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- South West FL Vacation Rentals
- Siesta Key Vacation Rentals
- Listing ID # 1088
- Sleeps 4
- 2 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- 1300 sqft.
Description
Relax in our spacious, inviting slice of paradise on the Gulf of Mexico in Siesta Key with expansive direct ocean-front and beach views. Beautifully appointed furnishings, accessories and amenities will give you the comfort of a lovely home. Our beach was voted the #1 beach in the world. Powdery, cool, white, quartz sands await you and stretch for over a mile in both directions. Listen to the sound of the waves as they lap continuously at the shoreline. Sunbathe or doze off on the 30 foot lanai of our 8th floor condo. Watch the pelicans fly by. Lovely furnishings and accessories give you an immediate feeling of comfort. Free Wi-Fi, telephone including long-distance calls, hundreds of TV channels, fine linens and a beautiful Welcome Basket...
Amenities
- Balcony
- Beach Chairs
- Beach Towels
- Outdoor Furniture
- Books
- DVD Player
- Games
- Games for Kids
- Satellite / Cable
- Stereo
- Toys
- TV
- Video Library
- Air Conditioning
- Basic Soaps
- Bed Linens Provided
- Dryer
- Hair Dryer
- Heating
- Iron & Board
- Toilet Paper
- Towels Provided
- Washing Machine
- Wireless Internet
- Internet
- Living Room
- Paper Towels
- Parking
- Telephone
- Coffee Maker
- Dishes & Utensils
- Dishwasher
- Grill
- Ice Maker
- Kettle
- Kitchen
- Microwave
- Oven
- Pantry Items
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- Toaster
- Communal Pool
- Heated Pool
- Outdoor Pool
- Pool
- Elevator
- Luxury
- Senior Friendly
- Snowbird & Monthly Stay Rental
- Activities / Restaurants Guide
- Alarm Clock
- Beach Umbrellas
- CD Player
- Cooking Utensils
- Dining Area
- Freezer
- Gated Entry
- Handrails
- Keyless Entry System
- Lanai / Gazebo
- Outdoor Charcoal Grill
- Outdoor Gas Grill
- Terrace / Balcony
- VCR
Location Info
Crystal Sands Condominiums is located directly on the Gulf, only a short distance from the Village of Siesta Key where numerous restaurants, cafes, grocery, hardware, drug and retail stores, post office, bank, gas stations, convenience stores and more are located. Free taxis (tip optional) and the free trolley run the entire length of Siesta Key. There are also retail shops, restaurants and cafes, a grocery and drug store, jet ski rentals and more a short walk just past Stickney Point.
Rates & Fees
Nightly rates range from $265.00 to $430.00
| From | To | Minimum Stay | Nightly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-09-01 | 2024-09-30 | 14 nights | $265.00 |
| 2024-10-01 | 2024-10-31 | 14 nights | $265.00 |
| 2024-11-01 | 2024-11-30 | 14 nights | $265.00 |
| 2024-12-01 | 2024-12-31 | 14 nights | $300.00 |
| 2025-01-01 | 2025-01-31 | 14 nights | $369.00 |
| 2025-02-01 | 2025-02-28 | 27 nights | $405.00 |
| 2025-03-01 | 2025-03-31 | 28 nights | $430.00 |
| 2025-04-01 | 2025-04-30 | 14 nights | $369.00 |
Calendar
About Owner
Essie Fechter, Owner:Mel and I were married in 1952 and moved to Orlando, Florida in 1957 where we raised our 4 children. Our family's favorite vacation spot was at the beach in Sarasota where we rented accommodations for our family of 6 until 1985 when we finally purchased our beautiful ocean-front condominium. The Fechter family's place at the beach has been a favorite respite and happy place for all our children and grandchildren. Each family member has special memories of escaping to the beach whenever the stresses of daily life dictated some time away in a completely relaxing locale. Once the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren became scattered across the U.S., we began sharing our little slice of paradise with others, mak...
Essie Fechter, Owner:
Mel and I were married in 1952 and moved to Orlando, Florida in 1957 where we raised our 4 children. Our family's favorite vacation spot was at the beach in Sarasota where we rented accommodations for our family of 6 until 1985 when we finally purchased our beautiful ocean-front condominium. The Fechter family's place at the beach has been a favorite respite and happy place for all our children and grandchildren. Each family member has special memories of escaping to the beach whenever the stresses of daily life dictated some time away in a completely relaxing locale. Once the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren became scattered across the U.S., we began sharing our little slice of paradise with others, making it available for lucky visitors to Siesta Key. We have welcomed vacationers from all over the world. Some of our guests come year after year.
We firmly believe in personal service and attention. The comfort of our guests is a number one priority. Living near Siesta Village less than 10 minutes away allows us to make ourselves available in case of emergency or other needs. You will enjoy complete privacy and autonomy during your visit but will also have the peace of mind knowing you have access to a caring local owner who can quickly respond to your needs.
Over the years, Mel and I have thoroughly enjoyed personally meeting all our guests. Even as a 97 year old "young man", Mel was energetic, bright and witty. Sadly, at the age of 98, on March 5, 2019, Mel passed away. He was a retired attorney. I am a retired public school teacher and school counselor. We were married for nearly 67 years.
With these challenging times and for the comfort of our guests, we now have a keyless, no-contact check-in procedure. Prior to arrival, our guests are sent our welcome packet which gives them all the information they might need to get settled right in. Also, we are only a phone call and a few miles away if you have any questions or need anything.
Policies
Check-Out Time : 10:00 AM
- Suitable for Children : Suitable for adults of all ages and children over 5 years old.
General Policies
No smoking inside condo or on lanai. No pets. Must check in at front office upon arrival. No overnight guests without prior approval from owner. Follow rules and regulations of the owners and of Crystal Sands.
House Rules
Suitable for adults of all ages and children over 5 years old.Smoking is not permitted inside condo or on lanai. No pets. Noise kept to a minimum after 9:00pm. Keep sand on beach - not in condo. Sofa not to be used as a sleeping bed. No overnight guests without prior approval from owner. No subletting. Check in at front office upon arrival or following morning to obtain parking pass for our private, covered parking space. Abide by all rules and regulations of owners and of Crystal Sands. They are noted in Information Packet provided upon booking. Copy of Information Packet is located in desk drawer of condo, as well.
Terms & Conditions
Deposit of 25% of rental amount due upon signing of Rental Agreement. Balance of rental amount plus $150 cleaning fee, 13% Sales Tax and $400 damage deposit (fully-refundable) due 60 days prior to occupancy. Acceptable form of payment: Personal check. REVIEWS OF OUR CONDO FROM A VACATION RENTALS LISTING: Terri and Bonnie We simply cannot rave enough, compliment enough or brag enough about this condo! It is beyond any and all expectations. It has everything (and then some) one can possibly need during their visit. Thanks to the customary "welcome basket" that the owners, Essie and Mel, provide (upon arrival...we did not need to go to the store for 5 days! I mean...great cold cuts, cheese, fruit, veggies for sandwiches, snacks, condi...
Deposit of 25% of rental amount due upon signing of Rental Agreement. Balance of rental amount plus $150 cleaning fee, 13% Sales Tax and $400 damage deposit (fully-refundable) due 60 days prior to occupancy. Acceptable form of payment: Personal check.
REVIEWS OF OUR CONDO FROM A VACATION RENTALS LISTING:
Terri and Bonnie
We simply cannot rave enough, compliment enough or brag enough about this condo! It is beyond any and all expectations. It has everything (and then some) one can possibly need during their visit. Thanks to the customary "welcome basket" that the owners, Essie and Mel, provide (upon arrival...we did not need to go to the store for 5 days! I mean...great cold cuts, cheese, fruit, veggies for sandwiches, snacks, condiments, beverage, bread, candies, half & half, coffee, iced tea, fancy paper goods, you name it! That lanai is heaven and thankfully there was no sun on it at all until very late afternoon, just breezes and a view unlike any other and we've stayed on Crescent Beach many times. Actually, I slept out on the lanai on a chaise lounge (nice pad inside) every night except one which was too windy. It's pure bliss, the stars above and the surf just below, it doesn't get any better than that. For the down time, they have access to about 1,000 channels on all 3 TV's (including movies, free) which is nice to settle into a good movie after a long beach day sometimes. We ate out every night (our thing on vackay) and really enjoyed Claytons, Roessiers on Tamiami, The Table, The Cottage, Turtles on Midnight Pass is our traditional fav we go to every time we visit SK, Ophelia's, Miguels, Lobster Pot (excellent clam chow-dah), Beach Bistro and Captain Curts. Captain Curts was tasty but the decibel level in there was off the carts, way too loud for yours truly but would not bother young people. And lastly, as everyone else has mentioned, I don't know when I've ever met or enjoyed a person more than the owner, Essie, who just instantly steals your heart. She is quirky and funny and I almost feel now that I gotta go back to 802 every year just to see her. And it wasn't "just business" either, you'll see what I mean when you rent this amazing condo and meet her. Thanks again, Essie and Mel. Love from your new friends from Ky and Ohio.
Karen N.
Fantastic Place! This is our new favorite place to stay at Siesta Key, and we have stayed at many over the years.
Crystal Sands is a great complex. The building is well-positioned to get great ocean views (the high rise building—not the villas), and it’s one of just a few properties along Crescent Beach that has an ocean front pool. Best of all, the lanais jut out from the building allowing for a panoramic view and good air flow, unlike many of the balconies along Crescent Beach that are closed in on three sides giving a tunnel-vision view of the beach and not a speck of breeze.
This particular unit may not be the most updated one in the building, but it is spotless and all of the furnishings and appliances are of high quality and in good working order. There is a washer/dryer inside the unit, which is a big plus so you don’t have to continually run down the breezeway to the laundry room and try to gather enough quarters to do your laundry. The unit is very well equipped with everything you need—laundry detergent, dishwashing detergents, paper towels, tissue, toilet paper, spices/condiments for cooking, beach toys, several beach umbrellas and chairs (in addition to the ones Crystal Sands supplies on the beach), books, puzzles, local maps, DVDs, and enough towels for an army. This unit feels like a home rather than a rental unit. It is also located at the end of the building closest to the beach, so the view is one of the best in the building. And to top it off, this unit is very reasonably priced at hundreds less than some of the professionally managed units in the building. The only downside is that there is a 2-week minimum rental, which we can’t always do.
A highlight of our stay was getting to know the owners, Essie and Mel, a bit. They are a lovely, in love, couple, married over 60 years. Essie seems to really enjoy her role as manager of the condo. She not only managed all the arrangements smoothly, she made us feel like family. “Hospitality” is her middle name! She has waiting for her guests a very generous welcome basket of gourmet sandwich fixin’s and more. If you arrive exhausted after a hard day of travel, you can just crash and relax without even having to go out to eat or get groceries that first night.
Thanks to Essie and Mel for sharing their condo. We hope to return many times in the future.
Boyd & Judy NB, Canada
A Holiday In Paradise We were here for 4 weeks in Dec. All the previous comments are too true. Essie & Mel are great Owners.One could not ask for more.
We were here in Mar. ’13 for 4 weeks as well and will be back for Mar. ’14 & Dec. ’14. And, plan for 2 months every year and more if I could talk Judy into that idea.
Which, I guess, shows you how much we love the Condo, Beach, Lanai for Happy Hours, the restaurants nearby and in the “Village”. Recommend Javier’s, Miguel’s, The Cottage, The Hub at Bahia & Bon Jour (great crepes). Free cab, just tips.
Lynn G.
