My only disappointment was when we checked in with Bender Realty on the day of arrival we asked about staying 2 additional days, they were going to charge us approximately $250.00 for the extra days. After getting an exceptional deal with (517.85) for 5 days, we choose not to do this. You would think that guaranteed rental would take priority over the unit staying vacant.
We stayed 3 nights in August 2009 the property decor was beautiful just as shown on the internet. It made you think of the beach. I liked having the 1/2 bath and my grandaughter really enjoy havintg the two pools to switch back and forth from. A great bargin for a wonderful stay for our trip. I would recomend this property to anyone.
This was the first time my family had vacationed in Gulf Shores. We had a great time and loved staying at the Caribbean.
We were very pleased with condo 802. The view was breath taking. The location was very nice. The beach to the left and right seemed crowded at other complexes where ours was not. The small indoor pool was nice and warm. The parking space was convenient. My only complaint would be that the jets in the bathtub appeared to have mildew in them. Otherwise, the entire condo was cleaner than most hotels. The only thing we lacked in the kitchen was a pizza pan for frozen pizzas. Otherwise everything else was present including coffee pot and toaster! We spent most of our meal times on the balcony. We felt safe on the beach and in the condo at all times. We even took walks on the beach late at night. My daughter complained the lower bunk bed was a little tight but was very comfortable in the top bunk. It is a nice place to take the family to get away from it all.
I would have to say that this property did such a good job that not even the storm surge & and high winds from a passing hurricane (Ike) could dampen the enjoyment for the stay! The local flooding including the properties all around and the lack of beach could not be attributed to anything the property owner did or did not do. However, if the property had problems, it would have just been a total disaster! The Condo unit was clean, well-maintained, and suitably decorated. Everything worked and was easy to find. I surely intend to stay again at the Caribbean 802! Thanks for making the trip a special one!
Overall, our time was wonderful and the room was great especially considering we have 3 children. We also enjoyed the view from the top floor. The only thing I will not do again, is to book a reservation three months in advance, because when Hurricane Gustov came ashore on Sunday and our reservation was for Wens.-through following Sunday I tried to call and cancel and was told we would lose the 230.00 deposit even though gulf shores was to receive major wind and surfs (according to weather channel, CNN, and Online Gulf shores local weather reports.)Also, when we arrived on Wens. there was a notice in elevators that Gulf Shores had been evacuted???
The office estaff was very cheerful and helpful. 802 Caribbean had indoor parkingh spot that was very convienient for coming from beach or pool and dropping off stuff in the car instead of toting up the elevator. Location was good and size of the condo was good since there was little waiting on the elevator. Would stay here again.
We had a good time and can honestly say that we would recommend the condo to our family and friends.
the floors did not seem to be very clean. other than that it was awesome!!!
Highly recommended if you want a place that is clean, quiet and family freindly
Great trip - love Bender Realty!
Overall my stay was nice. Just a couple of things that were not up to par... one was the king bed in the bedroom. The side next to the bathroom had such an indention you felt like you were sleeping on a hole. Not very comfortable. The other thing was the Wi-Fi. The signal was so weak you could not connect to the internet. There was one night that sounded like some sort of construction going on somewhere in the property. I called the bender office. Two hours later at about 2 in the morning, I called again because the noise was still going on. The answering service said a security officer had come and could find nothing except that the pool pump was loud. I am pretty sure it.was not the pool pump... sounded more like sanding flooring, or wallpaper. We heard that noise two different evenings/nights... thankfully only one .night really late... about 10:00- 3:00am.The room was nice, clean and convient. It was noce to have a half bath in addition to the masterbath. Loved the view of the gulf... fun to watch the dolphins and the pelicans!
I jusst wish the wi-fi would have worked
I do feel that some kind of texture needs to be added to the grey concrete breazways, as I slipped getting off the elevator. thanks
Too bad the weather wasn't better. We had lots of rain and stormy conditions. However, our unit was bright and cheery which helped make our days inside more enjoyable.
Beautiful unit---lots of cookware, and dishes etc.---comfortable bed---fabulous view. My only complaint is the living room seating accomodations--- couch and chair need to be replaced---looks OK, but is broken down. Also could use a few rugs throughout to make it a little easier on the legs, (or perhaps a carpeted bedroom). We loved the colors used in the condo, and felt a Spanish influence that we enjoyed. Very happy with Bender Realty, and would definitely rent from them in the future!
While staying at the beach comes the reality that sand is likely to be tracked everywhere. With a unit having tile floors comes the expectation that anything tracked on it is either visible or easily felt as you walk across it. The floors were not as clean prior to our stay as I would have liked and this is something easily corrected. I would like to recommend that you have a full size ironing board provided for the unit and some sort of wireless internet connection for guests. Unfortunately in our technologically driven society we are becoming more and more in need of staying connected; even while on vacation. From a cost/value standpoint, the ironing board and a wireless router with internet connection is relatively inexpessive and allows the customer to function easier. These are my two cents worth so please take them for what they are. My family and I enjoyed our stay, the room was beautiful, and we will call Bender Realty first for our next beach trip.
Unit was clean & well maintained & furnished. On the negative side, the building is not well sound insulated, and late-nite doors being closed woke us up several times. Pillows need to be replaced. Condo building to the left of The Caribbean partially blocks the view of the beach, but this was only a problem for watching the fireworks on the 4th. There should be a prominent sign in the covered parking area that the spaces are reserved for individual units and not for general parking. The overall experience was OK, and it was a decent value for the money.
Floors were dirty I mopped them the first day there as they made the bottom of our feet very dirty.
Overall, loved the condo. Nice layout and great view. There were a couple disappointments. I didn't like having to put linens on the bunk beds. Plus, the beach had trash on it (both literally and figuratively) from so many drinkers & partiers leaving bottles & caps. Had to be careful where you stepped and no one seemed to be overseeing the beach.
stay was good except for elevator failure on two different days and we were on the 8th floor and because of health could not use the stairway making for a miserable 2-3 hour wait