Polynesian Village Condominium by Panhandle Getaways

We rented an ocean-side condo through Airbnb, and it was just steps from the ocean with easy access to both the beach and the condo. The two-story place felt much more homey to me than a high-rise. Shopping and restaurants were close, too. There’s a complex across the street with a pool, but the ocean views and easy beach access kept us so content that we never even saw the pool. I’d highly recommend staying here.

The beach was perfect and not crowded, and its access was easy and well maintained. Parking was easier to get in and out of than at some other condos nearby. Pier Park is a 15-minute walk up the beach, which was a great bonus. The condo has what you need for a relaxing getaway without being over the top. The owners were kind to let us stay, and we’re grateful. There’s no elevator, so if stairs are a problem, be sure to stay on the first floor. Thanks again for helping make our vacation that much better!

About eight months ahead, we booked 109 Beachside Polynesian. The day before, while we were already traveling, we got a text saying the stay was canceled and we’d receive a full refund. We were very disappointed and had to scramble to find a monthly replacement in a single day. I would never rent from the person who owns this unit. The reviews say she double-books and that guests have had someone walk into the condo using a code. She is disrespectful and unreliable, and she didn’t respond to our calls or texts. Beware when renting this unit. She has several units, so double-check whether she’s the host.

Room 210 might look nice, but no cold water for bathing or washing dishes is ridiculous. The TV didn’t work, and none of the codes to access the network worked either. It was all miserable. Don’t take this room if they offer it, and look somewhere else. It was nearly impossible to get a response. When they finally emailed, they just talked in circles. A “maintenance” man eventually showed up three hours after the call, opened the closet where the water heater is, looked in, and closed it again. He said it had a smaller water heater, so it took longer for the water to heat. But wouldn’t a smaller one fill and heat faster? They knew about the water heater problem beforehand, as she admitted in one of her hard-to-get texts. Even if they offer a different place to stay or a refund, they don’t follow through.