SandDollar

Our family booked this home to be able to have easy access to the beach, and it did not disappoint. Having little kids, it was the perfect location. We enjoyed our stay! The house was clean and updated enough for our stay. We’d stay again!

Pros: Location, decks, and views

Cons: Downstairs beds are not comfortable and furnishings are worn and dated

Every room in the house had a great view of the ocean. Only critique I have is the Queen mattress in the guest bedroom and there only being a Keurig coffee maker rather than a pot. Otherwise, the house was perfect!

We absolutely loved this house. The layout, the full 180 view of the beach/ocean. We liked the location and subdivision very much. We rented a golf cart and loved the beach access boardwalk that allowed golf cart access. The top floor with kitchen stocked with everything you need. The only 2 issues we had were the BEDS. In a house of this caliber...we expected "heavenly" beds. The mattresses were old and worn out. The master bedroom was no good, the 2nd bedroom mattress was cheap, hard and squeaky. And the 3rd bedroom was an antique frame with a 6" ****** mattress with springs that stuck in your back. Our guest ended up taking the cheap mattress off the twin bed and sleeping on the floor. My parents were also very uncomfortable in the 2nd bedroom. My husband and I slept in the master and went home from our vacation with lower back pain. Very disappointed. The BED is the most important part of any vacation rental. The 2nd problem we had with the house is that there was no proper window covering in the bedrooms. The Master bedroom had zero window covering and nothing covering the door window and all are facing the porch area where guests that are on the porch can look directly into the bedroom. In addition, most people want the ability to close window shades to make the room dark for early sun light and/or afternoon naps. Same thing on the guest bedrooms.

I stayed at this beautiful house in October with three friends having a reunion after many years apart. The house was absolutely perfect. Great unobstructed views of the dunes and the ocean, nice updated decor, plenty of fluffy towels, and very clean inside and out. (And I am unusually picky about things being clean. Just ask my kids.) The kitchen was well equipped for a couple home-cooked meals but the house is also close to dining options in Port A.
We got so comfortable on the huge deck overlooking the dunes that we rarely wanted to leave though!
My only minor complaint is that some of the beds are not as comfortable as others and probably could use replacing.

The property was great! It was clean, well laid out, and had everything we needed. The location to the beach path was perfect and every room has an ocean view. I would definitely stay here again.

Manager's Response

Me and my family loved our quick trip to the beach for my birthday. The SandDollar house was perfect for us. We loved the location and the house. The only thing is we wished there were some privacy blinds in the bedrooms and master bath.

Manager's Response

Me and my family loved our quick trip to the beach for my birthday. The SandDollar house was perfect for us. We loved the location and the house. The only thing is we wished there were some privacy blinds in the bedrooms and master bath.

Manager's Response

The house was the perfect location right next to the golf cart accessible boardwalk. Lots of space on the decks to enjoy the nice ocean breeze with views of the gulf!

Manager's Response

Great location, right by the boardwalk and with views of the beach. We have stayed here with another family and on our own. We love the updates that have been done to the property. Great place to stay!

Manager's Response

Family vacation

Family vacation

This beach house rental was a true gem!! Excellent location right next to the boardwalk to beach; very clean, fun colors and decor, easy property management to work with, perfect for our family!!!!

Manager's Response

Love the house and it’s proximity to the beach. The beach, however, was too crowded this year. I’m guessing that’s because of the break from quarantine.

Manager's Response

Love the house and it’s proximity to the beach. The beach, however, was too crowded this year. I’m guessing that’s because of the break from quarantine.

Manager's Response

We had a wonderful time last week in Port A and this lovely house was perfect for our family. It was super cute and in excellent condition. Everything was very spotless and well appointed. The location was right next to the boardwalk and access to the beach was super convenient. The noise from people going back and forth was nominal and not bothersome at all. The only drawback which was not troublesome either was that the windows only had light coverings and were not blackout shades but we enjoyed the mornings with the sun coming up and even our teenager was able to sleep in. We would definitely recommend this house and rent it again.

Manager's Response

This was our first time to visit Port A, and I'm so glad we found this rental! It was perfect for our stay. Easy beach access, the boardwalk to the beach is right next to the house. We loved hearing & seeing the surf from the house. Huge decks to enjoy the view. Everything was clean , plenty of room for everyone to spread out/ have their space. We'd love to rent this home again in the future!

