Harbor Houseboat

Location: 32 Miracle Strip Parkway SW, Fort Walton Beach, Florida, 32548, Fort Walton Beach, US

Star Rating: 2 Stars

Property Type: Houseboat

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 04:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Check-out: 10:00 AM

Instructions: There is no front desk at this property. To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 72 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. If you are planning to arrive after 11:00 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests must contact the property for check-in instructions. The credit card used to book the reservation must be presented by the cardholder at check-in along with matching photo identification.

Amenities & Facilities

• Free self parking

Rooms Available

• Houseboat (Livin' on the Edge) , 1 Bedroom with Sleeper Sofa, Kitchen (Stays Docked)

  1 Queen Bed, 1 Twin Bunk Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

  Balcony with ocean views

  
  

  Layout - Separate living room

  Entertainment - Flat-screen TV, satellite channels, and DVD player

  Food & Drink - Kitchen with refrigerator, stovetop, microwave, and cookware/dishware

  Bathroom - Private bathroom, shower, free toiletries, and towels

  Practical - Sofa bed

  Comfort - Climate-controlled air conditioning and heating

  Need to Know - No housekeeping

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 5 (5 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Shower
  • Refrigerator
  • DVD player
  • Microwave
  • Private bathroom
  • Heating
  • Satellite channels
  • Kitchen
  • Stovetop
  • Sofa bed
  • Separate bedroom
  • No housekeeping

