The Pavilion by Royal Stays

The apartment we’re staying in is lovely, with a balcony looking out over the beach and pool. The ocean views are beautiful, and the staff have been very kind and accommodating. The interior hallways are a little dated, but it’s nothing too bad.

The ocean view from the eighth floor was beautiful, and there’s private beach access with a shower to rinse off the salt. The building has an old historic feel, with a granite entrance, spiral staircase, and grand piano. The hallways had AC blasting, and there was a security guard at the entrance. I didn’t notice many other amenities. It’s in a prime but quieter part of mid beach, though the renovated building still has a musty, wet-carpet smell. Parking is valet only. I’d call it about 3.5 stars.

My family and I booked a week at the Pavilion for roughly $300 a night. A couple of days in, the ceiling by the room entrance began leaking. I put a trash can under it and notified the staff, but they did nothing until the next morning. Then someone opened and closed the air vent and said everything was fine. Not long after, the ceiling caved in and dumped everything onto the floor. I took photos when the leak started and after the collapse. Now we can’t use the AC and have to open the windows for air. It’s 90 degrees in Florida, which isn’t what we want. I’m trying to get some sort of compensation, even a full refund, for the disruption to my family. My two-year-old daughter was in the room when the ceiling fell, but luckily we were about 12 feet away. I’d like the owner of room 719 to contact me.

I’m going to file a complaint with the Division of Florida Condominiums. I had a few boxes to carry, and the receptionist told me to use the large elevator. Then they charged me a fee for using it with those boxes. Residents were using that same elevator, but staff suddenly approached me as if I’d committed a crime. Being treated that way leaves a bitter taste. It feels like they can take advantage of you and do whatever they want.