I want to be completely honest here, as there are some positive things about this place, but the negative ones would prevent us from returning. The first thing you notice when you arrive is that it is overgrown with shrubbery that very badly needs trimming. The outside of the building is very worn and tired looking. The management is not on site, and the small sign that tells you that, and to call them when you arrive is almost completely hidden. I will list the pros and cons.
PROS:
1. The building sits right on the beach, and the sunsets are gorgeous.
2. The area is quiet
3. Free parking
4. We had no trouble with the internet
5. We saw dogs so I assume they are pet friendly
6. The refrigerator was clean
CONS:
1. The building is in dire need of a face lift. A fresh coat of paint would do wonders.
2. The front yard grass is 3 feet tall at least! I am NOT talking about the sea oats, I am talking about the yard and grass and weeds. VERY messy and unsightly.
3. The porch does NOT look at all like the pictures. There is too much furniture on it, in fact so much you have a hard time walking across it, and not well decorated at all. Just strewn about everywhere.
4. The grills that are offered for use are rusty and dirty. No tools in sight to clean them. I wouldn't think of putting our food on them.
5. Our toaster and coffee pot were both dirty, lots of ants in the kitchen, and no we did not leave ANY food on the counter tops, in fact all we had were drinks, a bag of pretzels, and some bananas.
6. The bedding. Listen, I'm sure that keeping up a place like this must be a challenge for the owners. That said, I would be absolutely ashamed to offer the quality sheets that we had. I am NOT saying they were not washed. I am saying that they are so old and threadbare, they are totally limp and dingy, and do NOT smell fresh. We went and bought our own. The beds are soft and you will roll to the middle. They are NOT comfortable at all.
7. There is no clock in the bedroom. There is a clock in the unit, but people like to see what time it is in the nighttime.
8. NO PHONE! What if someone had a heart attack, or had an accident of some sort! Not ALL people carry cell phones. If the management is afraid of people using long distance, then have the phone company only activate the 911 feature, and/or local calls only.
7. The rate that you will pay is more than some of the nicest hotels, like the Hampton and Residence Inn, and you are expected to take out your own trash and vacuum before you leave! In addition, you are told to wash the dishes! I think if the management wants to offer a clean place, they would take it upon themselves to make SURE the dishes are washed, I would not want to rely on other guests to clean the dishes.
We went to fish and swim, and the beach is very nice for that. This place charges WAY too much for the amenities you get, in fact the only REAL good thing about the place is the fact that it is on the ocean. Just take your own linens and make sure you have a cell phone. Oh, and a bar of soap would be a good idea too, given that the soap that is supplied is the teeniest bar of soap we have ever seen!
Finally, if you have never been to the area, it is small. The food choices are minimal, mostly fast food. Just be sure you like steaks, seafood and the Circle K.

I kind of hate to write a good review for the Island House. I've lived in Florida all my life and finally found a place that takes me back to the "old Florida" beach life of my youth, before every beach turned into a plastic Margaritaville. No T-shirt shops or bars on every corner. Just friendly, real people in a relaxed enviornment. There's no room service. Heck, there's not even a phone in the room or an office to call. The rooms a lot bigger than I expected, the kitchen fully equipped for most any beach cooking you would want to do, with a full size fridge and stove. Quiet, laid back, island life with your room just steps from the beach. Only 6 rooms, so leave one for me, I'll be back.

Ada and Ita were very helpful before, during and after our stay. Familar with the area attractions, fishing and tips for our holiday. The apartment was clean and neat, very willing to accomodate. Have been coming to the area since 1976, first time at that end of the beach...LOVED IT! Lots of fishing, shells, sharks teeth, swimming. Good food near by. Little shops, fun. We made our reservations for the following year while on vacation. Looking forward to many years in the little bungalow that is cozy, feels like home. Friendly owners and guests. Good place for families, couple or single. Highly recommend as a spot to look forward to year after year! Enjoy, we did.

I spent 3 days here in early December. It was stil the off season and very quiet. I did nothing but sit or walk on the beach, collecting shells and sharks' teeth, reading and watching the birds. The one-bedroom apartment wasn't fancy, but clean and comfortable, with everything I needed for a relaxing stay (including heat AND ac, as the weather changed drastically while I was there). The view from the one-bedroom leaves something to be desired as it is on the road/parking lot side of the building, however, the beach is truly just steps away and the patio was available for me to take my breakfast there and eat where I could see the gulf. The owners/managers were readily available and very pleasant people. They had no problem with me carrying one of their loungers down on to the sand as long as I brought it back up when I was through. I would have no hesitation to stay there again if I were in the area.