Port-A-Way

Do it again

It was very nice. Close to the beach

This home was spacious and located within walking of the beach ----- definitely a plus! The limited view of the ocean was from the front door on a small square porch so you couldn't hang out there to see the ocean, but it was a lovely view as you entered or exited the dwelling. This was my first stay in Port A and I was a little disappointed overall. I was very concerned about safety of the rails up the steps and balcony. They were very loose, not secured tightly. I have done inspections on homes before and these would have failed. The floorboards were also weak in a few areas causing a tripping hazard. This home seems to have been rehabbed at some point so the appearance was okay, but the cleanliness was less than desirable. One of the shower curtain rods was very rusty and the bottom of the shower curtain was rusty brown. I understand that the water may have something to do with it but it was very unappealing. When we checked in, the return air vent was covered in dust and grime, the baseboards were really dirty, the trash can drawer would not stay shut, and the dishwasher didn't work very well among other minor issues. Underneath the bungalow was a picnic table but there was trash in the "flower" beds, not flowers or any vegetation. Lots of dirt. Parking was supposedly for two vehicles but only if one was a compact car as the supports made parking quite small. The owner did have a deck of cards and a puzzle or two which was nice. The AC worked very well although the additional bedroom remained very warm. There was a box fan in the closet that we used which helped, but the occupants of that room were uncomfortable. There were several pans to use to cook and the washer and dryer worked great. I think this bungalow just needs a little tlc for minor repairs and attention to cleanliness. We swept and wiped down cabinets and table before leaving, but I felt like it was not enough. Our family had a nice vacation but our accommodations were not inexpensive and with the extra cleaning fee, I feel like it could have been nicer.

Overall our stay was good. The door to the patio does not lock. The guest room with the two beds smelled like dog urine. You could smell it as soon as you walked in the room. You could even see the stains on the rug. The kitchen was semi fully equipped. Not that many cooking utensils.

There were some things that were fine and some things that could have been better. When we got there we realized the parking situation was not ideal. You can fit to small cars just fine. We had a Forester and a Ram. We got them to fit but by the skin of our teeth. Due to fire safety you cannot park on the road and the additional parking was not clearly defined and kind of sketchy. The stairs going into the house feel like they are going to break any day. Inside the floors are like a fun house. Not a huge deal but it did feel a little u nerving when the winds are high since the houses are made to sway a little and the ground is not flat to walk on. The kitchen is very poorly stocked. It is suppose to sleep 8 however there are enough cups for exactly 4 people. There is a grill but nothing to grill with (thongs, spatula, ect). There are no oven mits if you use the oven. There was nothing to even clean the counters with after cooking. I have never not had Lysol wipes or something to wipe things down with. There are plenty of pots and pans but no mixing bowls or utensils to mix with. The cleanliness left something ro be desired. All the cabinets felt greasy and left a residue on your hands, the floors were dirty, the shower curtains have mold on the bottoms of them causing an awful smell. There is an outdoor shower but the outside of the property is poorly kept up and you are standing in a mound of sand while trying to get the sand off. I have lived at the beach I understand there will always be sand but this was due to poor upkeep. That being said every bed in the house is the most comfortable bed. I have stayed in many condos and beach houses and hotels and they are always terrible but these are even better than my bed at home. The flow is nice throughout the house but it was strange having a bathroom door in the kitchen (not the property owners fault just strange design by the builder). There is only a beach view going up the stairs at the front of the house but it is a very short walk down to the beach. Every where we have stayed over many years will have boogie boards, beach toys, maybe some chairs to use but this house does not. Not a problem for us because we always bring our own things just be aware when packing for the trip. Overall it was not the best place I have stayed but it was not the worst either.