Island Winds West 170

When I booked the condo, the VRBO ad stated the parking pass would be $25. When I received the instructions email the week before our stay, it stated passes would be $45. I emailed a rep from Aqua and she told me to show proof of when I booked to get the $25 pass. I tried that only to be charged $50. Even the app that is requested you get states $45. It also took hours to get a code to use the gym. Other than those hiccups the condo was clean and updated.

Manager's Response

It started with a $40 credit card fee charge that wasn’t on the original agreement that they sent to me when I booked the room. I could overlook that if it was my only complaint. Then when I checked in there was a layer of dust on the furniture, tables hadn’t been wiped off, and a brown present in one of the toilets that we had to unclog ourselves with a plunger. I still didn’t call because I wanted to start my vacation on a happy note and simply dealt with these issues myself. Then all the remotes had low batteries and one of the satellite remotes didn’t work and never worked for our week long stay. I called about that and they brought out batteries. Then the next day out A/C stopped working. I called about that and they sent someone out who replaced a filter(easy maintenance that should have been done when I am not there) and then it started to work. Then on the 2nd to last day was the final straw when the washer flooded the floor of the hallway and kitchen. I called again and the battery lady came back and basically told us sorry but we fixed the problem so we did our job. I don’t think a rental place should have this many issues in a week stay and it it does then they should do something (I.e. refund, discount, or something financial) to make us feel like you care as a company. I will NOT be using this company ever again and I recommend nobody else does as well.

The place was amazing. Only problem is the dryer didn’t dry at all also the tv in the bunk bed room didn’t work at all. Other than that place was amazing

Manager's Response

We had an amazing time in Island Winds West 170! We have four young children and we felt we had plenty of room! The place was very clean and recently updated. The kitchen is stocked with enough dishes and conveniently located! We were so happy to find pool toys and sand toys in the closet! Such an excellent condo in an excellent location! Would stay again in a heartbeat! Thank you Island Winds!

Manager's Response

Our party of 7 really enjoyed our stay. The location of the individual unit and condo were perfect. Would definately book again.

This was our Firth trip to GS,AL- this was a great location- very cute- clean! A couple of little repairs on closet doors but not a deal breaker by any means. I think parking should be included in the rate.

Dana was great to work with. Nicely renovated condo. Right on the beach and staff was friendly. Great location. Condo was roomy for the amount of people. Looking forward to returning.

The condo is on the first floor so no waiting for the elevator. It is a short jaunt upstairs. It is a quick walk to the beach and to several good eating establishments. The condo had some imperfections but nothing that ruined our stay.

Let me first start off with the property manager Ms Dana,she’s literally the best,she’s so nice and polite,she called my family and I several times to let us know about our trip, and to just check on us..this was our very first time on vacation at a beach, after everything my family and I have been through these last almost four months, with losing everything in the December 10th tornado in mayfield KY, we had to get away and it was the BEST decision ever!!! The pictures on the website don’t compare to how BEAUTIFUL everything is,from the condo down to the white sand..walking distance is o literally everything,beach,restaurants,different stores..if I could rate Ms Dana and our stay 10 stars I would!! Looking for a place to stay in Gulf Shores look no further than here, oh and she pronounced my name right and that never happens lol

Manager's Response

Great experience working with Aqua Vacations, very responsive to questions prior to the trip. Location was central and perfect, easy access to the beach, parking was easy. Condo could use some updates....curtain rods were falling down in a couple areas, shower knobs in master bath were stripped, furniture wasn’t super clean/stains but none of these things were a deal breaker overall good experience and would stay again. We traveled with a 10 year old and four 17 year olds.

Manager's Response

Needs a few cosmetic updates but overall was okay.

Manager's Response

Our rental had 3 bedrooms first had 2 bunks twin over full. Second had queen third had King with own full bath second bath was plenty big the kitchen dining room living room combo but was huge my family of 8 was very comfortable plenty of room we didn't get right on top of each other.

Manager's Response

Renovations are coming along. Some issues with overall condiiton (i.e. non-functional electrical outlets, lose faucets in bathrooms, a few stained sheets which we re-washed - stain didn't come out, ceiling tiles in bathrooms were water damaged). These issues did not interfere with our overall enjoyment. We've rented beach condos before and typically owner leaves some beach chairs or umbrella. Would have been nice.

Great experience. Loved the location, amenities, and beach!

Manager's Response

Overall we had a good stay. We made the best of it. Location is perfect. Living/kitchen area is open & beautiful. Had a few issues. The baseboards were not clean. Carpet in bedrooms was nasty. Master bed sheets were dirty. AC didn’t not work properly. We would love to stay here again if the carpet is replaced & AC is serviced. Also I would hope that the cleaning fee is used for proper cleaning. The kitchen did lack a skillet so we bought one & left it there. I really like to find a great place & stay there each time so if things are improved I would love for this to be our yearly go to condo!