Manager's Response

We had a wonderful time! The Sanddollar was actually better than we anticipated - in very good condition and clean. It was perfect for two couples as it has a nice master upstairs and a great bedroom downstairs with a large bathroom (with a huge shower). Also a darling kids room with 4 bunks that we did not use.

Manager's Response

We took our teenage boys and their friends for Labor Day. The beach was PACKED. But, this house is so dear and located right next to the boardwalk. It has the most fabulous porches to enjoy the beach views.

Manager's Response

We enjoyed sitting on the back deck at night, the view was fantastic. The place was very clean and the kitchen was well stocked with what we needed to cook. Highly recommend getting a golf cart. While there are multiple beds and plenty of space, it was a tight squeeze for our adult children with bunk beds but we made it work. The location was perfect. Would definitely rent again.

Manager's Response

We had a wonderful vacation at Sand Dollar! The houseiss a great layout and updated nicely - even better in person than the photos. The kitchen was well equipped with everything we needed to cook. We rented a golf cart and used the new golf cart boardwalk that is right next to the house. It was very convenient and made getting to/from the beach an ease. The garage is accessible which was great to store our beach gear every night. My only negative is that the bedrooms lack window coverings and there is little privacy (especially in evening) being next to the neighborhood boardwalk. At night, golf cart lights shine into the second floor bedrooms as they cross the boardwalk. Overall a great experience though, and we would definitely recommend Sand Dollar!

as always,the properties that Starkey has are A-one. thank you also goes to Penny.

Manager's Response

This was the third time renting this location. As usual it was fantastic. This home is ideally located near the Gulf. The house was clean and kitchen had all necessary supplies. Always enjoy working with Starkey Properties. They are attentive, responsive and willing to help and make your experience positive. Will do it again if property is available next time.

For 10 years we have used Starkey to rent 288RD - a beachfront property in Royal Sands. Easy on-line review, date selection and payment for property has alway been a key factor and Starkey has kept up with their on-line revs system to keep making it an easy process. Their response to issues with unit has also improved. When we have had issues in timely repairs, it has been the "owner's" fault in responding slowly to approve or address repair.

The unit has needed a new refrigerator for several years now! Pooling water (coming from?) on interior shelves can mess up food items and is one big problem that has continued to occur (we continue to report it).
The size of the refrigerator really does not support the number of house guests this unit is listed to hold. Ice maker can not keep up with demand. (Be ready to buy ice if there are more than two in your party).
Hopefully the owner will finally address this need before 2020 summer and GET A NEW LARGER REFRIGERATOR!

If you pay for a "luxury" unit then you should expect top of the line accommodations! Ten years ago this was a luxury home but while its rental costs remain at a luxury rate, the unit is showing signs of age and is not keeping up with the new generation of luxury beach houses. But, we are use to the house and keep coming back because it is a true beachfront property. However, the new boardwalk next door (wide enough for golf carts and their loud music) and some newly built houses have taken away the 180 degree view and the "serenity" that you once had looking out over the dunes at the Gulf from this property.

For 10 years we have used Starkey to rent 288RD - a beachfront property in Royal Sands. Easy on-line review, date selection and payment for property has alway been a key factor and Starkey has kept up with their on-line revs system to keep making it an easy process. Their response to issues with unit has also improved. When we have had issues in timely repairs, it has been the "owner's" fault in responding slowly to approve or address repair.

The unit has needed a new refrigerator for several years now! Pooling water (coming from?) on interior shelves can mess up food items and is one big problem that has continued to occur (we continue to report it).
The size of the refrigerator really does not support the number of house guests this unit is listed to hold. Ice maker can not keep up with demand. (Be ready to buy ice if there are more than two in your party).
Hopefully the owner will finally address this need before 2020 summer and GET A NEW LARGER REFRIGERATOR!

If you pay for a "luxury" unit then you should expect top of the line accommodations! Ten years ago this was a luxury home but while its rental costs remain at a luxury rate, the unit is showing signs of age and is not keeping up with the new generation of luxury beach houses. But, we are use to the house and keep coming back because it is a true beachfront property. However, the new boardwalk next door (wide enough for golf carts and their loud music) and some newly built houses have taken away the 180 degree view and the "serenity" that you once had looking out over the dunes at the Gulf from this property.

Great house
Great location

Great house
Great location

We had a great stay.. we have been staying here for the past 4 years and we love it. It has an amazing view from the back deck and the new board makes it easy access to the beach. However, this time the house was a bit dirty. There was dog hair everywhere. We had to clean before we even settled in.