Guest Reviews

• Joyce (2/5): - I loved the general rocking of the boat at bedtime. It rocked me to sleep. The electrical outlets were unsafe. Chords were connected and strong all over the place and they didn't work half of the time. We were only able to turn the TV on once, the microwave never, the coffee pot never, the AC and the fans worked off and on. Sometimes it was so hot we had to go out and sit on the top deck at night just to cool off. There was only one decent bed out of three. The parking lot was full of deep water filled holes. The extra bathroom was a block away.We were asked to not put toilet paper in the boat toilet and to use the extra bathroom. We couldn't open the windows so it got very warm inside that times. I could go on and on, but to sum it up, the place should not be rented as it is, it's a fire hazard. The area around one outlet looked as if it had already had a fire. I would definitely take this property off of your list.
• Verified traveler (2/5): - No AC. They couldn't fix it. We left after three hours.
• Verified traveler (4/5): - The area where you park is shady. It was hot and not on the ac not to adjust it. The restroom was incredibly small. It smelled very bad like sewage. Would not recommend, especially for the price
• Judy (10/5): - Rustic stay on boat on bay. Quiet.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Not a perfect stay but we enjoyed it. We will still book this houseboat when we come back around this area.
• Joy (2/5): Horrible Harbor Houseboat - My husband and I booked the houseboat for three nights. The parking was poorly lit and rough. The boat was even worse. The first thing we noticed when entering was a terrible smell. There were sign saying that the boat leaked when raining and we were to put buckets under the leaks. Another sign said to fill a pitcher full of water and pour into the toilet to flush. The toilet rocked back and forth on rotten wood. The door to the bathroom would only open about ten inches due to the floor bowing up. The bathroom was so disgusting that I had to brush my teeth in the kitchen sink. My husband was outside at the time and saw my toothpaste in the harbor water, as if sewer was just let out into the water. The weather was unseasonably cool and I had to cover up with a bath towel and curtain because no blankets were provided. No wash clothes were provided. Only three half worn out bath towels and a roll of paper towels were provided. The beds were very worn and uncomfortable. Roaches were in the boat. The railing on the outside of the boat was ripped off with jagged screws sticking out. I do a lot of traveling and this is the worst place that I have ever stayed. After one night we had to leave and find somewhere else to stay. I contacted Hotel.com and they were able to get two of the nights refunded. I am just disappointed that I wasted a day of vacationing in this dump. This listing should be removed from Hotel.com.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Instructions with pictures were given after booking so it made it easy to locate the place. Marina is right on a boat yard so expect to see boats on the parking. Marina needs some work but didn't bother us. The houseboat is as we expected- we were happy . Hoping to be back in this area again. Justin, Alabama
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Great one night stay.
• AMANDA (4/5): Do not book here. - The parking area in the marina was horrible, pot holes everywhere. The boat smelled like it had not been aired out in months, old mildew or mold smell, bed was very uncomfortable. There is a sign in the boat that says it leaks when it rains......and buckets are provided....so there most likely is mold. We paid for 2 nights and ended up leaving Saturday and not staying the second night. I do not recommend and wish i could've gotten a refund. Worst place i have ever stayed.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Comfortable stay, nice marina, good location
• Verified traveler (10/5): - We loved our stay. It was cold at night, thanks for the extra warm comforters and space heater- surely did help. We shall be back.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Exceptional stay. Easy to locate with great instructions from the management. Quiet and safe marina. Comfortable stay. Great sunset view Will definitely book again .
• V (2/5): - So we stayed 4 out of 5 nights.. the first 3 were ok we loved the view and being on the water! The 3rd night our power cord burnt up I sent pics to owner and she said they would have to replace it so we could have power again.. we were out all day and came back at 10 pm still didn’t have power! It was completely black in the boat! Food in fridge went bad we were no happy we couldn’t get another hotel booked for that night so we at least got one for the next night! This place could have been great is it was taken care of better and had maintenance that knew anything about boats! We are supposed to get a refund for two nights because for the price we paid to stay we expect a little better!
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Best gift to my friend birthday. We had a blast. This houseboat is great. We had a wonderful and enjoyable time. Management was very accommodating. Location was unbelievable. Inside was clean and beds were very comfortable. We will definitely book this again.
• Kelly (2/5): Very dissapointed - I fell from boat into dock necause of loose railing wich was all over the boat was tied poorly and wasnt accesable feom dock wout pulling boat to you the grey tabj was full and smelled awful when using the potty or shower the bathroom wasnt clean there were 3 towels and no washrags at all the ac didnt cool the space there was no way to cook the upstairs deck was filthy and it leaks when it rains it was not a good plCe to stay at all i will say the marina staff werw very nice and helpful