BEAUTIFUL The condo was beautiful and very roomy. The view was amazing to wake up to every day. The pool was clean and warm. The ocean was perfect and the sand was cool. We had a great week. The owners were wonderful and thoughtful. I would recommend this rental to my family and friends.
Gabriel D.
Fantastic Views and Lovely People As a native Sarasotan I relish any chance to go home and spent time on some of the most beautiful beaches in the US. I especially love the south end of Siesta Key and jumped at a chance to rent a unit with Gulf views. Clean, comfortable and that lanai! The unit owners were equally charming providing us with an extremely thoughtful basked it of edible goodies for our arrival and were a charming couple. The unit was perfect for two people and we spent every morning on the lanai watching the pelicans and the waves of the Gulf. I can’t wait to go back and rent this unit again. Thanks so much for a lovely vacation.
Gulf Coast Lovers IL
Wonderful Beach Vacation This was our second stay with Melvin and Essie at the Crystal Sands, and it was even better than the first. The weather was excellent – High 80s / Low 90s in during the day, mid to low 70s at night. We had rain the first night, and saw just a trace after that.
The beach and Gulf are perfect at Crystal Sands – deep beach with powdery sand that doesn’t get hot, and very gradual entry to the Gulf. Waves were generally small, with moderate (2 – 3ft) on windy days.
The pool and common grounds are well maintained (the nozzle on the clean-off hose was broke one morning and fixed by noon later that day), and the building is well secured (security fob to access beach 24 hrs a day, in evening to access elevators).
Mel and Essie’s condo is cleaner than any rental property or hotel I have ever been in, and is more than adequately stocked with towels, linens, and kitchen supplies. The new washer and dryer are excellent.
A couple of thoughts:
– While this unit does not directly face the Gulf (it faces slightly south), we believe it has better views than the directly facing units would because it allows you to see the beach in addition to the Gulf. We prefer the south facing view because it has less buildings in the sight line than does the north facing view.
– We used the table on the lanai for nearly every meal, even during the heat of the day because the breeze keeps it comfortable and the south facing angle puts it in the shade most of the day.
– The trundle bed worked very well for our 9 and 7 year olds, and we appreciated the extra feel of roominess by not having the second bedroom walled off.
Mel and Essie are a special couple, and they make you feel special when you rent from them. We are already signed up for next year.
Texas Traveler Texas
Great condo, Gulf front property on the beach. This was our first stay in Siesta Key and we all hope to return soon! I was a little hesitant using VRBO, but I’m glad we decided to work with Mel & Essie at this Crystal Sands unit.
We were met at the condo by Essie and Mel who gave us a great overview of the condo and the property. They were so thoughtful and brought a basket of goodies which allowed us to enjoy our first hours on the beach and not worry about running to the local grocery store for bread, lunch meat, snacks, etc…They were always responsive and very attentive to questions before and during our stay. They obviously go to great lengths to care for the condo and their guests.
The condo was on the 8th floor which was perfect for us. I always enjoy ocean/gulf front condos and I wasn’t disappointed. We loved spending time on the lanai watching the sunset over the water. The beach wasn’t crowded…However, there was a lot of seaweed along the beach. Tropical storm Isaac arrived the day after we did, so I’m not sure how much that contributed to the above factors.
The condo was immaculate and spacious for our family…The beds in the second bedroom could be converted to a king size bed. There are two full baths, dining area and a complete kitchen with everything we needed. There was also a utility room with washer/dryer that made washing convenient. The screened in lanai could be accessed through both bedrooms and the living area. There is also a covered parking space available to guests.
Overall, this ended up being the perfect place for us! Great condo, great views and easy access to stores and restaurants. We will definitely return!
Austin Cane Austin
Excellent Stay What wonderful hosts. The apt. is very well appointed, and Essie and Mel have thought of everything. We were wanting for nothing because of our gracious hosts. The beach view is unbelievable. We will always try to stay here when in Siesta Key.
foodyacton Acton, MA United States
Great Experience Renting this waterfront condo on Siesta Key Weather outside was perfect, the owners met us with the keys and provided us with a quick overview of the place, and a kitchen stocked with sandwich fixings, snacks etc. to make the beginning of the stay less hectic. We took a walk on the beach immediately instead of rushing to the grocery store, how cool is that. Each day we walked Crescent Beach in the morning, sunned and swam in the warm Gulf of Mexico water and had a wonderful vacation. I would highly recommend it!
Martha J.
Best place ever!! This was by far the best place we have ever stayed in Florida! The location is absolutely perfect and the accommodations are great and the owners are so very thoughtful and have all kinds of extras waiting for you. I don’t think you could find a nicer place nor a better couple to rent from. We loved every minute of our time there.
Tony and Kim Galena, OH
Fabulous Condo!! What a great condo!! It was spacious, clean and well stocked with everything that we needed. The owners met us on site and were extremely friendly. They showed us around and were very helpful. They even had sandwiches and snacks for us in the condo. The beach was beautiful and there were enough chairs for everyone. The view from the balcony was outstanding. We can”t say enugh about this condo and our stay in Siesta Key, except we will definitely be back next year!
Jeanne P. Ida, MI
Great experience We just returned from 9 nights at this condo and could not have asked for a better accommodation.
The photos don’t really do it justice, it seemed larger than the photos showed. The property was exceptionally clean and well maintained, one of the nicest rentals we have had and we have stayed at dozens over the years. The owners met us upon arrival and gave us a thorough walk thru, explaining everything and answering our questions. The location is perfect, being right on the beach and close enough to walk to stores, bars and restaurants. There is 24 hours security, fobs for secure entry and a locked place to keep our rental bicycle. The Village is just a short bike ride (maybe 2 miles) and even a shorter car ride. I would highly recommend this property as a clean, well equipped, and comfortable place to stay. Captain Curt’s, which is an easy walk, has some of the best clam chowder ever–try it if you go.
Mike and Jeanne, Ida, MI
Jeanine Pittsburgh, PA
Best Beach, Beautiful view The condo was beautiful and very roomy. The view was amazing to wake up to every day. The pool was clean and warm. The ocean was perfect and the sand was cool. We had a great week. The owners were wonderful and thoughtful. I would recommend this rental to my family and friends.
Cancellation Policy
If we are able to re-rent the condominium for the same time period and at the same rental rate, you will receive a refund in the total amount paid. All reasonable efforts will be made to re-rent the condominium in the event of canceled reservations.We strongly recommend rental insurance to avoid losses in the event you are required to cancel, and we are unable to re-rent the unit as described above. Cancellations due to a personal or family emergency are handled on a case-by-case basis. Since we are unable to control Mother Nature, refunds are not provided for unexpected weather conditions unless severe weather results in a mandatory evacuation ordered by state or local authorities. In the unlikely event of such an order, a refund wi...
If we are able to re-rent the condominium for the same time period and at the same rental rate, you will receive a refund in the total amount paid. All reasonable efforts will be made to re-rent the condominium in the event of canceled reservations.
We strongly recommend rental insurance to avoid losses in the event you are required to cancel, and we are unable to re-rent the unit as described above.
Cancellations due to a personal or family emergency are handled on a case-by-case basis.
Since we are unable to control Mother Nature, refunds are not provided for unexpected weather conditions unless severe weather results in a mandatory evacuation ordered by state or local authorities. In the unlikely event of such an order, a refund will be given in an amount equal to the time you are prevented from occupying the unit due to the official order.
Reviews
3rd time is a charm!
"This was our 3rd time staying at this condo and love it more every time. This condo has everything you'd ever need for a home away from home. It is also immaculate. The owner, Essie, who is now a dear friend (we love her) greets her guests with an awesome "Welcome Basket" that "has it all". We didn't need to go to the store for over a week, except for wine of course. The lanai is so spacious and I actually slept on the chaise every night. Try it, pure bliss. Till we meet again Essie, take care of YOU!"
Siesta Key at its finest
"The Crystal Sands is probably the best place that you can stay on Siesta Key. Their stretch of beach, coupled with the condition of the property, is miles above the competition. This unit does not disappoint. It has all of the amenities that you could ask for, and still retains some of its original charm. If you are looking for a true beach getaway, this is the place for you. The owners are kind, more than accommodating, and make you feel welcome from the minute that you inquire about the property. All that you need to do is bring your groceries, and your swim suit. They have the rest covered. The welcome basket was an unexpected, and welcome surprise. It saved us from having to rush out for our first evening's supplies. The beds were extremely comfortable, and the layout of the unit is unique to what we have experienced at the Crystal Sands. The den/bedroom is a wise use of space, and our 2 children (6 & 13) are still talking about how comfortable and fun the Murphy beds were. Siesta Key holds a special place in our hearts. You get to truly enjoy the beach, without all of the trappings & chaos of most beach communities. The two weeks that we spent at the Crystal Sands helped us solidify our families 5th generation, with fond memories of Siesta Key. We look forward to returning soon."
Nicole & Peter Trapasso (CA)
"“The weather was: spectacular! Sunny & 70’s - not too humid and no rain whatsoever. Our favorite adventures: Morning beach walks, watching the sunsets from the private beach & the lanai! We saw dolphins, osprey, pelicans and lots of other birds at the beach. When we visited family in other parts of Sarasota, we saw alligators as well as sand cranes! Great restaurants we discovered: Bella Roma for a nice dinner in the village! Other thoughts to share: This is our second time at this condo - enjoy the hospitality, layout and location! We will definitely be back!”"
Pauline & Peter (Essex, U.K.)
"“How fortunate we are to spend another wonderful vacation here in #802. Weather has been great with just one cloudy day. We like the Bone fish grill and Cafe Baci on the 41 and Flavios and Turtles restaurant on Siesta Key. Friends joined us for a few days and now they realize why we love it here so much. Great to see Essie and Mel again, and thanks again to Essie for her ‘fixins’, they always get us off for a good start. Now back to chilly U.K. but look forward to returning to our favourite vacation destination. Much love Pauline and Peter.”"
Chris, Stewart, Jan & Carson (N.S.)
"“The weather was beautiful, 85+ many days. Our favorite adventures: Walking the beach with stroller, swimming in the pool and ocean, boat rides, shopping (esp in Ellenton), happy hour(s), golf, dinner parties with friends & family. Great restaurants we discovered: Sun Garden (excellent brunch), Bonefish. Other thoughts to share: Amazing hospitality from Mel & Essie (gift basket upon arrival and gifts for little Carson!) We were happy to find Siesta Key Baby Rentals for stroller crib, carseat & beach toys. Thank you Essie and Mel for all the extra things you do to make sure we have such a relaxing vacation in beautiful Crystal Sands. We appreciate your kindness and hospitality. Chris & Stewart (year 6 in condo)”"
3rd time is a charm!
"This was our 3rd time staying at this condo and love it more every time. This condo has everything you'd ever need for a home away from home. It is also immaculate. The owner, Essie, who is now a dear friend (we love her) greets her guests with an awesome "Welcome Basket" that "has it all". We didn't need to go to the store for over a week, except for wine of course. The lanai is so spacious and I actually slept on the chaise every night. Try it, pure bliss. Till we meet again Essie, take care of YOU!"
