Rating Details:
The property manager was very helpful.
The vacation rental was clean.
I was very happy with the location.
I was somewhat dissatisfied with the condition of the vacation rental.
Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental.
Reviewer Comments:
My extended family has come to Gulf Shores, Sandpiper for 26+ years (60 to 75 persons per year). My condo 10A was in excellent condition and updated recently. My complaint was with the continuous failure of the elevator. Especially on the check-in and checkout days. This has happened for at least 10 years. My siblings all complained of the lack of dishes, utensils, un-updated appliances, old, original furniture, flat screen TVs (TV are less expensive now than just a few years ago), carpet, etc. in their units ( 15 spoons, 4 forks, etc). We have been coming long enough to know the original bamboo furniture We understand that there have recently been low rental years because of mother nature & BP, but that is not our problem or fault. We love the size of the facility (48 units) and proximity to the pool and beach. If we did not, we would not come back year after year. Bill Bender and Bender Realty are a major reason for our return each year. Something has to be done to encourage owners to commit to a major update of their units. Maybe a rating system of each unit twice a year (Dec. & July. Based on your rating could determine which units get rented first. I have noticed that along with the overall deterioration of the complex, the quality and life style of your tenants has deteriorated as well. Clean it up. Fix it up and raise the rental fees accordingly. I rent two units (10A & 11A). 11A is great and 10A is needing major upgrades of furniture and appliances & utensils (I pay nearly or the same amount for each which isn't fair.). There is a brand new complex up the road toward 59 that has 4 bedrooms & 4 baths that I can rent for $3000.00 per week! This is nearly the same as I am paying (siblings too!)for inferior accommodations at the un-updated condos at the Sandpiper. I own my own business and sometimes I have to spend money to make money long term. So do you owners.