LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! NEWLY REMODELED!.

We originally tried to book this unit but it quickly became unavailable. Kathy was kind enough to help us book another unit at this resort. The distances from all the landmarks were just as described. Check-in and check-out was quick and hassle-free. The property was clean. The pool was smaller than I expected and visible from the main road. However, the main focus of our trip was not pool time so this did not really matter to us. Madeira Beach was a short walk directly across the road. John's Pass was also a short walk away where we ate lunch and dinner, shopped and saw dolphins as well as many pelicans. Clearwater Marine Aquarium where Winter the dolphin lives was a 30 minute drive. We went to Legoland which was about 1&1/2hrs away and Busch Gardens which was about an hour drive. St. Pete's Beach was a short 10 minute drive. Several Publix locations are nearby, about 10 minutes away. If you're looking for a nice mall, International Plaza near the airport was about 30 minutes away. Should our travels take us back to the Tampa area, we would definitely return.

Our family of 4 stayed in this unit for a week in March during peak period. We were more than pleasantly surprised with the condo unit and facilities. The unit itself was very clean, well updated and cozy. It is not over-sized, but for most vacationer's needs, it is perfect. Seating was ample and comfortable, and the kitchen and bathrooms were fully stocked with basic supplies for our needs. The view of the marina from the sliding patio door and balcony was lovely and serene. Morning sunrises were always a pleasure. The balcony has 2 patio chairs and a small table, and can be comfortable enough, but the neighboring balcony is very close with no privacy available.

The resort itself was also kept very clean and its appearance was updated enough. Staff were always available on the 2nd floor, and were courteous and helpful. The pool area was was well cared for, and did appear a little larger than the photos suggest. Still cozy, but never crowded at the times we ventured there. The 6th floor 'Sunset Room' did offer a terrific view of the Gulf and housed a modest, but very clean workout room. Internet in the complex is offered free, but isn't terribly quick, and was somewhat spotty at times. A petty quibble, and possibly our only bellyaching we could offer about the facility.

Beach access was directly across the street, on a beautiful stretch of gulf sand. It is a less crowded stretch of beach than some in the area, which may suit crowd-phobic types. Peak times still saw many people enjoying the sand, but nothing like the Clearwater or St. Pete's beach crowds.

One of the reasons we chose to stay at this property was not only the resort or gulf beach (which both were wonderful), but also, the close proximity to the John's Pass area. Within a 5 minute walk, we were able to enjoy the fun tourist trap of knick-knack shopping, boat tours, surf-shops, ice-cream vendors and the many restaurants that are offered in John's Pass. You really don't have to use your car after your initial grocery supply shopping (also very close by), as the terrific selection of pubs and restaurants within the area are all walkable.

Lastly, we'd like to thank Kathy (owner) for the caring and helpful personal phone calls and emails we received from her. We would not hesitate to recommend this condo and facility to others, as we experienced a wonderful family vacation all around.

we really enjoyed the Madeira Bay Resort. The accomodations were very nice with all amenities. Overall very quiet facility especially on the harbor side. We especially loved fishing off the sea wall and docks. It is in a great location near everything you need to enjoy your getaway.