Siesta Key at its finest
"The Crystal Sands is probably the best place that you can stay on Siesta Key. Their stretch of beach, coupled with the condition of the property, is miles above the competition. This unit does not disappoint. It has all of the amenities that you could ask for, and still retains some of its original charm. If you are looking for a true beach getaway, this is the place for you. The owners are kind, more than accommodating, and make you feel welcome from the minute that you inquire about the property. All that you need to do is bring your groceries, and your swim suit. They have the rest covered. The welcome basket was an unexpected, and welcome surprise. It saved us from having to rush out for our first evening's supplies. The beds were extremely comfortable, and the layout of the unit is unique to what we have experienced at the Crystal Sands. The den/bedroom is a wise use of space, and our 2 children (6 & 13) are still talking about how comfortable and fun the Murphy beds were. Siesta Key holds a special place in our hearts. You get to truly enjoy the beach, without all of the trappings & chaos of most beach communities. The two weeks that we spent at the Crystal Sands helped us solidify our families 5th generation, with fond memories of Siesta Key. We look forward to returning soon."
Nicole & Peter Trapasso (CA)
"“The weather was: spectacular! Sunny & 70’s - not too humid and no rain whatsoever. Our favorite adventures: Morning beach walks, watching the sunsets from the private beach & the lanai! We saw dolphins, osprey, pelicans and lots of other birds at the beach. When we visited family in other parts of Sarasota, we saw alligators as well as sand cranes! Great restaurants we discovered: Bella Roma for a nice dinner in the village! Other thoughts to share: This is our second time at this condo - enjoy the hospitality, layout and location! We will definitely be back!”"
Pauline & Peter (Essex, U.K.)
"“How fortunate we are to spend another wonderful vacation here in #802. Weather has been great with just one cloudy day. We like the Bone fish grill and Cafe Baci on the 41 and Flavios and Turtles restaurant on Siesta Key. Friends joined us for a few days and now they realize why we love it here so much. Great to see Essie and Mel again, and thanks again to Essie for her ‘fixins’, they always get us off for a good start. Now back to chilly U.K. but look forward to returning to our favourite vacation destination. Much love Pauline and Peter.”"
Chris, Stewart, Jan & Carson (N.S.)
"“The weather was beautiful, 85+ many days. Our favorite adventures: Walking the beach with stroller, swimming in the pool and ocean, boat rides, shopping (esp in Ellenton), happy hour(s), golf, dinner parties with friends & family. Great restaurants we discovered: Sun Garden (excellent brunch), Bonefish. Other thoughts to share: Amazing hospitality from Mel & Essie (gift basket upon arrival and gifts for little Carson!) We were happy to find Siesta Key Baby Rentals for stroller crib, carseat & beach toys. Thank you Essie and Mel for all the extra things you do to make sure we have such a relaxing vacation in beautiful Crystal Sands. We appreciate your kindness and hospitality. Chris & Stewart (year 6 in condo)”"
Mary and Jim (MN)
"“This unit has the most amazing unobstructed view! You can see the ocean from the bedroom, living room, and den. You can hear the wave action, even with the large glass doors closed. The sand feels like powdered sugar, and the pelicans diving into the water are really entertaining :) Don’t miss a single sunset, because each one is different. We thought we’d escape a dreary, chilly November in Minnesota but we did not expect record high temperatures. We did our share of sweating! The Siesta Key village has great places for breakfast and lunch. We enjoyed the Village Café, and Another Broken Egg. We used the heat as an excuse to have a lot of ice cream. Sub-zero was fun because you can create your own flavors. (& the Longhorn, in Sarasota, has great steaks at a reasonable cost). If it matters to you to feel welcome, away from home, Essie & Mel do that beyond anything we’ve experienced elsewhere. Enjoy.”"
Boyd &Judy; (Canada)
"“Another great holiday on Siesta Key. Had a great lunch with Essie, Mel and Ann. December weather was unusually great, we hate to leave. We thank Essie and Mel for the welcoming basket of goodies. The countless beautiful sunsets were an added bonus. We had another wonderful stay at Essie & Mel’s condo. Can’t wait to return in March, 2016.”"
Linda & John (W.V.)
"“Well our fourth visit has come to a close. Another fabulous 2 weeks at this lovely condo. Essie and Mel go above and beyond to make our stay perfect. The condo has everything you could need or want and then, as always, we are greeted with a lovely basket filled with, not just sandwich fixings, but all the everyday essentials. Essie and Mel are not just the condo owners they are dear friends. As always, they make this our home away from home. Weather was perfect, we enjoyed Claytons Siesta Grill, Phillippi Creek and Miguel’s for our anniversary. We are booked for 2017 same time and hope to come here every year! What a wonderful retreat! Thanks, Mel and Essie God Bless You.”"
Mike, Shannon, Tara & Sydney (CO)
"Our favorite adventures: “parasailing, paddle boarding, swimming in the oh-so-warm ocean; 4th of July fireworks were amazing! walking and running on the beach; drive down Casey Key road & visit to Longboat; watching Federer bat Djokovic in Wimbledon Semi final on Friday :)” Great restaurants we discovered: “ Columbia (Armand Circle) is fantastic; also Casey Key Fish House & Sharkey’s in Venice are fantastic and tropical; Big Olaf’s ice cream!” Other thoughts to share: “ What a great condo! View from lanai is to-die-for. Essie & Mel are the best. Thank you for the incredible “goodies” you left us & for providing such a well stocked condo!! We would come back here in an instant :)”"
Joe & Judy
"We would like to stay at your condo {again} next year. It seems like a lifetime away but we know it will go fast. (MN)"
Chris, Stewart, Jan & Carson
"“Another beautiful April in Siesta Key - our 9th year in a row. Chris and Stewart were here the whole month, with Jan & Carson visiting the last 8 days. The weather was beautiful. Most days were spent at the beach and in the pool, with some shopping sprinkled in of course. This year we returned to Bonefish, Sun Garden and Captain Kurts, along with our first trip to the Olive Garden ( not available in Canada!) Thanks as always for your hospitality and generosity!!”"
Ben and Linda (MA)
"“The weather was perfect. Our favorite adventures: Visiting family and friends, walking the beach, swimming in the gulf water, etc. Great restaurants we discovered: Havier’s. Other thoughts to share: Thanks for your hospitality. We had a wonderful, restful week.”"
Fred & Marian
"“So very much enjoyed our stay here at #802. Sorry Mel and Essie that you were ill on our arrival. But your daughter & son in law were very welcoming. Very nice people! The welcome treats were a pleasant surprise and greatly appreciated. Delighted with lots of linens and that the bathrooms were well stocked! Weather wise - we had 28 days of sunshine; 1 nite of rain. Couldn’t ask for better! Fred likes to cook & is quite good at it, so our dining out experiences were limited. Mattison’s at Bayside, before we attended a performance at Van Wezel, was quite good. Our best discovery was Paisanos Italian Bakery on Clarke . The sweets were delectable and the Italian bread was delicious! Siesta Key is truly the best beach in North America!"
“M and B”
"“Our 3rd year at this complex! “I always look forward to the “welcome foods”--especially the key lime pie since my birthday is February 2nd and the pie is my cake! We attended “Born Yesterday”at the Osolo --great play. Restaurants we like -- Phillippi, Captain Curts, Miguel’s, Walt’s on 41and Knicks in the little village approaching the “North Bridge.” Carrabas was not impressive. Also Lobster Pot and Sun Garden in the village. Thank you Essie and Mel.”"
Ed and Joanie
"“We’ve been coming here since we wed in 2005 but our first time at Crystal Sands. Essie was such a great host! The fixins basket and goodies in the frig were a very welcome surprise. We love “the key” but tend to go into Sarasota to eat - - - that is if Ed isn’t creating gourmet meals in the condo! The weather was unbelievable great! Only today our last day was it chilly with rain. We love the beach and pool. Oh! I almost forgot our fav restaurants: Simon’s on 41 (N), First Watch for breakfast & lunch ( in downtown Sarasota). We ate at Ruth Chris and were not impressed. Thank you Essie! We love you!”"
Karen N.
"This is our new favorite place to stay at Siesta Key, and we have stayed at many over the years. Crystal Sands is a great complex. The building is well-positioned to get great ocean views (the high rise building—not the villas), and it’s one of just a few properties along Crescent Beach that has an ocean front pool. Best of all, the lanais jut out from the building allowing for a panoramic view and good air flow, unlike many of the balconies along Crescent Beach that are closed in on three sides giving a tunnel-vision view of the beach and not a speck of breeze. This particular unit may not be the most updated one in the building, but it is spotless and all of the furnishings and appliances are of high quality and in good working order. There is a washer/dryer inside the unit, which is a big plus so you don’t have to continually run down the breezeway to the laundry room and try to gather enough quarters to do your laundry. The unit is very well equipped with everything you need—laundry detergent, dishwashing detergents, paper towels, tissue, toilet paper, spices/condiments for cooking, beach toys, several beach umbrellas and chairs (in addition to the ones Crystal Sands supplies on the beach), books, puzzles, local maps, DVDs, and enough towels for an army. This unit feels like a home rather than a rental unit. It is also located at the end of the building closest to the beach, so the view is one of the best in the building. And to top it off, this unit is very reasonably priced at hundreds less than some of the professionally managed units in the building. The only downside is that there is a 2-week minimum rental, which we can’t always do. A highlight of our stay was getting to know the owners, Essie and Mel, a bit. They are a lovely, in love, couple, married over 60 years. Essie seems to really enjoy her role as manager of the condo. She not only managed all the arrangements smoothly, she made us feel like family. “Hospitality” is her middle name! She has waiting for her guests a very generous welcome basket of gourmet sandwich fixin’s and more. If you arrive exhausted after a hard day of travel, you can just crash and relax without even having to go out to eat or get groceries that first night. Thanks to Essie and Mel for sharing their condo. We hope to return many times in the future."
Mansur,Olena,Baby Daniel, Sergey, & Irina (OH)
"“Thank you Essie and Mel!!! We could relax, but it could not be better. Your services are Best of the Best. Sincerely, Guests from Columbus; Two Russian family’s. We wish you good luck! We will be back!!!”"
Pauline & Peter (UK)
"“Another wonderful stay at 802. Thank you once again Essie, Mel and Ann for making our vacation perfect. Love your fixins” Essie, always gets us off to a great start. The weather has been hot and sunny every day and we return to the UK totally refreshed. Look forward to seeing you all later in the year. Warm regards, Pauline & Peter”"
Chris & Stewart
"“Another amazing vacation in condo 802! The only rain we saw was the first day we arrived. Beautiful weather for all of April. As always, we shopped, swam, golfed, walked the beach and relaxed. We were lucky to have Jan and Carson for our final week. Thanks again for the wonderful brunch, Mel, Essie & Ron. It’s a highlight of our year! Another wonderful vacation in 802--9 yrs! Thanks, Mel & Essie!. p.s. We enjoyed the Murphy bed this year! (Jan writing for Chris )”"
Boyd & Judy (Canada)
"“We had another wonderful month at the Fechter’s condo. Wonderful weather and lots of relaxation. Looking forward to next year. Boyd & Judy”"
Roger and Donna M (CA)
"“Essie and Mel, This has been our 20th time at the Crystal Sands, and we have to say that this was the ultimate. We were so delightfully welcome by Essie and Ann, her daughter. It was like visiting family. Essie put together a wonderful Welcoming Basket, full of all the essentials we needed to get us by for a couple days. This condo is beautiful and exceeded our expectations. Thank you for a wonderful vacation and the pleasure of meeting you --Ann--Aaron. We will be back very soon. God Bless you both.”"
Linda and John F. (WV)
"“It’s been another wonderful two weeks at Essie and Mel’s lovely condo. They are such gracious and generous hosts, fully stocked condo plus a fabulous welcome basket, and, of course Siesta Key beach, top in the United States! Weather was great. Our favorite restaurant is Clayton’s Siesta Grille (we ate there three times). Shopping is fun on Main St. in Sarasota and St. Armand Circle. We have booked our weeks for Oct. 2016! Thanks Essie and Mel for making our stay so comfortable. It’s home, away from home--only better!”"