Manager's Response

Dana is was very helpful and answered any questions I had before our trip. No issues during our stay.

Manager's Response

Washer was broken. Was not informed before our stay began. Called them about it first day of our stay. Comment was made “Oh, they were supposed to to you, they didn’t tell you?”. Nothing was ever done about it. We had 6 people staying there. Very inconvenient. No follow up call was made to me, even when Linda said she’d grt back with me on Monday. The staff in the office of condo was rude and unprofessional, very unhelpful. We will come baby to Gulf shores but will using a different company to rent from.

It was clean and a great location. Some of the building was a little dated but still worth the price.
If you have a family or a few friends the three-bedroom units are great.

Manager's Response

It was clean and a great location. Some of the building was a little dated but still worth the price.
If you have a family or a few friends the three-bedroom units are great.

Manager's Response

The rental was in a good location but the unit itself and building were in poor condition. There was trash in the bushes and stairwells as we walked to the unit. The unit we rented was not thoroughly cleaned as there was trash on the balcony and under the bathroom sink in the master. In addition, the master bath shower handles were stripped and did not have consistent hot water. It needs some updates and a better cleaning service. It seemed that the buildings were almost full during our stay and hopefully other units are in better condition than this one.

The rental was in a good location but the unit itself and building were in poor condition. There was trash in the bushes and stairwells as we walked to the unit. The unit we rented was not thoroughly cleaned as there was trash on the balcony and under the bathroom sink in the master. In addition, the master bath shower handles were stripped and did not have consistent hot water. It needs some updates and a better cleaning service. It seemed that the buildings were almost full during our stay and hopefully other units are in better condition than this one.

This condo was beautiful and in the perfect location. Exactly as pictured. Great location. Very clean. We will definitely be back again.

Manager's Response

The condo is in a good location, but felt more like a hotel. Washer didn't work well, and I think it was 50 years old, windows are not supposed to open an some how one blew open while we were out, and no bedding for the pullout couch bed. Parking pass is not included, its required yet you may not have a place to park. Dishes all needed washed before using them. It was pointless to drive to a location to pick up a packet of information from a mailbox when it could have been emailed. Information from Aqua and info inside the room did not match.

Manager's Response

We really did enjoy our stay. Due to heavy traffic We missed the office hours at Aqua Vacations but We gave them a call and they made arrangements for us to pick up the key code and instructions. The office staff was friendly and helpfull. They even called to check on us before they left for the day in case We had questions. The office was easy to find as well. We had 8 people including children 2, 7 and 12 and everyone was comfortable. Our particular condo #170 on the first floor was spacious,beautifully updated and well stocked. The office at the East building was a little hard to find. You go under the building at ground level. This is where you'll purchase you parking pass ($25) but spaces are not guaranteed. It's first come first served but we never had a problem parking close was Memorial Day weekend but still the pool and complex were not overcrowded. Lots of folks were on the beach but most stayed to themselves and were courteous. There was a security person about too. The only negatives I could say would be that the A/C ran often but never seemed to get below 75, however considering it is 92 degrees outside it was acceptable. Also my daughters complained that their children's feet wer were black from the floors not being mopped. There was no obvious debris but it was dark plank wood ceramic so it was hard to tell otherwise. I know it must be quite a job just to keep all the sand tracked in off of the furniture and floors. I swept it daily myself for that reason and it was otherwise clean so we didn't complain. Overall we had a very lovely stay and hope to go again next summer. I will request our particular condo though because they are individually owned and not all the same. Yes, I would recommend it to others

Manager's Response

This condo was absolutely gorgeous. Newly renovated and perfect. The staff at aqua are so nice. We will definitely be staying here again!

Manager's Response

Overall the experience was great!

Manager's Response

Very nice... will rent again here soon

Manager's Response

Everything was ready and prepared for us by the time we got to the check in place. It was clean and had a view of the beach from the patio. You could also see the parking lot and the road from the patio bc it was on the side part of the whole building. It was clean. The bathroom had a messed up handle on the tub but they sent someone to look at it. Only thing I didn't like was it rained our whole stay but no one can control the weather.

Manager's Response

We come down to Gulf shores every summer and this is the best condo we’ve had in a while!! Great location, clean, and very homey!!!

Manager's Response

Great unit and location! We were in town for a volleyball tournament and the proximity to the beach courts couldn't have been much better. Updated and clean unit. We will have future tournaments in town and will most definitely look to book this unit. Had a minor issue with locking the door to the unit and the Mgmt staff was prompt in coming over to assess the issue.

Condo is large and has everything you will need for a great family getaway including beach toys for your little ones! A couple of issues we discovered were that the parking lot (directly outside of condo) and roadway are extremely noisy at night/early morning. Also several of the outlets do not work in bedrooms and at least one light fixture had to be operated via pull chain rather than the wall switch. Overall a great place to stay for the price just be prepared for noise during sleep times if your children are light sleepers as mine is since the condo faces the parking lot.