This was, without question, one of the worst rental experiences I have ever had. The property was advertised as a relaxing beach getaway, but we were instead subjected to ongoing construction next door throughout our entire stay. Every morning we were awakened early by loud dump trucks, hammering, and heavy equipment noise. The home was poorly stocked. There were not enough towels for our group, forcing us to spend additional money purchasing our own. Guests are provided with only the bare minimum of supplies, so if you stay more than a day or two, expect to buy your own soap, laundry detergent, paper products, and other necessities. For the amount we paid, this was unacceptable. The property itself was not well maintained. Several lights were hanging from the ceiling, and multiple items in the home did not work properly. We also could not comfortably use the pool because construction workers were constantly nearby, eliminating any sense of privacy. We paid a significant pet fee, yet we could barely let our dogs outside because they continuously barked at the workers in the backyard. The safety concerns were even more alarming. At approximately 2:00 a.m., individuals came onto the property and went through the trash cans beside the house. They then stood near the windows watching my children while they were inside watching television. It was extremely unsettling and made us feel unsafe. What made this experience even worse was the management company. They showed no concern for their guests and provided no meaningful assistance despite multiple complaints. Every time I called, I was either passed from one person to another or given the same generic, scripted response. No one followed up, no solutions were offered, and it was clear that guest satisfaction was not a priority. Future renters should be aware of what they may be walking into before booking this property. Between the construction, lack of basic supplies, maintenance issues, safety concerns, and complete lack of support from management, I would strongly recommend staying elsewhere. The golf cart that was supposedly provided as an amenity was another major disappointment. It was in poor condition, unreliable, and far from what we expected based on the listing. Rather than being a convenience that enhanced our stay, it became another source of frustration. When guests are paying premium vacation rental prices, amenities should be properly maintained and ready to use, not something that adds to an already long list of problems. What made this experience truly unacceptable was the complete lack of concern shown by the management company. Despite multiple calls and complaints throughout our stay, they showed absolutely no interest in addressing the problems or helping us find a resolution. Instead of treating us like valued guests, we were repeatedly met with generic, scripted responses that felt as though they had been generated by AI and copied-and-pasted without anyone actually reading or understanding our concerns. Every interaction felt dismissive and impersonal. We were passed from one representative to another, forced to repeat ourselves over and over, and never received any meaningful follow-up. Rather than acknowledging the serious issues affecting our vacation--including the constant construction noise, maintenance problems, lack of supplies, privacy concerns, and safety issues--they seemed focused only on sending canned responses and avoiding responsibility. What was most frustrating was the feeling that they simply did not care. At no point did anyone make a genuine effort to address our concerns, offer reasonable accommodations, or demonstrate any level of customer service. Their lack of empathy and unwillingness to help turned an already disappointing rental into an infuriating experience. If something goes wrong during your stay, do not expect this management company to advocate for you or make things right. Based on our experience, once they have your money, guest satisfaction appears to be the least of their concerns. read more

My family booked Sunspot in Seacrest in July 2020. I called prior to booking to specifically ask about their cleaning procedures due to COVID-19. We had four little children ages 8 and under with us, so I was being very conscious since they tend to touch everything and put their hands in their mouths. I was informed that the usual cleaning crew comes in and after that crew another person comes behind and additionally disinfects high touch areas. Based on that knowledge, I booked. When we arrived at the unit, I went inside to make sure it was clean before I let the rest of the family come in. Sadly, it was NOT clean. I took ONE swipe down the stair rails going to the upstairs with a white paper towel and some Microban spray. The paper towel was filthy because the stair rails were not cleaned. The picture is after one wipe down the rail. Due to that discovery, I looked at other surfaces. The kitchen cabinets and refrigerator had fingerprints on them, there were some dirty dishes in the cabinet, the floors were not properly cleaned, doorknobs to cabinets weren't clean, etc. I spent 45 minutes cleaning all surfaces before I would let my family come inside. I called Benchmark and was told someone would call me back. I never heard a word from them. At this point, I had cleaned the unit thoroughly myself and there was no need to continually request cleaning service to return since they did such a poor job to begin with. The next day my 3-year-old granddaughter came out of the bunkroom with a small yellow ball that none of us recognized. She showed me that she picked it up in the corner of their room. I looked and the area where she picked it up was not cleaned, aside from the fact that someone had left a toy there. Additionally, few days into our stay I noticed something in the ice from the refrigerator. I looked in the ice chute and was disgusted to see it was full of mold. I called Benchmark again and they sent a maintenance person out that cleaned the chute. I had also reported that the master bathtub stopper would not close. That was repaired also. During this time, I sent a picture of the dirty paper towel, the moldy ice chute, and the left behind toy several times to Benchmark. Every time I was assured that someone would call me to offer some sort of explanation, apology, or something. The only response I received was an email stating management would contact me, which, of course, they did not. Days after we returned home, I once again called and emailed Benchmark about the incident only to be told someone would call me. Days later I finally got someone from housekeeping on the phone. She admitted that they had dropped the ball and the communication had not been passed to her or management. She assured me someone would call me back that day or the next. That was 5 days ago, and I still have heard nothing. I was not trying to get a full refund of the trip or anything like that. Simply an apology and possibly a refund of the cleaning fees since I had to clean it myself. Sadly, Benchmark must not be concerned with the condition of their units or the satisfaction of their customers. It is particularly concerning during a pandemic that Benchmark apparently doesn't take the thorough cleaning of the rental units very seriously. We visit 30a approximately 3-5 times per year and this booking has been disappointing. The location of the unit was great, the management of the unit, not so much. read more