• Verified traveler (10/5): Better than Hotels - Had a great time on a floating house.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Couldn't be happier enjoying the serenity on the boat. The view was magnificent. Boat was comfortable and clean.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - I never thought I will enjoy living on a boat. This houseboat made me think about buying one. Not just enjoying the view, you are on the water. This has everything I needed, comfortable bed, great location, clean and safe. I am glad I booked this at last minute. One should try staying here. Was perfect in my opinion.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Great experience being on the water - Never stayed on boat like this and it was amazing and enjoyable experience. Boat was charming, clean and comfortable. And great sunset view which was a plus factor. Definitely will book this again
• Verified traveler (10/5): This boat has it all - Being on this houseboat for few days were so relaxing and enjoyable. From sunrises to sunsets , to just watching the dolphins playing in the harbor and bashing under the sun and walkable to downtown fort Walton beach, this boat has it all. We are planning to come back again
• Verified traveler (10/5): Unique stay - We enjoyed staying here. Definitely different from the usual hotel or condo rentals but comfortable . We loved the view on the top deck.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - best one night stay I had. Well recommended for adventrous travelers.
• Verified traveler (2/5): - This property was horrible to put it mildly and should actually be taken off the sight. The pictures were very deceptive. The place was filthy, with rat droppings everywhere. The electricity kept going out, there is no “deck” as described, one false move and you’re in the ocean! The linens were dirty, it was a disaster, we stayed one of the 3 nights and had to find someone else to go and they refused to refund our money. We have stayed on many house boats and knew what to expect but this was unacceptable!
• Verified traveler (10/5): Unique - Absolutely the best and out of the ordinary vacation I had. I travelled solo and this was right on my league. It was unique and very comfortable ( although the boat rocked at times day time). All you need is your towel and get on the top deck and enjoy and the view of the bay. I will surely book this and come back again.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Great - Great time on the houseboat . Great location and comfortable stay.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Great location, comfortable stay. Marina gets busy , many rentals going on but we didn't care. We enjoyed the beautiful sun on the upper deck of the houseboat. We will definitely return.
• Verified traveler (4/5): - It was definitely an older boat-which meant mildew. When we first turned on the light, 5 cockroaches scurried around. I attempted to reach the owner but to no avail.
• Leon (6/5): - If you're 25 planning on drinking and laying out on the boat this is the place for you. Otherwise proceed with caution. I have a 38" waist, but had to go through twists and balancing to get on and into the boat cabin without falling over the rail. Not recommended for larger. The marine toilet does work, so does the shower, but with a 1/4" stream of water. Difficult to open the curtains without the rails falling off, a lot of on the fly patching has been done to the cabin. Included is a sign that on rainy days the boat leaks, but they have provided buckets. Could have a good time and make memories, or you could fall and really hurt yourself. Depends on you and your purposes.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Great stay. Within minutes to great restaurants and downtown fort Walton beach. Comfortable accommodations.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Great stay. My kids had fun fishing on the boat while my dear watching the sunset . We will definitely come back .
• Verified traveler (2/5): - 5 cockroaches in one hour😑 when we arrived at the boat no one had turned on the air conditioner so it was 91 degrees. The ceiling air conditioner didn’t work so it took 5 hours for the temperature to get down to 71. At night all the cockroaches came out so I only got a few hours of sleep. The view outside the boat was amazing but not worth what you have to deal with inside. I’m supposed to get a refund for one night but have yet to get it. Never again.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Loved the houseboat.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Everything was excellent and would recommend to others. Only thing was that someone was still working to seal the leaks on boat. Had to wait about an hour and a half to board. The fumes from the sealant was strong. Other than that I was satisfied.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Rusty ambience - Love the feel of rusty ambience inside. Very comfortable and the marina is beautiful. Can’t get any better than being on the water.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Best stay - Absolutely the best accommodation we ever had. The houseboat is clean and comfortable. And location was safe ( locked gate ). The the view is amazing!
• Lindsey (2/5): Completely disappointed - - The parking lot was not fenced as listed.   - The boat was dirty upon arrival, including toilet, shower, kitchen and floor  - Part of the railing was broken and laying on the outside deck of the boat with sharp pieces and screws all around it.   - The door does not lock from the inside of the boat.  - The boat did not contain a queen, sofa bed and bunk beds as described.  A queen and futon was present and what looked like a circle chair cushion on the ground with a sheet on it.   - The kitchen did not have a stove top as listed.  (We brought food thinking we could enjoy with boat and cook and could not)  - The dorm room size fridge did not get very cold.  And the freezer did not work.  (And honestly it should be listed as small fridge in listing)  - There were no paper towels or dish soap.  If we needed to provide that it would of been nice to know  - The coffee maker was extremely dirty and took 20 minutes to brew a pot of coffee for "6 cups" - There was no TV, Satellite or Dvd player as listed  - The wifi should be listed as a hotspot not as free wifi so we knew what to expect  - You should also let your guests know up front before booking that it is "highly reccomended " to not "go number 2" on the boat.  Honestly how do expect people to only use the main office during business hours.   Overall we were extremely upset with the condition of the boathouse. We contacted the owners of the boat and they have yet to apologize, which is disappointing.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Cozy and fun - Thank you for this unique and special accommodation. I just loved every moment of my stay her.
