When we we're looking for decent places to stay in the North Shore, we were not sure what to expect. We found this place third party, but we were curious about Shark's Cove Rentals; the listing looked spectacular initially, and the reviews looked solid. I had some doubts, but wasn't sure until we had arrived.
On the day of, we were late, I didn't know the host would not be staying with us until I read later in the notes. It seemed more of a hostel environment, open kitchen, locked doors on the rooms. Bring your own food, drink, etc. The beach house had an open ventilation, with glass plated windows, screens on some of them, locked doors from front to back, parking seemed a little complicated when we arrived. The directions were clear, since our host was not present. I could see why the use for notes and signs. was acceptable.
Our room was cozy, plenty of space, full sized bed, window unit air conditioning and ceiling fans. Our cleanliness and linens seemed a bit questionable. They smelled clean, but the dingy outdated look on some of the towels and white sheets, seemed really worn out. Our neighbors were friendly and respectful. We had a big rental, and our car fit most of the time, but the spots were made more for a compact car. Our host was a call away, and had surveillance on site. It seemed safe, but then again,it's all visual.
Anyway, to the point, our nights went smooth; not too loud, easy to sleep, nice and dark to sleep in. House Keeping would roll in every day to clean and situate for future guests, it was a little annoying to use the only bathroom and run into people cleaning it. Parking was hard to get to, everyone came and went, some people parked in different spots, it was hard for us to navigate and get out sometimes, because of our big vehicle, and just to make sure we could make it out on time. I could see it being an issue, if you need to be somewhere by a certain time, but you're blocked in because the car behind you is stuck there and their owners are on a hike or swimming, for God knows how long. Just an issue to be mindful of. Not to mention if you need someone to move, you have to find out where their staying and bother them to move their cars out of the way. It seems a little inappropriate, but it's what to expect.
Room cleanliness, seemed iffy, with bugs all of over the unit, house keeping kept the windows open for the most part to ventilate, but left it open for lizards and common critters to waltz in and hang out in the coolness of the house. It sucked for my fiancée whose terrified of these kinds of critters.
To note, it also depends on whose staying with you the days you're there. We stayed for three nights, and most of the guest were friendly and respectful. Everyone minded their own business. Our last night was rowdy; some family came in late, and started banging on cabinets, talking loud, right at bedtime, drinking, and looking for something in all of the kitchen cabinets, which me and my fiancee's room were next to. The next morning we come to find a couple of dudes sleeping on the common couch, the only bathroom and like five people rotating in and out of it, when I got it in it seemed partially used, bars of soap all over the floor, stuff on the counter. It felt like we were staying with someone and we were the inconvenience. Our shelf in the fridge got raided from our previous left over from the other night, there was a half bottle of vodka on the counter, and our pizza box was open with slices missing. And some other food we had stored for breakfast that day was gone and containers were in the trash. Hard to tell without evidence, but this didn't start until this big family rolled in guns blazing and appetites low. Glad I could oblige! I don't mind sharing pizza, but I don't know where or who you are. It's common house manners not to touch other people's stuff.
So to note, this may not happen to everyone, I hate to write the shitty review, but this experience left a sour taste in my mouth. It would make me look for condos elsewhere. I know saving money is important to most, and if it is, book carefully. We were at the beginning of peak season, and I'm not sure how full it gets, or what kind of crowds roll that way in the busy times. Just know it leaves you vulnerable, and hopefully you have a less tasteful experience of this kind of hospitality. read more