After deciding that Clearwater was where we were going to go, I researched lots of different properties to decide where to stay. After seeing this place online, its proximity to the beach, the look of the neighbourhood, and the prices of comparable properties in the area, I landed on the Dockside condo.
Dealing with the rental company was painless, all communication was done via email and through their website. No issues signing the rental agreements and payment was handled via credit card. I received all forms, instructions, in a timely manner, and the directions/instructions on how to access property were straightforward, no problems whatsoever.
It was about a 30-45 minute drive from the airport to the beach, depending on traffic. However it is quite a scenic drive across the bay on the causeway, so I didn't mind. Parking at the condo was convenient, building was very clean (which is a good sign). When we got inside the condo, the place was spotless- their cleaning service did a very good job. Everything inside was in good condition, all appliances worked, bathrooms and kitchen were nice. Bedrooms were clean and tastefully decorated, lots of closet space. The unit also had wifi, which worked fine. A very large TV in the family room- good for the kids to be entertained in the evening. Each bedroom had a TV in it as well.
The property itself does not have a pool, but there is one at the property next door that we had access to. The pool was nice, literally a 10-second walk across the parking lot. I believe there was also a game room or media centre in the condo building, but I never did go and check it out so I can't say what that was like. Our neighbours at the condo were very nice. There were lots of other "renters" there escaping the winter. I got the impression that many units in the complex were rental properties. However, I had no complaints about our neighbours, or the buidling itself. It was quiet at night, but on the weekends sometimes the traffic noise from the street could be loud. But this was not a big deal.
The beach was only a 2 minute walk from the condo building, with lots of different restaurants and shops on the main beach strip. There was a Walgreens drugstore about a 10 minute walk (or 2 minute drive) away, and a grocery store about a 5-minute drive away. So everything you could need is close by.
Overall, I was very impressed with this property. I would gladly rent it again, or recommend it to anyone looking for a nice place to stay close to the beach.