Michael, Paula & Delilah (Texas)
"“Essie. What a wonderful stay. Absolutely great. Thanks so much for another great stay. Please tell Mel thank you. Will let you know about next year. :)”"
Paul and Charlotte K.
"“Dear Mel and Essie: Paul and I absolutely loved your condo. Everything was perfect! Your welcome gift basket was so appreciated! It was so difficult to leave such a beautiful, relaxing, peaceful location. The weather was perfect, the condo was fantastic, the views magnificent! We hope to return soon - thank you for the perfect vacation! Take care!” Paul and Charlotte"
Chris & Stewart (Canada)
"Essie and Mel, Now that we have been here for 16 days in Condo 802 we want to tell you how much we have enjoyed every day since our arrival. We have everything we need in the condo and the beach is just perfect from the early morning sunrise to the beautiful sunset that we see so well from the lanai. It is hard to imagine that we left all the snow behind and now we are enjoying fabulous, hot weather every single day. We are spoiled and we love it ! The days go by too quickly but we try to do as much as we can while we are here. It is a great vacation. Thank you again for your warm welcome and kind hearts. Hope all is well with you. Chris & Stewart"
Boyd & Judy (Canada)
"“It was great as always. Weather was fabulous. Can’t wait for December, 2015. B&J.”"
Lotte & Claus (Denmark)
"“We really enjoyed our Christmas vacation on Siesta Key in your lovely apartment with stunning views. The trips around the key, we have done on bikes and it was lovely experience. It has also been to a few rounds of golf on fine courses in the area, which we have enjoyed much in the good weather. Now we will go home to Denmark with new energy to cope with the winter. We wish you all well. Lotte cl, Claus”"
Nicole & Peter (San Francisco, CA)
"“It was great to see Mel and Essie again when we arrived for our check-in. We have stayed here in prior years and really enjoy the condo and all the wonderful hospitality. We ate our breakfasts and lunch in mostly--had some fun dinners out including Hyde Park in Sarasota for a classy steak dinner. Valentino’s is a local pizza casual eating place, good for families. We also enjoyed a dinner at Carrabaras. Our favorite thing here is to enjoy the shinning beauty of the beach. Our morning beach walk and later spending time on the beach was special. The fog and stormy weather this week was great to watch and didn’t slow us down much. We look forward to coming back next year! Happy Holidays!”"
Boyd & Judy (Canada)
"“We were pleased to be met by both Mel & Essie. As usual we had our lovely welcome basket and a fridge filled with other necessities. Once, again we enjoyed the spectacular view and beautiful sunsets. Siesta Key is beyond compare. We had everything at our fingertips. We ate out occasionally but enjoyed our evenings in. This visit we had a meal at Stonewood and enjoyed the food, our friends & the ambience. We cannot wait to return in March 2015. We also had another delicious dinner at Javiers. It was a great three weeks. Once again, thanks to Mel & Essie."
John & Linda (West Virginia)
"“Our third visit to Siesta Key and absolutely the best, thanks to Melo and Essie. Their generous hospitality and fabulous condo cannot be matched. We were met by Essie, as Mel had just returned from the hospital. There was a lovely welcome basket plus more in the refrigerator--just above and beyond with such attention to detail making our stay perfect. As for the condo, the views from every room are breathtaking. We knew we must return and booked our next visit while only a few days here. It’s where we hope to always vacation. (Gorgeous sunsets). Our days were spent reading on the beach, walking and enjoying glorious weather. We ate out often, but also cooked several dinners in as everything needed is supplied and the view from the kitchen is extraordinary. Favorite restaurants would include Clayton’s Siesta Grille, Ophelia’s and Cuphemia Haye on Longboat Key. Great shopping at St.Armand’s Key and Main St. Sarasota. Beautiful condo--most wonderful hosts!”"
Andrew & Emma (on honeymoon) (Manchester, UK)
"“Superb! Loved every minute. We have been to Siesta Key many times and will be back! We were here on honeymoon and it was perfect! The apartment/condo is wonderful. Essie & Mel made us feel very welcome and the views of the gulf. Captain Curts has the best clam chowder and you must visit Marina Jacks. Mote Marine & Bird sanctuary is great too. Check out Turtle Beach on Siesta Key. Get your sandwiches from Anna’s! Essie, Mel, thanks again.”"
Peter & Pauline (Essex, UK)
"“Had a great three weeks. Stormy afternoons and plenty enough sunshine for us. Thanks to Essie for her very welcome ‘fixins’ much appreciated. We were very glad to return this year, such a beautiful view and condo was everything you could need for a perfect vacation. We eat out a lot and Café Baci and Bonefish were our favourites next to each other on 41. Flavios in Siesta Village also good as is Lonestar. Also visited the Ringling Museum for the first time and were very impressed. Look forward to returning to Siesta Key.”"
Randal, Carolyn, Katherine & David (Indiana)
"“WOW, what a wonderful week of relaxation. The welcome basket was a great surprise which enabled us to go directly to the beach instead of the grocery store. It was good to meet Essie and Mel and it is obvious they do everything they can to make the visit as enjoyable as possible. Sea turtles laid eggs in 4 places during our visit and Fay got to see a baby loggerhead turtle that had wandered back to shore before being rescued and sent to rehab. Our girls rode horses on the beach and in the bay in Bradenton which was quite a thrill. A great week thanks to Essie and Mel”"
Lori, Charley, Sydney & Zach (Kentucky)
"“Thank you for all the goodies upon our arrival. What a wonderful surprise! Your condo is beautiful and the view is awesome!!! This is our first time to Siesta Key. We ate at Lobstah’s on Anna Marie Island--quite good. We drove back through Longboat Key. It was a very nice scenic drive. We also ate at the Grasshopper & El Toro Bravo - Mexican as well as Mrs. Chen’s - Chinese Buffett. We had great pizza at Francisco’s on Webber St. Tonight we ate at Phillippi Creek Village. We visited Myakka River State Park. We did the 10:00 boat tour. We saw a lot of gators. We also did the canopy/tree top walk. It was very pretty. We enjoyed both. We visited Venice Pier twice. My son & daughter were both stung by catfish that they had caught. We learned a hot water soak is key...no ice! Everyone caught lots and lots of fish throughout the week. Frozen shrimp was used as well as sand fleas. The weather was good most of the week except Wed/Thurs. Heavy rain made for bigger waves which was a nice change for a few days. My daughter & husband saw dolphins on our last day around 9:30/10:00 a.m. while wading in the ocean. We had a great week! Thank you!”"
Paul & Kris (Pittsburgh, PA)
"“The flight from Pittsburgh to Siesta Key was well worth it! The weather was beautiful all week long --a few overcast moments but generally great - We enjoyed having breakfast on the lanai and listening to the waves at night. There are plenty of places to have a good meal. We like the Boatyard. This is our second visit to Siesta Key and each visit better than the last. When we arrived, Essie had a food basket waiting for us so we could grab a sandwich as we settled in! The hospitality was outstanding, the condo more than comfortable and the beach--the best we’ve found in years! Thanks to Mel & Essie for making us feel at home. Hopefully, we’ll be back another year.”"
Mark & Noreen (Ireland)
"“The weather was: Fantastic! Our favorite adventures: Relaxing on the beach, going for walks, and watching the manatee swimming along the shore. Great restaurants we discovered: The Boatyard & Longhorn Other thoughts to share: It was well worth the 18 Hr. journey from Belfast! Siesta Key is beautiful & Essie and Mel’s condo is perfect. Thank you so much for your hospitality The basket of ‘fixins’ was a wonderful welcome. We had a fantastic week and hope to be back again in the future."
Tara& Rich & Patty & Joy (TX)
"“The weather was: wonderful! Our favorite adventures: We did fly boarding for our first time and it was spectacular! We also paddle boarded for our first time and it was amazing, too. Highly recommend Dan at Siesta Key Paddleboards. That’s who we used for both adventures above. I had bought groupons. We also went sailing on a catamaran & saw dolphins. Great restaurants we discovered: Breakfast at the Sun Garden was very good, ate there twice. Other thoughts to share: Thanks Essie & Mel for sharing your lovely condo. Loved the view & spent most of our time out on the balcony & on the beach. Loved the morning & evening walks on the beach! Essie, the welcome basket & everything else provided was over the top. It was so unexpected but what a wonderful surprise. You are so very sweet! Thanks again & hope to be back soon!”"
Christie, Nate, Jackson & Olivia (NH)
"“The weather was: Absolutely beautiful! Couldn’t have had better. Our favorite adventures: We did a lot of sitting on the beach, swimming in the ocean, and reading up and swimming in the pool. This has been by far our best family vacation to date! Great restaurants we discovered: Olaf’s creamery for homemade ice cream in the village. Other thoughts to share: Thanks Essie and Mel for our lovely and generous welcome basket. We enjoyed every moment of our stay at your condo! Thank you so much!”"
Chris & Stewart (Canada)
"“The weather was: a little cooler than usual at first, but beautiful for the 2nd of the month. 85+every day that Jan & Carson were here. Our favorite adventures: Golfing, Million Dollar Quartet Show in Sarasota, walking the beach, swimming, shopping (of course) and lounging on the lanai. Another lovely brunch with Mel & Essie at Sun Garden. Great restaurants we discovered: The same haunts - Sun Garden, Outback, Five Guys (French fries for Carson), The Table. Other thoughts to share: Thanks so much for having us again this year! Carson was another year older, but loved the pool most of all! (Jan & Carson) Mel & Essie, As always thank you for everything--another perfect vacation in Paradise # 802”"
Boyd & Judy (Canada)
"“The weather was: 1st 3 wks.- GREAT, LAST WEEK - SOMEWHAT RAINY BUT WARM. Our favorite adventures: WORKING THE BEACH, LUNCH ON THE LANAI, HAPPY HOUR WATCHING THE SUNSETN, VISITING FRIENDS HERE IN BRADENTON AND THOSE FROM HOME WHO ARE HOLIDAYING HERE. AND OF COURSE, THE SHOPPING! Great adventures we discovered: OUR FAVORITES, JUST A SHORT WALK AWAY, ARE JAVIER’S & MIGUELS. ALSO, BONJOUR CAFE,THE COTTAGE IN THE VILLAGE. A NEW PLACE WE TRIED, NAPOLI, IN THE VILLAGE, WAS VERY GOOD. Other thoughts to share: AS USUAL ESSIE & MEL GREETED US ON OUR ARRIVAL WITH A BASKET FULL OF GOODIES & FRIG WITH MANY MORE. OUR UNIT WAS CLEAN AND COMFORTABLE OVERLOOKING A HUGE EXPANSE OF BEACH AND THE GULF. WE’LL BE BACK FOR NOV OF THIS YEAR & MARCH OF NEXT. EVERYTHING IS PERFECT HERE IN PARADISE!”"
Mark & Betsy (PA)
"“This was our second stay with Mel and Essie, and we’ll be back in 2017. The view and hospitality were outstanding - Mark walked for hours each day, and collected many interesting shells! Thank you for a memorable experience. Mark and Betsy”"
Boyd & Judy
"We were here for 4 weeks in Dec. All the previous comments are too true. Essie & Mel are great Owners.One could not ask for more. We were here in Mar. ‘13 for 4 weeks as well and will be back for Mar. ‘14 & Dec. ‘14. And, plan for 2 months every year and more if I could talk Judy into that idea. Which, I guess, shows you how much we love the Condo, Beach, Lanai for Happy Hours, the restaurants nearby and in the “Village”. Recommend Javier’s, Miguel’s, The Cottage, The Hub at Bahia & Bon Jour (great crepes). Free cab, just tips."
