Amadeus 9

The only thing I’d change in Unit 9 is adding a TV to the main bedroom. We loved the place, and so did my fiancée and our two kids. The balcony was spacious, the AC kept everything nice and cool, and the clean unit had plenty of room. Fishing off the dock was a highlight. I caught several spotted seatrout and catfish, plus a few fish that looked like tilapia, though I’m not sure. The heated pool was lovely, the dock was in good shape, and the beach was just a 3-4 minute walk away. Check-in was easy with the door code, and this was so much better than a motel. We stayed 10 days and wished we could’ve stayed 10 more. I don’t understand the negative reviews. This is definitely our new vacation spot, and we’ll be back later this year.

The condo’s inside feels like a thrift store, especially the kitchen, where nothing is updated or coordinated. The quality of the furnishings made me wonder whether the owners stay here themselves. Still, there’s a comfortable living area, two private bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a great balcony. We liked the canal view and the space on the balcony. Bring your own toiletries and anything else you expect to need. The beach and grocery store are walkable, and John's Pass is a short drive away.

We would have left if a family wedding hadn’t been happening half a mile away on Sunday. This unit feels neglected and badly needs renovation. We’ve lived in Tampa before, so we know bugs and sand come with Florida, but we’ve had ants and gnats since the first day, and the vents are filthy. We’ve been sneezing, and walking barefoot leaves everyone’s feet black, including visitors who came by. The disposal didn’t work, and on arrival there was rotten food and eggshells in it. I had to pull it out with a glove because of the smell. The cleaners had left the stoppers in both sides of the sink over the food. The tub’s badly worn nonslip surface seems dangerous, and the bedroom shower barely rinses soap from my hair. Both toilet paper holders are loose, and there’s nowhere to store the plunger. Light from the corridor comes through the bedroom window covering. The furniture is in rough shape too: the plastic wicker-looking bedroom pieces are dirty, the living room upholstery is stained, and the kitchen chairs have no padding left. The pullout sofa bed is worn, stained, and very uncomfortable, and the only blankets are winter fleece ones. A counter stool has a broken crossbar. There are no ceiling fans, which is unacceptable in this heat. The pool needs vacuuming; a skimmer alone doesn’t seem like enough, and I wonder whether it even has a filter.

We spent four weeks in Amadeus unit #2. It’s a spacious, clean place with a big living room and a comfortable bedroom, wicker furniture, and an ensuite. The balcony is private and pleasant, though it doesn’t have a view. There’s no elevator, and the building has only parking at ground level with rooms on the second and third floors, so I wouldn’t recommend it to seniors. The kitchen layout is awkward: the fridge hits the stove before it can open fully, and the cupboards make the dishes hard to reach. On the first day we moved them to the washing machine so we could get at them. Kitchen utensils are also in short supply. The pool was warm enough, but not very clean, and the coping needs a good scrub. We had an issue with a TV, and Resort Rentals quickly sent a replacement and a stand that needed assembly. Kenny did a great job, thanks, Kenny. Publix, Walgreens, restaurants, and public transport are nearby.