Staying in a condo on Pensacola Beach is a great way to enjoy all the beach has to offer without being crammed into a small hotel room. Enjoy your own space, kitchen, and amenities like pools and hot tubs when you book a Pensacola Beach condo rental.
Pensacola Beach is a great place to visit any time of year thanks to the mild weather. Emerald Isle is a popular spot on Pensacola Beach and you can find several condo rentals available there through VRBO. That's what we did on a trip to the beach in September 2022.
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Why Stay in a Condo?
One of the reasons for booking a condo over a regular hotel room is because of the space. We had a group of four and there was plenty of room for us to all sleep comfortably and not feel like we were on top of each other.
Initially, it may seem that a condo rental is more expensive than renting hotel rooms, but when you factor in the extra space and amenities, it is very reasonably priced and comparable to a hotel stay.
The View
One of our favorite things about the condo was the balcony that overlooked the Gulf of Mexico. We spent our mornings and evenings sitting out there enjoying the view and listening to the waves crash against the shore. We were tickled when we not only saw dolphins swimming but also spotted a baby dolphin playing in the ocean.
Inside the Condos
The unit we rented has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The master bedroom has an en suite bathroom while the other bed and bath are separated.
Each bedroom has its own television, which was perfect if we wanted to watch different shows in the evening.
The Kitchen
The kitchen is fully stocked with everything needed to make meals - if one wants to cook, including a dishwasher, full-size refrigerator, and oven. There is also a washing machine and dryer in the unit, which comes in handy for washing wet towels and bathing suits.
Living Room
The living room is spacious and has a sofa, chair, television, coffee table, and windows that overlook the ocean. It is a nice place to wind down at the end of the day. (Compare that to a hotel room where you pretty much are limited to a bed.)
Amenities
The amenities at Emerald Isle are nice. We had access to two swimming pools, a hot tub, and even a fitness center. The unit that we stayed in also provided us with access to their locker which held a few beach chairs, floats, etc., though we did not take advantage of it while we were there.
Parking
The parking lot at Emerald Isle is gated. Once you have checked in, you will be given a digital key/code so that you can gain entry. You will scan a QR code at the gate or type in a unique six-digit code that was generated for your stay.
You will use that same digital key (either the QR code or 6-digit number) to gain entry to the building.
Tip: Make sure that your phone is charged so that you can scan the QR code or memorize your unique code.
You will also need to register your car tag(s) electronically. You will be given a PIN to register your car in the Emerald Isle parking system where you will provide your license plate number, length of stay, and personal information (name, email, and phone number).
Booking a Condo at Emerald Isle
We found #1507 Emerald Isle on VRBO. It is managed by Pensacola Beach Vacation Rentals which is located directly across the street from the condominium.
Cost of a Condo Rental
The cost will vary depending on the unit, the day and dates of check-in and check-out. Below is what we were charged for a four-night stay in mid-September 2022. We checked-in on a Wednesday and out on a Sunday.
Cancellation Policy
The cancellation policy will vary depending on how you booked the condo. Read the fine print. When we booked, it was within a 60-day period and if we canceled, there were no refunds.
Travel Insurance
VRBO offers renters the option to purchase travel insurance. When I compared prices, it was a little cheaper to go through Allianz.
FAQs
What do we need to bring to a condo?
Is housekeeping included?
Location
Emerald Isle Condominiums is located on Via De Luna Drive right on the beach and across the street from Native Cafe and Cafe Bistro.
The closest airport is the Pensacola (PNS) airport which is approximately 25 miles north of the condo.
Nearby Activities
There are plenty of things to do in Pensacola. We love to explore the dining scene and love taking food tours. If you like to fish, Captain Dave is a great guy and knows the water.
Other activities include:
- Glow Paddle - Take a nighttime ride in a glowing kayak or paddle board, or if you are more of a land lubber, you can take a nighttime bike ride on a glowing bike!
- Ghost Tour - Is America's first settlement one of the most haunted cities in America? Take a ghost tour and see for yourself!
- Hop On Hop Off Tour - Pensacola is a beautiful city with plenty of history. Hop on and off a bus and spend as much or little time as you wish at each stop.
- Pensacola Blue Wahoos - Catch a minor league baseball game at Pensacola's beautiful bayfront stadium.
- Watch the Blue Angels Practice - Pensacola is home to the world-famous Blue Angels. You can watch them practice from March through November.
These are just a few ideas, but there is plenty to do in Pensacola!
Pensacola Beach is a great place to visit any time of year and we would definitely recommend staying at Emerald Isle Condominiums.
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