accommodate our children who are older- the room was too small to open them both. The unit was not clean. We promptly told him about the issue regarding forgetting our checkbook. I went to the bank and delivered a cashier's check that covered more than half of our trip. My husband and son were leaving after only a week and my daughter and I were staying for 3 weeks and 3 days. Manager Dave said that my husband could mail the rest of the payment when he arrived home. As soon as my husband and son left, Manager Dave was at the door raising his voice with a disturbing look and demeanor regarding the remainder payment. I asked him what he wanted me to do because we had my step-son mail a check written to gulf gardens without the amount or signature. Did he want me to have my husband transfer funds so that I could get another cashiers check?? He said no, rubbed my shoulder, and said he was "just doing his due dilligence"... highly inappropriate!! He proceeded to come to the unit and sweeping just outside the door early in the morning (very small unit and can hear EVERYTHING outside! The unit leaked water down the wall and into the filter and airduct during a rain storm. He admitted that the owner of the unit did not take care of it. He continued to say that or check has not arrived after five days... ??? Then he was at our door in the morning on Sunday with the check that HE filled out. At this juncture I made plans to leave with my daughter on Monday due to his continual conduct as aforementioned (we were paid to stay Sunday evening plus $50 over. I could not discuss my change of plans... the next place we stayed at was not available until Tuesday evening. But he already, illegally, filled out or check and yelled that he was not leaving the doorway until I signed it!! I got my daughter out of there and paid quite a bit of money to stay in a third place for two nights. But I was no longer nervous by this manager Dave after leaving. I left the dirty place immaculate. He sent a woman over there as I was leaving. There were some very nice residents there but the unit we had was misrepresented and awful and the manager was highly inappropriate in the absence of my husband. I read a similar posting in an earlier review but did not see that before we booked there. Do not recommend at all... he ruined half of our trip, was dishonest, and as another person reviewed, he was stalker-like... plus I was paid in $150 over the amount of time...

I will give 2 stars due to the fact the person who owned our unit (#9) took very good care of it and provided everything we may need! However, the property manager from the beginning made me feel uneasy and was very “stalker” like. My husband and I are smokers, there are smoking areas (not designated properly and also no receptacles for disposing of butts) surrounding the grounds. From the day we checked in I didn’t get good vibes from him. I felt as though he was trying to catch us doing something wrong. He made a very untrue statement to our unit owner upon our departure claiming “he saw my husband walk out of the unit with a lit cigarette”. Resulting in a not so perfect review for us. My husband was outside, 5 feet away from the “smoking section” sidewalk and out of habit lit it before he got there and the manager saw it, and my husband saw him and ran to the sidewalk and apologized repeatedly. Seems petty I know, however when you make false statements that can potentially effect the future of our renting abilities it becomes a huge issue. We spent most of our days off the grounds or at the beach due to the fact we felt like we were underage doing things we weren’t suppose to be doing, he watched our every move. We were warned by other tenants/people staying there of him. This may be a better place for 60+ vacationers/residents and of course non smokers!! Because you’re clearly judged and not trusted to do the right thing and follow...

We found Gulf Gardens doing a vrbo search for a place with ocean view, a pool and also in the most affordable range. That was in 2013. All I can say is you have to go here to believe how great it is! The managers are Imre and Maria and they are so accommodating and sweet; they also work very hard to keep the landscaping beautiful on the property. There is a nice pool with a grill and large picnic table area right beside the pool. We used the shower for our feet coming back from the beach a couple of times a day, before going back into our condo. We have rented unit 17 these past two visits. It has a view of the ocean because it is on the upper level. Each unit has its own layout, (square footage is small), so you can look and choose according to what your needs will be. ||Don't forget to walk down to John's Pass for shopping and food. On the beach there are chairs with cabanas or umbrellas to rent; this is a great value and we have always done it. Visit the Salvador Dali museum in St. Pete if you have time. Use the local trolley; get information before you do so that you'll have correct change or can get a pass for the week. ||You won't be disappointed with the location and beautiful property here -- it's small and quaint, great location and wonderful...