We’ve come to OB for 6 summers now- ever since we moved back to Texas. But this was our first time not staying in a condo directly on the beach. So for others in our situation considering a change here’s our family’s run-down;
Pros- fitness center (it’s fantastic!), pool outside of fitness center-also fabulous. The home is roomy and spacious and no one ever felt cramped. There were a few things- all of them mild- in the home that needed repair (lamp
Shade, toilet paper rod, curtain rod…) but overall the home was simply fantastic. The beds were all super comfy and the kitchen was well-stocked. A few more wash clothes for the sink would be nice. Walking trails were wonderful and well kept. We loved taking strolls in the evening. The option to pay a small fee and use the golf club was a HUGE perk for my husband and he played several times during our stay. He says the course is tight and challenging but very enjoyable. We also LOVED the family vibe of Lost Key. It’s a different feeling than you get at the condos. Far less individuals who are clearly drunk or wasted or just rowdy/crude on the beach or by the pool, and since we came with our kids that’s was GREATLY appreciated! Also, at the beach club, you get lounge chairs and umbrellas for free. If you stay at the condos, you already know that chair rentals are always an add’l fee.
Cons: it is a walk to the beach. And if you drive there is very limited parking! You are not right on the beach. The shuttle is a great help and it does alleviate some of this but for those who just love to leave their condo, head downstairs and be ion the beach, this will be hard for ya. Also, you don’t have those gorgeous beach views and you don’t hear the constant sound of the waves from the ocean off your balcony like you do at a condo. The other con is the pool at the beach club. It is small! The pics make it look bigger than it is. To be clear, this is a small rectangle pool, nothing like the big pools you will have at the condos. So if your family is accustomed to bouncing back and forth between the beach and the pool throughout the day, this would be a “downer” because the pool is just so small.
Our family discussed the pros and cons all week!
And at the end of the day, we like the security, the amenities, and the family-friendly environment of Lost-Key better. This was our first time staying here, but it won’t be our last.