Sterling Sands 103

We left and booked another resort right away because the room was in such poor shape. It was disappointing enough that we didn't stay to ask for a refund. At nearly $300 a night, we expected a clean, maintained, updated place, but there were rusted fixtures, damaged furniture, stained bedding and furniture covers, scuffed walls, and worn, exposed trim. The unit felt neglected and wasn't clean. The online photos looked incredible, which is why we booked without hesitation, but the actual room was nothing like them. The price is unacceptable for this condition, and there was little urgency in helping us put things right. I rarely post negative reviews, but people should know the experience didn't match the photos.

We arrived at 1:30 a.m. on June 8 after parking our rental car and collecting our bags. Chris from security was out in the lot handling parking enforcement, but still went above and beyond. He welcomed us, showed us to our room, and made sure the parking and welcome packet were ready and correct, all in the middle of the night. He was the most helpful, accommodating, and personable hotel, condo, or resort employee I've met in the US. Thank you, Chris!

The unit was clean and the view was nice, but I couldn't tell what my $500 resort fee covered. It didn't pay for the mandatory $15-per-person wristbands or parking, and chairs and umbrellas cost extra because we weren't allowed to bring our own. With all those fees, I didn't expect to have to take out my own trash. Save the money and get a hotel.

The location is right on the beach, with access, and the people were friendly. But there isn't much nearby for food or groceries unless you're willing to walk about 20 minutes. The pool is small, and the place feels a bit rundown and in need of updates, more like a hotel or cheap Airbnb. We were told we'd have access to beach chairs and an umbrella, but didn't, so we had to pay separately. They also wouldn't let us check in early on Saturday, even though we'd asked, leaving us waiting four and a half hours at a restaurant with all our luggage. And there's absolutely no late checkout.