Ramsgate on 30A by Panhandle Getaways

The views are stunning, the place is secure, and the location is great. Ocean Reefs was Johnny on the spot and great to work with. But I’m ashamed I brought my wife here for our 50th wedding anniversary. Unit 8 really shouldn’t be rented until it’s renovated. It needs repair and probably a full gutting. The paint is old and faded, and the baseboards are peeling and dirty. The overhead counter lights don’t work. There’s no drawer for knives and forks, just a makeshift "trough" mounted on the wall. The kitchen has only the bare necessities for two people, and the microwave door can’t open all the way because of the cook top. The deck has cheap plastic chairs. Inside, the furniture is old, scarred, has peeling paint, and is uncomfortable.

The beachfront location is the one thing this condo has going for it. Unit 8 badly needs updating. The kitchen barely fits one person, and the oven door hits the refrigerator so it only opens a little. There are drywall cracks and mismatched paint patches from attempted repairs, plus exposed wires under the kitchen sink. The living area’s standing light doesn’t work, and there was no battery in the remote for the ceiling fixture. The bedroom blinds are very noisy, especially with an oscillating fan, since the AC temperature is limited. I also think every vacation place should have an outside grill. And with all the non-cable and satellite options around, there’s no reason for such a limited TV selection. Sorry for the negative comments, but at this price guests deserve better.

Pelicans fly by the windows and dolphins pass most days. The beach is clean and quiet, and you can see the milky way in the wee hours. The apartment is a little dated, but it’s clean and the bed is comfy. The fridge keeps the beer cool, and the toaster and cooker make amazing avocado toast. Think my wife helps a little bit. A little piece of paradise by the sea, I love this place.

A lovely, quiet place to get some rest and unwind. It’s really beautiful, and check in and check out were easy.