The experience started with booking, which was a very seamless task, no surprises, and quite easy to do. Periodically, Ward managers sent emails with updates and information to assist us with our stay. Arrival day came, and emails and texts arrived with all the check-in info needed to begin our stay.
The building was directly against the ocean, exactly as advertised. Soul Revival (unit #115) is 1st flight up above ground level. That unit is complete with its own designated parking under the unit.
The door lock was electronic. One of the texts that day gave the lock code and instructions. Opening the door, we were stunned, 1st with the cleanliness that met us, but also the beautiful view of the surf through the door to the deck that we saw from the front door. Wow!
The unit was extremely clean and everything was in working order. Small and cozy, it was perfect for my wife and I. A set of bunk beds are built in, which we didn't need, so the size was great for the 2 of us.
As with check-in, Ward sent emails and texts with what to do to facilitate check-out. Everything was self-explanatory, easy to follow and accomplish - no outrageous expectations of us at all.
We met owners who have been at The Surf for some time. Many of them live there while also maintaining units to rent. They all say that Ward Realty is exceptional at how they manage the units, and all are very happy with them. Ward is also the resource if one might wish to purchase a unit themselves.
One of the pre-arrival emails caused me to wonder a bit. Stating that cleaning supplies and paper products would not be provided, they suggested we wait until we checked in to see what would be needed to purchase. That was reasonable, but it turned out everything was there for us. The one thing that gave me pause was that they do not provide bed linens (fitted or square sheets, pillow cases). Blankets, comforter and pillows are provided, but we stopped at Wal-Mart and bought a queen set of linens for $12. Tracey responded to an email question about this policy, saying that this question is reviewed with owners often, and all decide that to provide sheets for the units would likely raise the price by minimally $65. A rental service is available for linens, but the $12 set of sheets, that I didn't mind dropping into the dumpster, far outweighs the increase in cost.
All in all, the stay only had 1 problem - we didn't plan to stay longer. Great experience totally!