• Ryan (10/5): Something out the ordinary but worth it! - Great experience! My whole perspective of a relaxing night away from home has changed forever. I have to travel for work pretty often and I dont know that I will ever want to stay in a hotel again. Of course a houseboat is lacking in size and a few other creature comforts but you cant beat watching the sun come up and go down from the deck of the boat, the privacy, the nature all around you and best of all....the boat rocking you into a sleep you never want to wake up from!! So all in all well worth having a small bathroom and everything else. I still cooked delicious meals in the kitchen and kicked back on the deck for a relaxing drink after dinner every night. My wife and I will probably never spend a night in a hotel again if there are any options like this around. If you like the comforts of a hotel this may not be for you but for those looking for something new and different this is the way to go. Two thumbs up!
• Verified traveler (2/5): - The person that I spoke to was very nice but (I’m not sure if this is normal on a house boat) there were roaches /palmetto bugs/water bugs (whatever you call them), you couldn’t run the 2 a/c units at the same time, it was difficult to get in with the door being on the side, the doors didn’t lock and the the biggest thing there were instructions to not flush toilet paper down the toilet; instead you are supposed to put it in a trash can in the bathroom
• Verified traveler (10/5): Absolutely amazing stay - Had a great time w my husband. The place is amazing , sunset is spectacular . Houseboat is comfortable enough and in safe location. We will definitely be back .
• Verified traveler (4/5): - The property is in need of repairs. Special attention needs to be paid to safety concerns. A major clean and repairs are needed as the condition at this time can be dangerous to guests. While a stay in a houseboat can be considered rustic, everything within the facility has to be clean. Drawers need to be cleaned to remove mouse droppings and other insects/pests. I did find the owners responsive and they refunded our money as we could not stay there due to the issues addressed.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Nice comfortable bed on a Houseboat.... fit the bill for this couple!
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Amazing stay with spectacular sunset view. Great and safe location. Comfortable stay in the houseboat. John, Alabama
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Had a blast. Amazing stay. Cant wait to rebook this soon. Worth the money
• Verified traveler (10/5): Amazing - So glad we followed our guts and didn't follow the negative reviews. The experience was amazing. Unique and best location. The houseboat was comfortable to accommodate the 4 of us. Nothing fancy but we loved it!
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Houseboat was as advertised. It was a little old but comfortable. Amazing view and great location. Definitely worth the stay.
• Mike (2/5): Houseboat horror show - Houseboat was awful. It was unsafe and basically run down. It smelled musty, what appeared to be black mold was encroaching on areas inside the cabin, the commode was about the size of a 10-12 inch skillet and sounded like Jurassic Park when it was flushed, bed was scary and looked like it could harbor multiple “critters”. We called the phone given to launch complaints, cancel our reservations and to request our money ($200+ per night for 2 nights) returned for false advertising. An answering machine took our complaint and now 6 days later, we’ve still not heard from them. It was scuzzy and after our 5 minute tour, we felt like we needed to be sanitized. We could not bring ourselves to stay over the 5 minutes much less spend 2 days and nights in the cabin. We hope to get s refund but it’s not looking very promising.
• chris (2/5): Just dont - The boat itself is in poor condition and they will not allow a refund even though we didnt even stay it was so bad.
• Verified traveler (2/5): - Bugs and the AC didn't work well smelled bad and nothing worked
• Angela (6/5): - The boat had a lot of old stuff and broken things. But it's a nice location and I enjoyed my stay.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - Enjoyed every moment of my stay. Looking forward to do this again. It was unique and fun.
• Verified traveler (8/5): - Great location, 9 miles from Destin and a 5 min walk to downtown FWB. Boat was great, however potable water had issues working after day one. Recommend bringing water. Otherwise it was peaceful and beautiful scenery with a nice atmosphere.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - My husband and I had a wonderful anniversary date on the boat. It was so special and the houseboat was the perfect venue. We will be coming back soon.
• joseph (10/5): Recommend - Highly recommend, thank me later.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Better than hotels - Awesome experience that beats any hotel or condo rentals. The houseboat was comfortable with all the amenities at home, shampoo, towels, soaps and you can cook. The location is perfect, less that 5 minutes to downtown with all the bars and restaurants. This is highly recommended place than any hotels.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Best place to stay - The best memory was feeding the birds with my little girl on the upper deck. Her smile was priceless
• Verified traveler (6/5): - Houseboat needed a deep clean, bed wasn't clean, mildew everywhere, hair in bathroom, toilet paper was old and wet. Just needed cleaning
• Verified traveler (10/5): - It was a great stay. It was cold outside, wish the space heater was more effective.
• Linda (10/5): Perfect trip - We loved the experience of staying in the houseboat. Accomendation were wonderful. Quiet and beautiful views.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Comfortable stay - Everything was fine. It was like camping on the water. We were comfortable with the stay.
