Gulf Strand Resort by Travel Resort Services

We went on july fourth weekend. Upon arrival i found out only a parking space per room. Other car would need to park in parking lot next door for 1.50 cents per hour.at 12 noon we were at pool listening to local radio station when we were told to lower radio which was not loud. We spent next few days on beach in front of next door hotel and wished we stayed at the Dolphin instead.

Very uncomfortable furniture (sofa, bed, etc.). No view to speak of. Very dangerous entrance to the resort. No one to check us in when we arrived at the designated time (3:00pm). Very loud A/C that didn't work well. Cheap window blinds could not keep out street lights at night.

Came into town for a wedding at the Don. Room was ready, clean, nicely appointed upon arrival. Friendly staff.

The condo was great overall. The office staff was very nice and accommodating. We arrived on a Sunday after the office closed so we called the number provided and was given a combination to unlock a lock box with our keys in it and then told to check in with the office in the morning. Super easy. The room was very clean. The kitchen had all the things needed to cook and clean up with. All we had to do was visist the Publixs across the street for groceries. We stayed in 304 and the balcony overlooked a public parking lot but the beach and the sunset could be seen from it as well. The only negative thing I can say about this room was that the bed was as hard as a rock. We stayed a week and the first few nights were tough. But all in all a great place to stay with only a few seconds walk to the beach.

This is my second stay at Gulf Strand - previously we had only stayed for a few nights, but I was sufficiently impressed to opt for a full two week stay. The best thing about the Gulf Strand is it's location - it sits right on St Pete Beacj, with the Dolphin Shopping Centre, including a Publix, right across the road. There are great places to eat within easy reach and beach bars, such as the Undertow and Sandbar Bill's are within walking distance. The apartments are 1 bed, 2 bath, with a pull-out bed in the living room. Ours had a comfortable king size bed and had a small balcony that looked over the beach (303) - further back and you will overlook the public car park, albeit with a view of the beach. The best apartments have a larger balcony and actually face the beach, but you will of course pay a premium for them. I believe that all the apartments are privately owned, leased through TRS - this means that the décor may well vary. 303 was adequately decorated and furnished, but was a little dated, although this didn't worry us too much, it might not be what you expect. Having said that, the price for being right on the beach is quite reasonable. There is a pool, but it is quite small and its a bit cramped for room around it - the beach is only steps away and we spent most of our time right at the water's edge. BBQ grills are provided and we used them several times during our stay.

We are so happy we stayed at this resort. The room was very clean and spacious. The location was very close to shopping and dining in the area. There is also a small pool which we never used. The resort is right on the beach and very convenient. We will definitely stay here again if we are ever in the area.

Be sure to specify which type of room you are getting...the ad says gulf front and it is far from it. Parking lot view with trees and a glimpse of the ocean. We checked in on New Years Eve. I called the office to make sure of check in time and glad that I did...they were closing at 1 pm and I just so happened to call and get a code for a lockbox where the keys would be...2 other couples weren't so lucky. They were in the dark about a lockbox and how to get into their rooms.

Did not realize that the beach view was not an option when booking thru Expedia. A little more detail in the description or price options would help travelers know exactly what to expect. Agent at resort was nice and let us view other room options along with paying upgrade fee for a side view of the Gulf. The bed was extremely firm (too much for me), but that's a personal preference. Bath towels resembled sand paper. Microwave and stove were quite dirty, but I wasn't planning on cooking.. I dropped my stylus under the bed, and I found a few months of dust when I retrieved it. A little over priced for amenities.

The resort needed some upgrades, sofa bed in living room was very worn, lamp in bedroom was broken and floors were very dirty as our feet were black every night after walking on it. The blinds were missing some slats too. Nice to be right on the beach though and the location was very quiet. The staff in the office were very helpful and friendly.

I loved the condo we were in, and I've never had such wonderful service!