The Parrot Nest

Parrots Nest Cottage #4 Toucan was cute, clean, and a good size. It’s actually a duplex, a short distance from the main street, with a restaurant within walking distance and the beach just a short walk away. The bed was very comfortable, the A/C worked great, and we appreciated the Keurig, beach chairs, umbrella, and decent toilet paper. A few practical things could be better. There was no ice tray, so we bought a bag of ice, and another towel bar or two in the bathroom would help. The only mirror was too high for me to see more than my neck unless I stood on tiptoe. There was also a hole in the wall by the sliding glass door that went outside, so we stuffed it with toilet paper to keep bugs out. We were told how to open the lockbox, but not how to lock the door when leaving, which we eventually figured out. On day two, installers were expected at 9 a.m. to put up blinds in our room. Since we’re not morning people, we went out for breakfast and planned to shower once they were done. They still hadn’t arrived when we got back. I started my shower shortly before 11, and of course that’s when they showed up. We weren’t happy that they’d been given the code to enter our room.

For a budget friendly stay, I’d recommend #3 Macaw. The room and bathroom were newly remodeled, very clean, and nicely done. It was quiet, with parking right by the door, and the little kitchenette came in handy. The complimentary bikes were a nice touch, too. We could walk to old lighthouse Beach and the Bay. The thick memory foam mattress was really comfortable; the pillows need replacing, and that’s my only complaint. Check-in at 4 p.m. and checkout at 10 a.m. felt a bit tight, though that’s normal around here, so I can’t single them out for it. We stayed one night.

We booked for a month and were very disappointed. We travel six months of the year, and this was near the bottom of our list. The unit might work for a stay of three days or less, but it was hard to live with longer. There was no counter space, so the coffee maker had to sit on the refrigerator and even making a sandwich was difficult. The small table was the only workable surface. Kitchen supplies were sparse: about ten pieces of cutlery, one sharp knife, a corkscrew, no can opener, one pot, and two skillets. There was also an uncovered electrical outlet beside the front door. The only mirror was so high that at 5'4" I could see my head only with shoes on. The vanity was a kitchen cabinet and very tall. We got no fresh linens during the month. I understand there was no maid service, but there was no washer or dryer either, and paying to wash the linens was the only alternative. The TV was tiny, and the vinyl seats or chair that turned into a twin bed were extremely uncomfortable. We could hear everything from next door through the bathroom vent.

After Hurricane Ian, the place was refurbished nicely and feels very cozy. It’s close to the beach and a great little shopping mall. At Tuttles Shell shop, the owner, 'Bob', told stories about the damage to his store and how his nearby home was completely washed away.