Nicole & Peter (CA)
"“The weather was: warm & beautiful, then stormy then it cooled off further. It was amazing to view the storm from the 8th floor. Our favorite adventures: We treasure our daily morning walks up and down the beach. Watching the dolphins, sea birds and people watching is a lot of fun. Great restaurants we discovered: We checked out Owen’s Fish Camp in Sarasota - food & atmosphere were great. Lunch at the Sun Garden was very enjoyable. Valentino’s has great Italian food. Other thoughts to share: We truly enjoy staying at this beautiful spot with such amazing hospitality. We truly feel fortunate to have been able to stay year over year here. We’ve had such a nice time each year while visiting our family and hope to be back again next year! Happy Thanksgiving!”"
Peter & Pauline (Essex UK)
"“The weather was: Beautiful, a little cloud but lots of lovely Florida sunshine. Our favorite adventures: We relaxed on the beach and on the lanai. Maybe we relaxed too much, but it was great just to watch the waves and the antics of the sea birds, and as usual the lovely sunsets. Great restaurants we discovered: We tried many but our favourite was Flavios Italian in Siesta Village. Our thoughts to share: Thank you so much Essie and Mel. We have loved meeting you, the condo has everything you could wish for,your hospitality has been wonderful and your generous basket and ‘fixins’ were a lovely surprise and very welcome. We have enjoyed every minute and hope that we will be able to return.”"
Inger & Pelle (Denmark)
"“The weather was: Perfect - until last two days. Our favorite adventures: Be on the beach and golfing. Great restaurants we discovered: Longhorn and Red Lobster. Other thoughts to share: Siesta key is just lovely. That’s why we come back every year. Thank you Essie and Mel for your hospitality and for the welcome basket. It has been great to be here in your condo. Hope to be back.”"
Sam & Pam (S.C.)
"“The weather was: gorgeous! Our favorite adventures: Parasailing & exploring the “key” and especially catching up with family. Great restaurants we discovered: Captain Curt’s, delicious clam chowder and the ribs at the Boat House. The crab legs at Phillipi Creek Oyster Bar are the BEST. Other thoughts to share: We don’t want to go home - it is so beautiful here on Siesta Key. Perfect weather with beautiful view of ocean and sand. Food in the refrigerator upon our arrival. Thank you Essie and Mel for a wonderful week of relaxation."
Angela (S.C.)
"“The weather was: perfect! Our favorite adventures: Parasailing - That’s one off my bucket. Great restaurants we discovered: Sun Garden, the very best omelets. Other thoughts to share: Siesta Key & Sarasota have everything you would ever want in a vacation. I love it here. Thank you for your generosity. The basket of goodies, the frig full of goodies and the wonderful condo. Couldn’t ask for anything more.”"
Angela (with Pam & Sam) S.C.
"“The weather was: perfect! Our favorite adventures: Parasailing - That’s one off my bucket. Great restaurants we discovered: Sun Garden, the very best omelets. Other thoughts to share: Siesta Key & Sarasota have everything you would ever want in a vacation. I love it here. Thank you for your generosity. The basket of goodies, the frig full of goodies and the wonderful condo. Couldn’t ask for anything more.”"
Brandon & Laura (IN)
"“The weather was: GREAT!! PERFECT TEMPS, EVEN WITH 7” OF RAIN IN 3 DAYS. THE WEATHER WAS GREAT. Our favorite adventures: OUR SON’S WEDDING ON THE BEACH . IT WAS AN ABSOLUTELY PERFECT DAY!! SITTING OUT ON THE LANAI WATCHING GOD’S BEAUTY!! WALKING THE BEACH WATCHING THE WONDERFUL SUSETS & SPENDING A RELAXING VACATION WITH FAMILY. Great restaurants we discovered: AS FANS OF MAN VS. FOOD WE TRIED OLD SALTY DOG AND LOVED IT. WE ALSO WENT TO YODERS WHAT GREAT FOOD & PEOPLE!! OH, AND IF YOU LIKE PIE YOU CAN’T GO WRONG AT YODERS!!” :) Other thoughts to share: MEL & ESSIE, WOW, WHAT A FANTASTIC WELCOME!! YOUR CONDO IS AMAZING, CLEAN, EVERYTHNG YOU COULD POSSIBLY WANT OR NEED IS HERE. THE WELCOME BASKET AND THE LITTLE EXTRAS IN THE FRIDGE WERE AWESOME. WHAT A TERRIFIC COUPLE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU. THANK YOU FOR BEING THE BEST HOSTS EVER!! HOPE TO SEE YOU AGAIN!! BRANDON & LAURA”"
Bob & Judy (PA)
"“The weather was: 90+everyday, one afternoon of rain otherwise sunny and hot. Our favorite adventures: watching sunrises and sunsets...going to the many good restaurants in the area. Great restaurants we discovered: Puccini’s - very good Other thoughts to share: Very nice condo. The welcome basket was a very nice surprise. It was nice to have the things we needed upon arrival. Very thoughtful of Mel and Essie and much appreciated. Looking forward to a return trip.”"
Doug & Vicki (IN)
"“The weather was: 90’s, great skies with a couple of storms to keep it interesting before beautiful weather promptly returned. Our favorite adventures: “Save our birds’ Sanctuary, long beach walks Great restaurants we discovered: Der Dutchman (took your recommendation!) Other thoughts to share: Your condo was so clean, serene & welcoming. Lovely, posh welcome basket & condo sundries - so generous & thoughtful!!Pillow top bed was comfy;we rested well. Class act all around, & we will try hard to get a great review posted for you(which you deserve!) on VRBO! Your warm hospitality will be remembered, & we all hope to return. Thanks again for your amazing attention to detail for our comfort and pleasure. Best regards, Doug & Vicki”"
Greg, Dodi, & Jaida (Ontario)
"“The weather was: 90’s, beautiful! Our favorite adventures: The beach, having coffee and meals on the lanai..Wonderful! What a great setting! We sooo enjoyed! Great Restaurants we discovered: Captain Curts! Great seafood meal. Other thoughts to share: It was our first visit to Siesta Key. (the gulf side) It was truly our favorite Florida vacation. Will be back for sure. Mel & Essie made our stay perfect. Thanks so much for the “fixins”. Your condo shone in comparison to others we have stayed at! Thanks again, Essie & Mel. :)"
Lazaro, Suzel, Alexandro y David (FL)
"“The weather was: perfect thanks to God we really enjoyed the nature. Our favorite adventures: walking with my son in all the beach early, relaxed and enjoying the sunrise and the sunset. we also ride, swim, play the ball, etc. Great restaurants we discovered: I like to cook for my family is something that I enjoy and all cooperating. The kitchen has the perfect conditions and very clean. Other thoughts to share: Thank you for the details which allowed to greet us. the kids loved the candy. We are very grateful and hope to return soon.: :) gracias, gracias y que Dios los Bendiga mucho.”"
Allen, Leslie, Nathan, & Matthew (NC)
"“The weather was: Beautiful most of the time--several storms Our favorite adventures: Relaxing on beautiful Siesta Key beach! Watching the gorgeous sunsets! Fantastic fireworks on beach 2 nights! Great restaurants we discovered: The Beach House in Bradenton was great! We still love Yoders & Dutch Heritage. Other thoughts to share: Thank you for allowing us to stay in your condo for the 3rd time. Saying “Thank you” hardly seems enough for all you do to make our family feel so special! Your hospitality and personal touches (stocked fridge, goodie basket, special soap, personal note, etc.) make our vacation unforgettable! Essie & Mel are very special to us! :) Thanks for the coupon savings too!”"
Lynn G.
"Very clean condo, fully stocked. Mel and Essie are wonderful to work with. I have rented other condos in the past and have never had all of the supplies provided like this. The welcome basket went way above and beyond our expectations! Would definitely recommend this condo to others."
gabriel d.
"As a native Sarasotan I relish any chance to go home and spent time on some of the most beautiful beaches in the US. I especially love the south end of Siesta Key and jumped at a chance to rent a unit with Gulf views. Clean, comfortable and that lanai! The unit owners were equally charming providing us with an extremely thoughtful basked it of edible goodies for our arrival and were a charming couple. The unit was perfect for two people and we spent every morning on the lanai watching the pelicans and the waves of the Gulf. I can’t wait to go back and rent this unit again. Thanks so much for a lovely vacation."
Mark, Brenda, & Amanda
"“The weather was: beautiful! Sunny and breezy throughout the day and the rain held off til the night. Our favorite adventures: spending the day on the beach with family; Finding great restaurants to eat at which are not found at home. Recommended: Walk down to the public beach to see locals playing drums on Sundays. Walking on the beach for unique shells! Great restaurants we discovered: Captain Curt’s, Yoders, SKOB, Beckham’s, Phillippi’s Creek, Oyster Bar, and the Salty Dog. Other thoughts to share: Thank you Mel & Essie providing a comfortable, clean condo. Your welcome basket was such a kind & generous gift. Your warm hospitality and wonderful made our first trip to Siesta Key unforgettable! Many thanks again from all of us! :)"
Jeanine
"The condo was beautiful and very roomy. The view was amazing to wake up to every day. The pool was clean and warm. The ocean was perfect and the sand was cool. We had a great week. The owners were wonderful and thoughtful. I would recommend this rental to my family and friends."
Lynn F.
"This was our second stay with Melvin and Essie at the Crystal Sands, and it was even better than the first. The weather was excellent - High 80s / Low 90s in during the day, mid to low 70s at night. We had rain the first night, and saw just a trace after that. The beach and Gulf are perfect at Crystal Sands - deep beach with powdery sand that doesn’t get hot, and very gradual entry to the Gulf. Waves were generally small, with moderate (2 - 3ft) on windy days. The pool and common grounds are well maintained (the nozzle on the clean-off hoze was broke one morning and fixed by noon later that day), and the building is well secured (security fob to access beach 24 hrs a day, in evening to access elevators). Mel and Essie’s condo is cleaner than any rental property or hotel I have ever been in, and is more than adequately stocked with towels, linens, and kitchen supplies. The new washer and dryer are excellent. A couple of thoughts: - While this unit does not directly face the Gulf (it faces slightly south), we believe it has better views than the directly facing units would because it allows you to see the beach in addition to the Gulf. We prefer the south facing view because it has less buildings in the sight line than does the north facing view. - We used the table on the lanai for nearly every meal, even during the heat of the day because the breeze keeps it comfortable and the south facing angle puts it in the shade most of the day. - The trundle bed worked very well for our 9 and 7 year olds, and we appreciated the extra feel of roominess by not having the second bedroom walled off. Mel and Essie are a special couple, and they make you feel special when you rent from them. We are already signed up for next year."
Susan & Terry (NY)
"“The weather was: Very cloudy but still enjoyable - rained for a short time most days but sun came back real soon. Our favorite adventures: Drove to Venice and sat at Sharkey’s on the Pier - Very nice area. Great restaurants we discovered: Downtown Sarasota - Mattison’s - Patricks & still love to go to Marina Jacks & Tommy Bahama’s + Columbia in St. Armands. Other thoughts to share: Second year here @ Mel & Essie’s and couldn’t ask for anything better!!! They are the Best. I could just duplicate this whole book with all the wonderful places & nice compliments on Essie & Mel.”"
