Sand Pebble Resort — Hotel in Treasure Island

Some of my favorite childhood memories were spent at this place. I just moved back home to Florida, and I wanted my boyfriend to experience how wonderful Sand Pebble was. We only live about an hour away, so on a whim, we packed bags, and we drove out to Madeira. We went in to ask about a room, and the girls at the front desk were too busy talking about work schedules to help us until my boyfriend said excuse me. One of the girls finally said "Do you need help with something?" I asked if they had any rooms available, and she said they did, but it was a two night minimum. We could have stayed for two nights, but we would have to get up really early check out day so I could go to work, so we left. On the way to the car, I started crying. My boyfriend went back in to ask how much two nights would be, came back to the car, and told me it would be $75 a night. We decided to check our other options, and drove down the coast until we found a great little resort to stay at. A couple of weeks later, I had two days off again, so I figured I would give staying at Sand Pebble another try. I called ahead, and I asked the girl that answered the phone if they had a room for the next two nights available. She told me there is a three night minimum. I asked why it was now three nights when two weeks ago it was two nights, and she said "Its three nights". Honestly, I just hung up on her. It makes me really sad that a place I spent so many great years of my childhood at could have changed that much. I would have been a very loyal customer to them, as I am somewhat local, and staying at the beach is one of my favorite things to do. However, in the process, I did find an amazing new place to stay, with a great staff that remembers your name, and is always happy...

I arrived yesterday at 8.30pm and there were other people outside trying to get in the building so they could check in and get their key just like me. The building was locked and thanks to another man and his wife who are staying here opened the door for us and helped us. Now we couldn't get the keys to the units because they are locked up in a box that needs a combination to open. Nobody knew the combination. After calling the resort number a few times I got a guy who gave me the combination and we were able to get our keys. The nice man staying here even helped me with finding the unit and told me how to get the combination for the building next time we are locked out. The unit seem fine, but one of the pillows on the bed had black mascara stains all over and on both side, the remote control in the living room was dirty and sticky and broken and the TV in the bedroom doesn't have a signal so you can't watch TV. And their channel line up is very strange and it doesn't match the channels listed in their manual. These people had my email and phone number and they could have an email this information to us so we did'nt feel so lost and worried about where are we going to spend the night today after traveling all day and being super tired. Not a good look for the service of...

We were aware that "B Units” (smaller lock-off) at Sand Pebble had some poorer reviews, but were pleasantly surprised by the resort, the unit, and the staff. The resort is easy walking distance to John’s Pass (channel and drawbridge between Treasures Island and Madeira Beach) with seafood restaurants and myriad aquatic activities; and the walks along the beautiful soft white sand was a reminder of the real Florida – no high rises and beautiful beaches and sunsets. The B Unit #107B was sizeable and comfortable, with two flat screen TVs and an extra in-room A/C (the A/C controls were in unit 107A but we were always comfortable. As a couple, we would have preferred one King or Queen bed. There was no dishwasher in the very small kitchenette area so all dishes were hand washed. The only complaint was that the two stove-top burners did not heat to HI temperature, and it took a while to boil water for tea. The pool deck area was well maintained, and the hot tub was Hot! Beach access was simple. Parking was easy under cover or open. Overall, the resort was right sized for the location and amenities. All staff were helpful...