We just returned from an amazing week on Anna Maria Island. Avalon was perfect for our needs. Everything was just as it looks in the photos and more. The elevator was a wonderful help getting to the third floor. Our son, daughter-in-law and grandkids practically lived in the pool and hot tub. It’s so relaxing and beautiful down there. We loved the location, everything was so convenient. Just a few steps to the beach. It was one block to the trolley stop, which our grandson loved riding the trolley. It was two blocks from the strip mall with the Walgreens, Smoothie King and Peaches Restaurant. Everything we needed was close at hand. We had some great seafood and some not so great. But, that is to be expected.
The reason I did not give a 5 star rating was because of the Red Tide issue. I know a lot of people didn’t really care about that. But, after Gov. Scott declared a state of emergency, and warned people with health issues and young children about the toxic tide, we had considered cancelling our trip. We did have one person in our group with lung and breathing issues and we had a small toddler, so we were concerned. However, AMI Locals was not willing to accept the cancellation and return our fee, even though the health issues were real for us. I know that there were other agencies willing to return rental fees due to Red Tide cancellations. I’m sorry to say that AMI Locals was not one of those. I know they are in business to make money, but sometimes there are more important issues, like ones health. While we had a great time at the house, we could not completely relax because of the Red Tide issue on the beach.
Would we come back? Probably, if we didn’t have to deal with Red Tide!
We purchased the travel insurance that they recommended, but even the insurance would not cover a cancellation. I wouldn’t waste my money on travel insurance again!