Sue and John (GA)
"“The weather was: A+ Perfect! 84 and beautiful water and beach. Our favorite adventures: Beach, beach, & beach! We enjoyed having breakfast and lunch everyday on your lanai. A truly magnificent view. The village is fun to visit and breakfast at the “Broken Egg” is a must. The sunsets were picture perfect --on my computer screen :) Great restaurants we discovered: Phillippi Creek is casual with great seafood. Broken Egg at the village. Turtles rest @ Turtle Beach. Other thoughts to share: Essie & Mel, we loved our stay at your condo! Your hospitality was “above the rest” --thank you so much for the gift basket, bread, and keylime pie. Our week was fantastic and we will be back. This is our third trip to Siesta Key and your condo was the best - perfect. Best wishes to you!”"
Kevn and Sharon (VA)
"“The weather was: perfect! Thank you so much for the use of your umbrella!! I wouldn’t have stayed outside without it! Our favorite adventures:: Just Relaxing on the beach! We had a great 3-hour sailboat ride with “Key Sailing” and would recommend it to anyone. Also enjoyed walking around the Village and listening to music at the various restaurants. Great restaurants we discovered: Our favorite was the Boatyard where we could eat out on the water. Also: loved SCOB. Other thoughts to share: Thank you so much for the warm welcome and very generous “Welcome Basket”! It had everything we needed and then some to get our vacation started after a long trip to get here. The key lime pie was great! Your condo is picture perfect and the view is amazing. Thank you for sharing it with us and hopefully we’ll be back soon! For now, back to reality.” :("
Melanie and Gary (WA) and Pat (UK)
"“The weather was: Wonderful - Sunshine every day! The view from the balcony was magic. Our favorite adventures: A visit to the Aquarium to see Dolphins and Manatees!! That was amazing. Two boat trips to see wild Dolphins & the huge houses at the water’s edge. We went shopping in the Village & bought some pretty thngs to take home for friends---& us! Walking the beach & meeting the Egrets out for a stroll. Great restaurants we discovered: The Boat Yard , Turtles, Siesta Key Oyster Bar. All excellent and friendly staff. Other thoughts to share: Essie & Mel ---how thoughtful you are to provide such a lovely Welcome Basket! The Key Lime Pie was delicius & I intend to make one when I get home! Thank you both for everythng. We go away with great memories & hope that one day we will be back."
Boyd and Judy NB, Canada
"“The weather was: Cool for March, but sunny. Our favorite adventures: walking the beach, happy hour on the lanai, shopping, touring and visiting friends. Of course, watching the sunset. Great restaurants we discovered: Our favourite was Javier’s, loved the tapas and just a short walk away (10-15 min.). Also, Miguel’s, in the same strip mall as Javier’s, Excellent. Both reasonable. Other thoughts to share: The owners, Essie and Mel provided a welcome basket overflowing with goodies. Also, found more in the fridge. The condo filled with surprises, i.e., soaps, TP,beach towels and chairs, a full set of cutlery with everything imaginable. A special thanks for a warm welcome from Essie and Mel.”"
Mark and Betsy (PA)
"“The weather was: gorgeous Our favorite adventures: Awakening in the morning to the sound of the waves - very soothing. reading on the porch walking the beach visiting neighbors wo are vacationing in Sarasota plays at the Asolo ( wait until 10:00 a.m. the day of to get tickets $15 for the upper balcony!) Great restaurants we discovered: Phillippi Creek, Lobster Pot, Casey Key, Captain Curt’s. Other thoughts to share: Sometimes when on vacation, the sights and sounds disappear over tme. But it’s the people we meet who make it memorable. Thank you Essie and Mel for your gracious attention to our needs.”"
Len & Debbie (OH)
"“The weather was: some days great, some days not as good. Our favorite adventures: Too many to mention. St Armands, Women’s Exchange, Antique shops on Fruitville and goes on and on. Great restaurants we discovered: Blue Que, Flavios--both on the Key --Roys --off the key. Other thoughts to share: Mel &Essie; are wonderful hosts. The condo is very clean and comfortable. We felt as comfortable here as we do at home. It would be surprising if anyone who stayed here was not happy with the beautiful condo and surroundings! Mel and Essie are gems!”"
John, Cathy, & Willie (AL)
"“The weather was: Cold for 4 days warm for the rest. Our favorite adventures: The beach, watching the sunsets, just relaxing, swimming in the pool, looking for shells. Great restaurants we discovered: Yoders, Captain Curt’s, IHOP. Other thoughts to share: Thank you - Essie and Mel for the lovely gift basket it was wonderful. We had a wonderful stay: couldn’t ask for a better place to stay!”"
Dick & Sherry (WI)
"“The weather was: cool, got sunny, then warmer and sunny Our favorite adventures: Beach walks & run Sunsets from beach and beautiful LANAI Great restaurants we discovered: Crow’s Nest, Boatyard, In Venice Other thoughts to share: Walking around downtown Sarasota--very nice shops and upscale restaurants, walking out to Bayfront Park area Hope to see you soon! P.S. Thanks for the basket of goodies--nice touch!”"
Patti & Brian Clements (IL)
"“The weather was: sunny and warm every day except our last day-it was 70 & partly cloudy. Our favorite adventures: Walking on the beach, walking to the village, soaking up the sun on the lanai, watching the pelicans, lizards, and boats. We also saw roseate spoonbils, turkeys and alligators at Myakka River State Park. Great restaurants we discovered: Boatyard, the Cottage, Daiqari Deck, SKOB, Madfish Grill, Captain Curts Other thoughts to share: We really appreciated the wonderful welcome basket! Thank you so much for your hospitality. We would certainly recommend this condo to anyone staying in Siesta Key. It is perfect for a relaxing vacation!"
John & Vivian (NY)
"“The weather was: fabulous-every day was heavenly. Our favorite adventures: Just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful sunsets--boating, & visiting with friends. Great restaurants we discovered: Ophelia’s, Crow’s Nest in Venice. Other thoughts to share: Thank you for allowing us to enjoy your beautiful condo.”"
Kevin and Amy (Louisville, KY)
"“The weather was: Off and on good :) Cloudy and rainy, but it was still fabulous in between those times. Our favorite adventures: JUST RELAXING !! Hubby was quite the beach bum. The sand and surf were wonderful, as usual. And we so enjoy just hanging out at night on the lanai -it doesn’t get any better than that. Great adventures we discovered: We always love Capt’n Curt’s. Had our anniversary dinner at the Lobster Pot (yum). Other thoughts to share: Mel and Essie --as always, we love your Siesta Key (apt #)! Moreover, we love you two. You guys have such a great and wonderful way of making us feel welcomed each year. This place is, without a doubt, our more favorite and cherished place to be. Much love and smiles to you both!"
Anonymousg
"What wonderful hosts. The apt. is very well appointed, and Essie and Mel have thought of everything. We were wanting for nothing because of our gracious hosts. The beach view is unbelievable. We will always try to stay here when in Siesta Key."
Texas Traveler
"This was our first stay in Siesta Key and we all hope to return soon! I was a little hesitant using VRBO, but I’m glad we decided to work with Mel & Essie at this Crystal Sands unit. We were met at the condo by Essie and Mel who gave us a great overview of the condo and the property. They were so thoughtful and brought a basket of goodies which allowed us to enjoy our first hours on the beach and not worry about running to the local grocery store for bread, lunch meat, snacks, etc...They were always responsive and very attentive to questions before and during our stay. They obviously go to great lengths to care for the condo and their guests. The condo was on the 8th floor which was perfect for us. I always enjoy ocean/gulf front condos and I wasn’t disappointed. We loved spending time on the lanai watching the sunset over the water. The beach wasn’t crowded…However, there was a lot of seaweed along the beach. Tropical storm Isaac arrived the day after we did, so I’m not sure how much that contributed to the above factors. The condo was immaculate and spacious for our family...The beds in the second bedroom could be converted to a king size bed. There are two full baths, dining area and a complete kitchen with everything we needed. There was also a utility room with washer/dryer that made washing convenient. The screened in lanai could be accessed through both bedrooms and the living area. There is also a covered parking space available to guests. Overall, this ended up being the perfect place for us! Great condo, great views and easy access to stores and restaurants. We will definitely return!"
Janet & Kris (PA)
"“The weather was: good- sunny most days with typical end of summer storms -gulf is usually pristine; however, seaweed was not pleasant & got worse with each day :( Our favorite adventures: Beach-snorkeling - reading-watching sun rise/sunsets on the lanai. Shopping & exploring Siesta, meeting many very nice people in town and purchased local art. People of Siesta Key are wonderful. Listening to the ocean each day was a treat. Great restaurants we discovered: Turtles (the best) along with Flavios, the “hub,” live music every night in the village! Other thoughts to share: Our favorite aspect of the trip is the warm and generous welcome we received from Essie & Mel. They are by far the most kind, generous and gracious hosts. Their home provided us with the comforts of a “family visit.” Thank you for providing your guests with every thing they need. We truly appreciate your attention to detail. Thank you."
Allen, Leslie, Nathan, Matthew (NC)
"“The weather was: Beautiful! HOT! Sea weed on the beach was terrible! Never been bad in previous years. Our favorite adventures: Sitting on the beach and the lanai relaxing to the sound of the waves! Enjoying beautiful sunsets! Beautiful sunset especially on Sunday night ( our last night) with several dolphins swimming toward it! Other thoughts to share: Essie & Mel thank you so much for allowing us to stay in your wonderful condo again! Your hospitality and welcome basket and stocked fridge are unmatched anywhere. We have never felt so welcomed and at home anywhere. You always go out of your way to insure your guests are pampered! We enjoyed seeing you again! Mat God bless you. (Thank you for the card including all of us when we arrived! :) “"
Jim & Teresa (OK)
"“The weather was: warm & sunny most of the time with rain showers in the evening. Our favorite adventures: walking on the beach, sitting out on the balcony & watching the waves, people & pelicans. Loved the beautiful white sand & warm ocean water. Great restaurants we discovered: Stonewood Grill was our favorite & Phillipe’s had wonderful sea food. Other thoughts to share: We had a wonderful time & this was a great place to relax and just kick back. This is a great family destination. We absolutely LOVED our condo & Essie & Mel went the extra mile to make this a memorable destination. Thank you so much!!!!”"
Mike, Sandy, Michael, Megan (Lawrence, KS)
"The weather was: “Sunny everyday! Friday nite, right at 5 o’clock a storm came through. “ Our favorite adventures: “the Beach! Enjoyed relaxing, snorkeling, some golf and Family time. Such a gorgeous view!” Great restaurants we discovered: “City Pizza, close and good pizza, Boatyard Charter grill, no place that wasn’t good and very friendly!” Other thoughts to share: “Enjoyed our full week, wish we had longer. Essie and Mel definitely went above and beyond with all the goodies, yummy “Key Lime Pie” and hospitality! Hope to come back soon!!”"
Bill, Dana, Kelsey & Sean (Indiana, PA)
"The weather was: “Sunny with a few overcast days - still able to take full advantage of the beach :) Our favorite adventures: Relaxing on the beach, playing “Prokadema”, swimming in the ocean, walking around the Village & St Armands Circle & spending as much time as possible on the gorgeous lanai! Also a fun day trip to Universal Studios in Orlando! We loved every second of our stay in 802 :) Great restaurants we discovered: SKOB, Clayton’s (breakfast), The Columbia (St. Armand’s Circle), the Old Salty Dog, the Broken Egg -- All delicious! Other thoughts to share: We can’t thank you enough Essie & Mel. Not only was the condo beautiful, your hospitality & generosity was unmatched. The welcome basket & goodies in the fridge, along with our kind welcome made our stay extra special & if possible more of a reason to return! Thanks again for everything!!”"