• Verified traveler (10/5): the best time of my life - The best place to relax and appreciate the world. I loved everything about this houseboat. Comfort and ambience at its best
• Verified traveler (10/5): Happy with our stay - The houseboat is very nice. We had a queen size bed and a view of the bay. The beach is just few minutes drive but we stayed mostly on the upper deck. Many seafood restaurants around the area ( a plus point ) . The houseboat is just good for a resting place. No fancy stuff.
• Verified traveler (10/5): - I was very unique accommodation . The marina was centrally located and very very safe . The boat needs some updating but not so squeamish about it. The bed was comfortable , shower was small but functional. The view on top was amazing. Cant wait to come back.
• Verified traveler (10/5): nicde stay - we enjoyed everything.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Nice gateaway away from home - I really enjoyed my stay here and very close to downtown FWB and Destin on highway 98. it was very cold when we booked this so we didn't enjoy the upper deck much. Great seafood restaurants around the area.
• Keith (2/5): - Price on hotels.com was $99. Ended up paying over $200 with fees. Couldn’t cancel without fees. Boat was hard to negotiate, had a bad odor. There was only one towel on board for showers. Would never use again.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Loved it! - Absolutely a very different experience. So relaxing. The view of the water is just amazing on the top deck.
• Verified traveler (10/5): Romantic - My boyfriend booked this for just the two of us. It was very romantic and the place was so quiet . We cuddled at night time on the upper deck counting stars. We now planning to buy our own houseboat. We both loved the idea of staying on a houseboat. The houseboat was kinda old but comfortable. Will definitely come back.
• Verified traveler (2/5): Wanted Something Different - Unfortunately, this was a awful experience. Being a past cabin cruiser owner myself, I understood that a boating stay was going to be different than a traditional hotel/condo stay. That's exactly why we chose this accommodation. We could have reached out to the owner, shared our concerns and perhaps received some measure of refund but decided sharing our experience and educating prospective future renters was more important. The houseboat we rented (Living on the Edge) is in terrible condition. The floor has multiple weak spots that feel as though they are going to completely give way at any time. In general the boat was filthy. The bed sheets were filthy, we had to change them and during the process found there was what appeared to be dried blood on the mattress itself. The Ziploc baggie full of condoms in the nightstand was not an appreciated perk by my other half. She refused to stay on the boat and we ended up renting a room across the water at the Marriott Town Place Suites. (very nice hotel) The bathroom was also dirty and the mini- fridge struggled to get drinks cold. In fairness, during the daytime, sitting on the top deck and reading while sunning (the weather was fantastic) and enjoying the scenery was exactly what we had hoped for. It is our opinion that this boat (in it's current condition), should not be rented.The owner can enjoy the vessel as is, but do not subject others to do so when they are paying for a vacation getaway. Doing so is quite simply wrong.
• Jake (4/5): I would never rent it again - When I got there I could not get in. Orbitz and I attempted more than a dozen times to contact them with no response. Finally I pulled hard at the door and it came open. When I went in there was water leaking from the ceiling in the main area where the kitchen is located. The bathroom was literally disgusting. The wash cloth from the previous occupant was stuck to the wall where the shower hea hangs, and the soap was stuck to the sink and had been used. There was empty containers on the floor of the bathroom. The movies which they talk about, DVDs were either so scratched you could nnot watch them or there was only one disc for a two disc movie! There was NO internet as they advertise "Enjoy the internet" and I run a business which made this a terrible burden. I contacted them and they told me "The previous person stole it, we don't have any." I kneew it was a houseboat and didn't mind that, even intrigued but this was not a very nice place at all.
• Dave (4/5): An Experience - Well if you are looking for an experience to check off your list this is the place for you. Otherwise move on. The "staff" was not very informative except for the gentleman who fixed the air conditioner. He was able to tell us the places to go and eat. It's cramped so if you have a family I wouldn't pay the 200 per night. Not to mention the toilets are a unique experience. Lastly, if you are a person who likes to clean the place before you leave then this would be a great choice, otherwise I'm still trying to figure out what my cleaning fee went to since we had to clean the toilets, take out the trash, and put new sheets on the bed. Don't get me wrong, it was very relaxing but I won't do it again.
• Brandie (8/5): - The houseboat is a little bit older but everyone was very nice even though we had a misunderstanding about how many people would be with us. As long as you like houseboats you will like this one
• Verified traveler (10/5): Nice stay with great sunset view - Only used this for one night while passing thru Destin, it was a nice stay, bed was big and comfortable. I left early morning but able to enjoy the place for few moments. Loved waiting for the sun set on the top of the houseboat . Sunset was spectacular. I highly recommend this houseboat!
• Verified traveler (10/5): We loved our stay - Everything about this houseboat was what we expected. We did not need much , we only wanted to relax and do something different. We did fishing right on the boat and catched fresh fish, breakfast on the upper deck was charming. We took advantage of the hot weather , drinking wine, sunbathing with the great harbor view. The houseboat care taker was very professional .
• Verified traveler (10/5): Cody Boat Business get away - We loved Cody! He took excellent care of us!

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