Destin is a dream vacation destination, however this unit was far from a dream.
We never received check information even though it is stated that it would be emailed 30 prior to check in. I called Real Joy 15mins prior to check in and was told I had to check in at the front desk of the Palms. Front desk staff was very nice and gave us card keys, bracelets, and a map with door codes for the resort.
The Palms lobby area smelled of mildew as did guest bathroom in our unit. We also noticed the carpet in the living area was heavily stained, and could feel the sand particles on the ground. The entire carpet needed a deep clean and vacuum. We also noticed damage to a dining chair and the couch looked less than welcoming.
Our disappointment with the cleanliness of the unit did not stop there, the next day we started to see small roaches on the counters in the kitchen and climbing up the walls of the master bedroom.
Then I found a roach crawling on the frame of the bunk beds, and goldfish crumbs in the bed. (we didn't have goldfish crackers)
From that moment on our children refused to stay in that room.
I did send messages and began calling the management company about the issues. I was told they would send someone in to clean the stains on the carpet and vacuum, that they would change out all the linens, and they would send in a pest control person.
When the maid came in that evening, she questioned me on what had to be done, then had me speak to her boss on the phone to approve the cleaning, I thought it was odd that I had to convince them to do what the management company had already ordered to be done.
I never saw a pest control person come in, but did notice that roach traps had been placed in the kitchen. The third day we continued to see roaches and even had to throw out food, because we spotted the roaches on the kitchen counter again. I took pictures and called into the management company again, at which point they told me pest control would come into spray the next day (which was the day we were checking out). Ultimately I was told they their pest control people found no trace of roaches, even though I provided pictures.
I asked to be reimbursed for a portion of my stay, the management company did approve a refund of 1 nights stay and a gift card.
While they were quick to try to remedy the issues, after a year of no travels, our vacation was definitely disappointing. Would not stay here again and would not recommend.