Lynn F.
"This is a fabulous property - the complex, the unit, and the owners. This was our first trip to Siesta Key and it met all our expectations. The beach at the Crystal Sands is very deep (compared to our previous experience in the Fort Walton Beach area), cleean, and is the same fine, white powdery sand that we love so well (not hot to the touch). We never found the beach to be overly crowded during our stay over the Memorial Day weekend and following week (as compared to the public beach just down the road). The complex is well maintained, clean, and well secured (fob to use elevators after 5 PM, fob to use restrooms near pool and access pool area). The pool was very clean, just the right temperature, and allowed viewing the Gulf (which in our experience is not that common). There was an ample supply of chairs for use on the beach (think pool lounge chairs and a few upright chairs) that we took to our spot each day. We had a covered parking spot that we could access without getting wet if need be. The Crystal Sands is shaped like a question mark, with the top of the question mark providing “the best” view. We were a little reluctant when we booked because this unit is just to the left (south) of the top of the question mark, so we thought we might not have that perfect view. We were also worried that being on the 8th floor would be too high for optimal viewing of both the beach and the Gulf. I am pleased to report that I was wrong on both accounts. Because of the depth of the beach and the slightly southern viewing angle, we had a great view from the SUPER LARGE lanai. In the past we had always felt the 3rd floor was the best for viewing, but at least at this complex I would not go much lower (less “crowd” noise on 8th floor). As I said in the title the unit is impeccably clean - cleaner than any place I have ever stayed (condo or hotel). It had EVERTYTHING we needed - kitchen supplies, spices, soaps, towels, beach toys, rafts, umbrella. We liked how they opened the 2nd bedroom to the living room for more space.The trundle bed worked well for our kids (8 & 6). Finally, I would be remiss if I did not say a few words about our hosts, Essie and Mel. When we arrived, they showed us the place and where everything was, and had a lovely welcome basket for us. We were so surprised to receive it, and while trying to express our grattitude Essie turned to us and said “It’s for special people. We only have special people stay with us.” We’ll be back."
Terry & Sue (New York)
"“The weather was: Great- Sunny - Hi 80’s Our favorite adventures: Village -Marina Jacks for cocktails Great restaurants we discovered: Marine Jack’s - SKOB - Philippi Creek Broken Egg - Anna’s Other thoughts to share: What a great vacation - Perfect location - Ocean View - Sun sets right from your lanai. Essie & Mel--Thank u for all your thoughtful “goodies.” Can’t wait til 2013 to return :)"
Anonymous
"Weather outside was perfect, the owners met us with the keys and provided us with a quick overview of the place, and a kitchen stocked with sandwich fixings, snacks etc. to make the beginning of the stay less hectic. We took a walk on the beach immediately instead of rushing to the grocery store, how cool is that. Each day we walked Crescent Beach in the morning, sunned and swam in the warm Gulf of Mexico water and had a wonderful vacation. I would highly recommend it!"
Mary Jo and Terry (CT) Patty and Lee (OH)
"“The weather was: Fabulous! Sunny & 80’s. Our favorite adventures: Walking the beach, sitting on lanai, spring training baseball-Orioles vs Red Sox, sunsets. Great restaurants we discovered: The Cottage, Bella Roma, The Boatyard. Other thoughts: 2 Sisters & Brothers-in-law on our 5th spring break vacation together. The condo was PERFECT!! Essie & Mel are the best hosts ever! Thank you - we’ll be back! This was a fabulous week in a great location. Thanks to Essie & Mel, we didn’t need a thing!”"
Martha J.
"This was by far the best place we have ever stayed in Florida! The location is absolutely perfect and the accommodations are great and the owners are so very thoughtful and have all kinds of extras waiting for you. I don’t think you could find a nicer place nor a better couple to rent from. We loved every minute of our time there."
Lena and Bill (Wisconsin)
"“The weather was warm for this time of year. Our favorite adventures: Enjoying the lanai, watching people on the beach, dolphins, birds. Great restaurants we discovered: Ophelia’s for Sunday brunch- Very good, Roy’s was a favorite, Columbia, and Italian Grill-excellent pastas and pizza. Five Guys Burgers was a fun lunch. Other thoughts: Thanks to Essie & Mel for the lovely gift basket on arrival. The condo is wonderful- comfortable, excellent view and location. We had a great month!”"
Anita and Tom (Indiana)
"“The weather was excellent for this time of year. Mid to upper 70’s w/sunshine.Only one 1/2 day of rain. Our first trip to Siesta Key.I love walking & reading on the beach. Tom played a fair amount of golf & enjoyed the beach.The view from this condo is Awesome!I brought a lot of organic food & really enjoyed cooking in. Kitchen was so well equipped as was the whole condo. We also tried several places in the village & the Columbia was great in St Armand Circle. Essie& Mel were wonderful to us.”"
Anita & Shyrna (Canada)
"The weather was: “Unbelievably beautiful.” Other thoughts to share: “Your unit is lovely! Thanks also for your thoughtful and very generous welcome basket. Many thanks, Anita and Shyrna"
Mary and Alan (NJ)
"“The weather was: lovely. It was sunny and in the 80’s most days. Our favorite adventures: We enjoyed sitting on the terrace watching the amazing view. We also liked walking the beach and exploring the area. Great restaurants we discovered: Ophelia’s, Javier’s, SKOB, Daquiri Deck, DeMarco’s. Other thoughts to share: Thank you Essie and Mel for your warm hospitality. We appreciated your generous basket of goodies. Your unit has everything a guest could want. We hope to return.”"
Sue, Russ, Tyler & Michelle (IL)
"“The weather was: Cloudy some days, sunny the others. Our last day was perfect. Our favorite adventures: Myakka River State Park. Saw a lot of alligators! Looking for shells on the beach. Turtle Beach for fishing. Shopping at Siesta Key Village. Great restaurants we discovered: We went to Captain Curts, Siesta Key Oyster Bar, and Daiquiri Oyster Bar. Captain Curt was our favorite. Other thoughts to share: We had a wonderful relaxing week. We absolutely loved the white beach. Also thank you, Essie and Mel for giving us such a warm welcome. Your goodies were so nice to get, and a perfect beginning to a perfect week!”"
The Trapassos (CA)
"The weather was: “sunny and warm - except for one afternoon storm which was fun to watch.” Our favorite adventures: “walking the beach each morning, swimming, playing paddle ball and enjoying this stunning location. We enjoyed going into Sarasota and walking around one afternoon as well. The lanai was a favorite spot - for coffee, reading and enjoying sunsets.” Great restaurants we discovered: “We actually enjoyed cooking in our condo - great kitchen accessories to make that easy. Dinner on lanai or dining room table was easy.” Other thoughts to share: “This is our 4th visit to Siesta Key but our 1st time staying in this condo. We enjoyed it very much. great location, great views, very clean and had everything we needed. The basket & food when we arrived was so generous. This is a special place & we hope to return. Thanks so much for the hospitality! Happy Thanksgiving.”"
The Trapassos (CA)
"The weather was: “sunny and warm - except for one afternoon storm which was fun to watch.” Our favorite adventures: “walking the beach each morning, swimming, playing paddle ball and enjoying this stunning location. We enjoyed going into Sarasota and walking around one afternoon as well. The lanai was a favorite spot - for coffee, reading and enjoying sunsets.” Great restaurants we discovered: “We actually enjoyed cooking in our condo - great kitchen accessories to make that easy. Dinner on lanai or dining room table was easy.” Other thoughts to share: “This is our 4th visit to Siesta Key but our 1st time staying in this condo. We enjoyed it very much. great location, great views, very clean and had everything we needed. The basket & food when we arrived was so generous. This is a special place & we hope to return. Thanks so much for the hospitality! Happy Thanksgiving.”"
The Atique Family (VA)
"The weather was: “Great! Sunny almost every day except one. Sunshine everyday but the water was a bit cool.” Our favorite adventures: “walking along the beach with the waves splashing our ankles, playing in the sand with my little sister (sandcastles!), heated pool! shoe shopping!, listening to waves day & night from the condo, watching beautiful sunsets on the water, Mote Aquarium, driving to Anna Maria & Bradenton, searching for seashells on the shore, Fantastic vacation!” Great restaurants: “Pho Cali, Longhorn, El Toro Bravo (Excellente!)” Other thoughts to share: “During the day looking out at the ocean is just like being on a cruise ship way out at sea! The condo was just like a home away from home, very relaxing! Appreciated all the food and other accommodations upon arrival! The sandwiches were great! :)”"
Tim and Freda (N.C.)
"The weather was: “Great! Sunny every day, cool at night.” Our favorite adventures: “watching the sunsets and walking on the beach. We spent most of the week enjoying the sun.” “visited the botanical gardens - very nice! Also went to the Dali museum in St. Pete - really enjoyed this too.” Great restaurants we discovered: “Roy’s was our favorite. Also liked Crow’s Nest in Venice. Claytons was good. The calamari at SKOB was terrific.” Other thoughts to share: “Had a really fabulous time. Hope to return one day. All the extras provided by Essie & Mel were greatly appreciated. Everything was provided!!” “Back to reality --- but nice to take back wonderful memories of a great week at a great place.”"
Jane & Maurice (CT)
"“The weather was: Terrific! Our favorite adventures: Walking on the beach holding hands, watching the birds diving and fishing, and relaxing on the lanai reading and resting. Great restaurants we discovered: Ophelia’s, Marina Jacks Other thoughts to share: Our second visit was even better than the first! The hospitality is unmatched! The condo offers all that is needed and more to enjoy a wonderful vacation.”"
Tony and Kim (Galena, OH)
"“Mel and Essie - We want to thank you for our wonderful stay in your condo. The accommodations were amazing, and kinda felt like a home away from home for us. It was a very relaxing vacation, just what we were looking for. we have been to several areas of Florida and this was by far the best vacation ever! We will definitely be back next year.”"
Tony and Kim
"What a great condo!! It was spacious, clean and well stocked with everything that we needed. The owners met us on site and were extremely friendly. They showed us around and were very helpful. They even had sandwiches and snacks for us in the condo. The beach was beautiful and there were enough chairs for everyone. The view from the balcony was outstanding. We can”t say enugh about this condo and our stay in Siesta Key, except we will definitely be back next year!"
Michelle & David (IL)
"The weather was: “Fabulous! Only rained on Sunday night. It seemed to rain around us - the sun was always shining here. Our favorite adventures: We got married on the beach at sunset on the 26th. Even though it was cloudy the sky and the sunset were spectacular! Great restaurants we discovered: Ophelia’s, The Cottage, The Hub, Gilligan’s. The snack bar on the beach was awesome! They serve healthy snacks & food, serve beer and take VISA! Other thoughts to share: This was the perfect location for our wedding and honeymoon! We had a great time and don’t want to leave. Thank you Essie & Mel for making us feel so welcome and for making our wedding trip unforgetable!”"
Amy and Kevin
"“Thank you! Once again we have really enjoyed your unit and have had a super vacation. Thank you again for letting us have a week at your Dream on the Gulf. Everything should be in good order at the unit. I also turned off the ice maker and emptied the ice bin. We loved the FIOS!! Wish we had that in Louisville, but fiber optic cable hasn’t yet made it our way. The internet has been very speedy and the TV stations were fun (especially since the weather didn’t cooperate as well this year). Thank you again (especially for our sandwich fixin’s and other goodies!!).”"
