South Seas 3, 401 Marco Island Vacation Rental 2 Bedroom Condo by RedAwning

The beach and its great views were a highlight, especially at sunset, and I liked the small but handy gym in tower 3. Parking was good, the grounds were clean and well lit, and the gated community had security. Guests and residents were nice. Condos range from modern to ones that need updating. The pool was nice, though some of its rules seemed silly. Keep an eye out for crabs, little lizards, and snakes. That’s Florida, ha. I’d give it 4.5 out of 5.

Our unit was spotless and stocked with all the essentials. The view of the crescent beach was one of the best.

The pool and beach were perfect during our two weeks in Tower 3, Unit 204, but the rental itself was the worst I’ve ever had. The complex could use updating, though it was fine. Inside the unit, everything felt neglected: filthy windows, musty carpets, stained sheets and towels, and dirty furniture so old you sank into it. There was almost nothing stocked, despite my not expecting owners to provide much, and the flour had ants in it. The beach chairs ripped when we sat in them. It was the worst rental experience I’ve had.

We paid to stay in a million-dollar condo and still got a pretty awful experience. Nobody warned us about major construction in the building and the room next door, or that every car would need a $100 pass to be on the property. The guards were constantly on the lookout for cars without passes, and way too intense about it.