Manager's Response

We had a great stay.. we have been staying here for the past 4 years and we love it. It has an amazing view from the back deck and the new board makes it easy access to the beach. However, this time the house was a bit dirty. There was dog hair everywhere. We had to clean before we even settled in.

Manager's Response

We had a great stay.. we have been staying here for the past 4 years and we love it. It has an amazing view from the back deck and the new board makes it easy access to the beach. However, this time the house was a bit dirty. There was dog hair everywhere. We had to clean before we even settled in.

Manager's Response

You won't do much better than this rental. A few maintenance items were quickly rectified. A trifle dated, but quite spacious with FULLY equipped kitchen.... Very quiet surroundings. Wonderful beach. Very good view of gulf from top floor and deck where master bdrm, kitchen and main living room are. Pricing seemed fair. Would go back.

Manager's Response

You won't do much better than this rental. A few maintenance items were quickly rectified. A trifle dated, but quite spacious with FULLY equipped kitchen.... Very quiet surroundings. Wonderful beach. Very good view of gulf from top floor and deck where master bdrm, kitchen and main living room are. Pricing seemed fair. Would go back.

Manager's Response

We highly recommend this vacation rental. Our second time to stay at this beautiful home with a family vacation reunion of nine.
we stayed four days ending in July 2017. Amazing house!! Beautiful views and Spacious!!!!
This house is immaculately clean. The selection of colors and decor of the rooms were stylish. Each room has french doors leading onto the deck with spectacular ocean views. The second level deck was superb with a large round table and comfortable chairs for six. It was the event of the day for morning coffee,and evening conversation with music and cocktails. The breeze was warm and magnificent. My favorite part was watching the sunrise from the bedroom deck. It was momentous,quiet,serene, and spiritual. The kitchen had ample pots,pans,dishes,glasses,and cooking utensils;however I do recommend scouring pads or a brush for cleaning the pots. The only supply was a dish cloth. The mattresses on the bunk beds were noted to be uncomfortable and needed replaced. The living room needs more seating capacity, preferably a larger sofa. The new boardwalk deck leading to the ocean is literally at your doorstep,and a great asset to this home. It is unbelievable, so close to the beach!!! I highly recommend this home. The location is great!! My top priority will be to rent this beautiful home again.

Manager's Response

Although the house was very nice and the view was amazing, the beds where very uncomfortable. We have stayed at this house a few times and love it but we do hope they update the beds eventually.

Manager's Response

Although the house was very nice and the view was amazing, the beds where very uncomfortable. We have stayed at this house a few times and love it but we do hope they update the beds eventually.

Manager's Response

Although the house was very nice and the view was amazing, the beds where very uncomfortable. We have stayed at this house a few times and love it but we do hope they update the beds eventually.

Manager's Response

Although the house was very nice and the view was amazing, the beds where very uncomfortable. We have stayed at this house a few times and love it but we do hope they update the beds eventually.

Manager's Response

Our 8th time to stay at this property.
An outstanding view of gulf and dunes from 3rd floor and its covered deck. A GREAT, QUITE place to sit, cool off, or read and enjoy the view! THIS IS WHY YOU RENT THIS PROPERTY!
We noted some resent upgrades to furniture.
But, Master's bed mattress needs replacement and some wear & tear issues keep this property from rating 5 stars this year.
There is a MAJOR ISSUE with the development's walk way to beach! Poor maintenance and sand removal at beach end of walkway makes it very difficult to get on to beach.
ROYAL SANDS DEVELOPMENT NEEDS TO UNDERTAKE MAJOR WORK TO CORRECT BEACH ACCESS WALKWAY!

Manager's Response

Our 8th time to stay at this property.
An outstanding view of gulf and dunes from 3rd floor and its covered deck. A GREAT, QUITE place to sit, cool off, or read and enjoy the view! THIS IS WHY YOU RENT THIS PROPERTY!
We noted some resent upgrades to furniture.
But, Master's bed mattress needs replacement and some wear & tear issues keep this property from rating 5 stars this year.
There is a MAJOR ISSUE with the development's walk way to beach! Poor maintenance and sand removal at beach end of walkway makes it very difficult to get on to beach.
ROYAL SANDS DEVELOPMENT NEEDS TO UNDERTAKE MAJOR WORK TO CORRECT BEACH ACCESS WALKWAY!

Manager's Response

The house was wonderful, and my family had a great time. The neighbor next door was a bit annoying (evidently she calls the police when anyone stays at the property). Management warned us and we were prepared.