Amy and Kevin
"“Thank you! Once again we have really enjoyed your unit and have had a super vacation. Thank you again for letting us have a week at your Dream on the Gulf. Everything should be in good order at the unit. I also turned off the ice maker and emptied the ice bin. We loved the FIOS!! Wish we had that in Louisville, but fiber optic cable hasn’t yet made it our way. The internet has been very speedy and the TV stations were fun (especially since the weather didn’t cooperate as well this year). Thank you again (especially for our sandwich fixin’s and other goodies!!).”"
Carolyn and Frank (Ohio)
"The weather was: “Very hot! Nice breeze on the lanai--Moon over the water, absolutely beautiful - In the 90’s.” Our favorite adventures: “Beach, driving to Venice, visiting with friends, dinner cruises, shopping of course! Went to the movie, The Help! Must see, great movie!” Great restaurants we discovered: “Some of our favorites, Old Salty Dog, Careaba’s, Olive Garden, Dutch Valley, Marina Jack” Other thoughts to share: “Awesome! Wonderful! Perfect! Everything will be at your fingertips! I needed white-out couldn’t believe you had that even dental floss, shower soap. You two have just thought of it all. The dinner and iced tea were so welcome after a long delayed flight. Not a better condo on the beach,view is just expansive! If we are able next year, we sure will return - May you stay in good health!”"
Allen, Leslie, Nathan, Matthew (N.C.)
"“The weather was: Beautiful in 90’s 1st week. Last Mon & Tue several strong storms that blew lounge chairs over on beach and chairs over on lanai. Our favorite adventures: Relaxing on beautiful Siesta Key beach and the lanai listening to the ocean! Watching the magnificent sunsets! God is a wonderful artist. Great restaurants we discovered: Yoders, Dutch Heritage, & Phillippe’s Oyster Bar Other thoughts to share: Thank you (hosts) for sharing your condo with us! We have never felt more welcomed anywhere! All of your thoughtful extra touches were amazing...from the food, drinks, and coupon book to your personal tour. You provided everything we needed to have a wonderful vacation! Your personal touches made this vacation extra special. Thank you again! God bless you!”"
Brad, Lisa, Jake & Evan (IL)
"The weather was: “Mostly mid 90’s- sunny to partly cloudy with a short rain storm late aft. a couple days.” Our favorite adventures: “Busch Gardens, beautiful Siesta Key beach in front of condo, shark tooth hunting in Venice, fishing, boogie boarding (the kids).” Great restaurants we discovered: “Old Salty Dog, Captn. Eddy’s- Sharky’s” Other thoughts to share: “This condo is perfect! The location couldn’t be better & the owners make you feel so welcome. It is stocked with anything you could need. The view is amazing--loved sitting on the lanai. It was our first time here and we definitely would come back! This was a perfect family vacation spot for us. Thank you (hosts) for a great place to stay.”"
Brad, Lisa, Jake & Evan (IL)
"The weather was: “Mostly mid 90’s- sunny to partly cloudy with a short rain storm late aft. a couple days.” Our favorite adventures: “Busch Gardens, beautiful Siesta Key beach in front of condo, shark tooth hunting in Venice, fishing, boogie boarding (the kids).” Great restaurants we discovered: “Old Salty Dog, Captn. Eddy’s- Sharky’s” Other thoughts to share: “This condo is perfect! The location couldn’t be better & the owners make you feel so welcome. It is stocked with anything you could need. The view is amazing--loved sitting on the lanai. It was our first time here and we definitely would come back! This was a perfect family vacation spot for us. Thank you (hosts) for a great place to stay.”"
Ron & Sheila
"From the Guest Book: The weather was: “absolutely perfect!! Sunny every day, rained late our last day. Our favorite adventures: No adventures here, just pure relaxation on the beach. We did take a dolphin watching trip on Le Barge cruises - highly recommend! Great restaurants we discovered: The Colombia, Broken Egg, The Hub, Captain Curts. Other thoughts to share: This location was absolutely perfect! The condo was very clean, well stocked., Thank you so much for our “starter kit” of food & amenities. We will have lots of memories to share :) Thank you for sharing..”"
Laura, Jim, Lindsey & Josh (VA)
"From Guest Book: “The weather was: Mostly sunny or partly cloudy with a little rain, except Friday--hard rain & biggest waves we’ve seen on this beach. Our favorite adventures: We were here to relax so enjoyed a lot of beach time, long walks, reading, and talking! Went to the village for music @ night. Saw many of our favorite sea birds & a group of dolphins! Great restaurants we discovered: Two of our favorites are Javier’s & Spanish Point. Other thoughts to share: We’ve been to many condo on this beach over 30 years and we’ve never been made to feel more at home & welcome! We still can’t get over how thoughtful (hosts) are...from the food to get us started to such a well-equipped kitchen, beach gear, internet, printer, etc., etc.!! We loved our stay here and hope to be back! Thank you so very much!!!”"
Justin & Saunya
"FROM THE GUEST BOOK: The weather was: high 80’s Low 90’s. Sunny :) No Rain. Absolutely perfect for everything we did . Our favorite adventures: Being on the beach, hearing the sound of the ocean as we drift off to sleep at night. Shopping at the mall. Just being able to sit and do nothing after working so much at home. We would absolutely love to return! Very Very Clean!! We left it in the same condition- not much for the house keeper to do. Great restaurants we discovered: Broken Egg, First Watch, Longhorn, Patti Georges in Longboat Key, Olive Garden, Captain Kurts, Sharkys. Other thoughts to share: This condo has every amenity you could ask for. Anything you forgot at home--it was right there at your fingertips. You have a terrific place at a terrific price. The view is breathtaking from the lanai...........”"
The Curry Family
"“The weather was: Perfect - 80’s and sunny. Our favorite adventures: Busch Gardens where we fed and petted the giraffes, walking on the beach, shopping in the village. Great restaurants we discovered: Yoders, Longhorn, The Boatyard. Other thoughts to share: We felt as if we were staying with dear friends. There was food and drinks waiting for us and after a day spent traveling it was a very welcome sight. The thoughtfulness of (hosts)really started our vacation on a great note and ony got better as the week progressed. We had a very relaxed week and I am already looking forward to next year. Thank you so much for a wonderful vacation!”"
Maurice & Jane (CT)
"The weather was: “beautiful! Sunny & Warm...PERFECT!” Our favorite adventures: “The sun, the sand & the sea were all very friendly. Easy to swim, walk, and just sit and relax.” Great restaurants we discovered: “Ophelia’s was outstanding.” “It was the best at first sight!” “We greatly appreciated your pre-emptiveness in answering all of our questions, and in providing some sustenance so that we could begin our vacation right away! Thanks a million!”"
Sheila & John
"“ The weather was 80’s & sunny, just the way we like it. Our favorite adventures: Sitting on the beach and watching everyone. We read a lot of books this week and enjoyed not having to work. Great restaurants we discovered: Solorzano’s Italian Restaurant, Philippi’s Oyster Bar, Old Salty Dog. The condo was very nice. All of the little touches makes it seem like home even for a week. The lanai was wonderful....”"
Tina, Mike, John & Erica
"“The weather was perfect everyday! High 80’s. Our favorite adventures: Seeing dolpohins swimming 50 yards from shore!!! Riding in the electric car/taxi, taking long walks on the beach to look for seashells, and trips down to the Village at night to hear live music. Our stay was great!! (the condo) was fantastic. We loved just sitting on the lanai listening to the ocean and feeling the breeze..”"
Chris & Stewart
"“The weather was perfect - hot and sunny every day but one! Our favorite adventures: Swimming, golfing, walking the beach every day, shopping, dining out and enjoying the spectacular sunsets from the lanai. We love this condo because the owners make sure everything is ready for a very relaxing vacation in “paradise.” This is our fourth year in this condo!”"
Joe & Judy
"“We are so glad we found this condo and met you two! We have taken up two of your winters now, and if we weren’t going to California next year, we would be back! Siesta Key is certainly a slice of heaven, and your condo is everything and more. All our best to you.”"
Jeanne P.
"We just returned from 9 nights at this condo and could not have asked for a better accommodation. The photos don’t really do it justice, it seemed larger than the photos showed. The property was exceptionally clean and well maintained, one of the nicest rentals we have had and we have stayed at dozens over the years. The owners met us upon arrival and gave us a thorough walk thru, explaining everything and answering our questions. The location is perfect, being right on the beach and close enough to walk to stores, bars and restaurants. There is 24 hours security, fobs for secure entry and a locked place to keep our rental bicycle. The Village is just a short bike ride (maybe 2 miles) and even a shorter car ride. I would highly recommend this property as a clean, well equipped, and comfortable place to stay. Captain Curt’s, which is an easy walk, has some of the best clam chowder ever--try it if you go. Mike and Jeanne, Ida, MI"
Rose Marie & Tony
"“What a beautiful week we had watching the sunset each evening, walking the beach and relaxing in your lovely unit. Thank you for your many kindnesses and thoughtful ways. The brunch we had at the Sun Garden for my “birthday” gift was delicious! Thank you!”"
Ralph & Shirley (N.J.)
"“Thank you for your hospitality. We loved our stay. Everything was wonderful. Your home is very comfy, and the way you add the Extra Touches was greatly appreciated. We are hoping to return soon. Thanks again.”"
Kevin & Amy
"“Thank you for sharing your lovely home with us. We’ve had a fantastic time....too short, of course, and we hate to leave. We love your place! And thanks for all the special treatment (fruit, sandwiches, etc.). Chances are that we’ll be visiting again!”"
Maria (SC)
"“Our stay was really excellent. Thank you for everything. Your place here is very beautiful. We definitely are thinking abut coming back.”"
Candice (IN)
"“...We had a wonderful time and hated to leave. Thanks again for your hospitality. I will certainly post the review!”"
Marty (GA)
"“We had the most marvelous time at your condo. We really did appreciate all of the little things you had prepared for us like the fruit, goodies for snacking and paper towels (that is a God send)... .’The water was perfect. Hardly any weed at all and large schools of bait fish and snook were abundant....There were a myriad of baby conches....On our third day we were on the lanai when we saw some manatees out playing just past the second sandbar. On the fifth day we actually had one pass within three feet of us between the first and second sandbar. .I hope you liked the condition we left the condo in, we tried hard to keep from tracking in sand and leaving trash about...Thank you for the use of your condo, we hope to try and make it down next year and will keep your condo information handy."
Rick
"“Thank you very much for the wonderful accommodations and atmosphere you provided the family...We enjoyed all the small and homemade touches that you have incorporated into your residence over the years. We mentioned to numerous people at the pool the conveniences you provided to us when we arrived...I have to say that you are two of the nicest people we have met in a long time.”"
Chris M.
"We certainly enjoyed our Florida vacation and as always our time at your condo in Siesta Key was perfect."
Chris M,
"Now that it is March 1st we are on the countdown to Siesta Key and your beautiful condo."
Chris
"For the past three years we have spent the month of April in your condo. Already we are in the countdown to our next vacation in “paradise.”. We have no hesitation in recommending this property rental which is literally minutes from a perfect beach."
Bonnie & Marty (Ohio)
"Essie & Mel, Thank you so much for allowing us to use this beautiful condo for our “much needed” “stress relieving” vacation. Your welcome basket, stocked refrigerator, supplies, etc was an absolute welcome surprise. Wow! Our weather during our stay was beautiful except for one day of high winds (Hurricane Matthew), but it certainly did not spoil the beautiful view. We were able to visit some of our favorite places. The croissants at Ooh La La Bakery are delicious and the pizza at Sals is soooo good! Got another tee shirt at Sister Tees in the village :) Thanks again for your thoughtfulness and your beautiful retreat. God Bless!"