My wife, her sister and I recently spent another relaxing week at Orange Beach. We have stayed in Phoenix IX, Rm 402 for the past 3 years, in October, and simply love the view and how close we are to the beach. My wife observed this year that the window treatments had been upgraded and looked quite nice.
Our favorite place is the Balcony. The sunrises and sunsets are beautiful, when the weather cooperates (we had a couple of rainy days this year). Last year we were treated to watching dolphins playing right offshore from our Balcony for at least 15 minutes straight one day, but the rain kept them away this year.
Since we went in the off-season, the beach was not crowded and not too hot. While at the beach, I always enjoy hunting for shells and found several “keepers”.
-- TIP - don't just look at the shoreline - wade out about 5-10 feet and you too may find some “not so common” shells as I have done.
When I write my reviews, I always try to find the good points. Also included in review writing is reporting the “less than good” points in order to be fair. I am hopeful that the management will address these concerns before you make your visit.
- Last year we reported that the screen door to the Balcony was difficult to open and close and should be replaced. This year there was no screen door. The screen door helped us listen to gentle waves and enjoy the ocean breeze. Maybe next year we’ll have a screen door.
- Last year we found that the hair dryer in the second bedroom was not working; this hair dryer is mounted to the wall. This year the same hair dryer was still not working; surely other people reported the problem? In the same bathroom, the toilet was broken on our arrival and had to be repaired this year.
- This year the ceiling vents in the Master Bathroom had Mold on them; this could quickly and easily be addressed with basic regular “cleaning”.
- The carpets throughout the unit were showing their age. They now looked like they need to be replaced. At the very least, they need a deep, thorough “cleaning”.
It is disappointing when what should be “routine maintenance” does not get done.
To be fair, I do want to commend Kaleigh in the Maintenance/Housekeeping office. She was very polite to me and did send someone out to fix the broken toilet the same day I called it in. I also told her about the broken hair dryer.
For the past 3 years, we have enjoyed staying in Phoenix IX, Rm 402 about the same time in October (after Fall Break week). Our first 2 years were roughly the same price, or at least acceptable. However, by adding only 1 more day this year, our lodging cost per night was more doubled (51% more) than it was last year. Unfortunately, the room quality did not match the increased cost we have had to pay.
When I spoke with Beach Getaways after our visit, I was told, “the later you wait to book, the more the cost becomes”.
I booked in July for an October visit; the same as I did last year. She did suggest I call their office directly in September next year instead of booking online, they may be more accommodating on the cost.
If the cost is to be increased each year, doing the basic “cleaning” would make us feel as if we are getting our money’s worth.
Simply to restate, my wife, her sister and I all LOVE staying in Phoenix IX, Rm 402. We would love to come back every October. However, if the rates go up again next year, it is extremely unlikely that we will be able to return – especially if we were to arrive and find the same rug that should have been replaced several seasons ago.