I just received a call regarding our beach reservation at Commodores Retreat in Seagrove Beach, unit 304 (They have had our deposit for the past 4 months) the owners switched to a new rental company & now our reservation is no longer valid! No phone call or email until today. There was no attempt to ask if we wanted to book thru the new rental company. (they said they can't do that) The unit is already re-booked for someone else even though we technically still have a reservation. If you are the owner of 304 very disappointed that you don't have a process in place to transfer confirmed reservations & disappointed in Garrett/Benchmark for not offering us an opportunity to switch to the new rental agency, you might have lost our business on this one transaction by doing that but now you have lost our business forever! There are no other 2 bedrooms for our dates available this late. We requested our refund to be put back on the credit card to which Garrett replied, "we switched accounting services" so we need to mail you a check (2 weeks later). Our money was tied up for 4 1/2 months so we needed to wait for the check until we could put another deposit down on something else. I understand the condo owner & rental company need to make their money & this is one transaction, but remember to us it was our vacation. read more

We stayed in beachside 11 and wanted to make others aware of a few things that Benchmark Management does not disclose on the online listing for the beachside condos. The unit was nice, though not overly clean, but the experience with the property management company was absolutely terrible. When we arrived we found out that the beach had been completely eroded from a storm two weeks prior. No one from the property management company called in advance to let us know that our beachfront condo no longer had a beach. When I spoke with someone I was told "it's a high tide from an act of God and you can walk to the public beach". Each unit is allotted 1 parking space. 3 of the 7 nights we returned from dinner and found all spots were filled. When we called Benchmark, we were told to park across the street in the strip mall. I would not recommend paying $2,700 for a unit that you have to walk to a public beach and park across the street in a strip mall. We will continue to come back to 30A, but we will never rent another property managed by Garrett Realty and Benchmark Property Management. read more

We've had a really great experience with Benchmark Management. From booking to check-out, everything was handled smoothly. Communication was quick and clear, and whenever we had a question, someone responded right away. The property was clean, well cared for, and exactly as described. Check-in instructions were easy to follow, which made arrival stress-free. It's obvious that they stay on top of things and truly care about both the homes and their guests. What stood out the most was how responsive and professional the team was. It's reassuring to know there's someone available if you need help during your stay. Would definitely book with Benchmark again and recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable rental in 30A. read more

Benchmark 30a cancelled our reservation less than 30 days before we were set to arrive and offered to re-book us in alternative rentals on different dates, with worse locations (beachfront originally) and for more money. The cancellation isn't due to any necessary cause. Apparently their agreements with the owners of the rentals they represent allow the owner to cancel the rental for any reason with no notice required. Find someone else to rent from. We normally rent from 360 blue and it is always 5 star service and accommodation. I have used benchmark 30a before but will not again if they don't find a solution that's fair for everyone involved. I will update this review if my experience with them changes. read more

I will forever book through Benchmark! I've stayed with them for both business and leisure and always look forward to my next getaway with them. They always make us feel like family, and it is so refreshing in today's world to get that kind of service. Their arrival guides are sent well in advance and are so detailed that you rarely need to ask questions. But if you do, they're just a call or text away and always quick to respond. Booking with Benchmark means peace of mind, excellent service, and a vacation that's truly worth the price. read more

As both a repeat guest and someone with five years of experience in property management, I can confidently say Benchmark operates at a higher standard. Their organization, proactive communication, and attention to detail truly set them apart. From seamless arrival instructions to prompt, solution-oriented responses, every interaction reflects a team that prioritizes both guest satisfaction and owner success. Benchmark genuinely delivers on its growing reputation! read more

Emerald Hill. Im not a hater, but this place was terrible. Benchmark staff on property was awesome but calling then and texting the team was awful. they couldn't help at all. our couch matress was stained, with blood! Sheets were wet, mosquitos everywhere, pots were dirty. The main fact was the owner and the management knew of the old gross mattress. & still were allowing the room to be rented out. Horrific situation with benchmark. read more

Booked a last-minute trip and Benchmark was absolutely perfect! Their communication was outstanding from start to finish, and the condo was spotless, beautifully maintained, and exactly what we needed for a stress free stay. Every interaction felt warm, friendly, and genuinely welcoming, which made the whole experience even better. I will absolutely be booking through them again and again. Highly recommend! read more

Shame on you Garrett Realty!! You cancelled my reservattion 2 days before arrival !!! When I asked you to put us in another condo you refused and said no because it was more expensive!! You have no regard for your renters. No customer service!! Beware of companies like this one who don't care about you they are just out to get your $$$. read more

I stayed at Southern grounds in seagrove Beach The Management company was very commutative before check-in and during my stay The home was lovely real close to the beach It had a large pool for my family. Overall are stay was wonderful would definitely suggest this management company and home. read more

Benchmark Management is a great Property Management Company for all your rental needs to explore 30a and have a great time enjoying the beach with houses that have amazing views and that are nice to be in. The team here is amazing and helps any way they can. read more

An excellent company for your vacation needs! They go above and beyond to help you find a rental that perfectly fits what you're looking for. I especially love how they treat returning guests--it truly makes you feel valued and appreciated. read more

5th time booking with Benchmark. They treat me like family, and I know I'm booking with a reputable company that takes care of their properties. read more

After reading the poor reviews, I've changed my mind and will NEVER book with them.