I've stayed at this property three times total with a relative who "owns" one of these time-share condominiums. The first two times -- in the late '90s and in 2004 -- and I didn't notice any glaring issues. That wasn't the case with this most recent visit, however.

For starters, the entire complex is showing its age. It just screams 1970s! Aside from the grounds themselves, which are beautifully maintained landscape-wise, I noticed a lot of chipped and peeling paint on building exteriors and stair railings. The complex just feels old and outdated.

Inside our unit was where my biggest concerns were: The place still has "popcorn" ceilings, and the paint on the walls and ceiling looked really dingy. There was A LOT of built-up grime on surfaces in the room: The couch, upholstered chair cushions and ottoman were soiled, and I took to actually scrubbing the wooden arms of the chair because both had big black streaks of ground-in dirt on them from long-time wear. The beige-colored step stool in the kitchen was gray with filth. There were black fingerprints on all of the doors/jambs, as well as on the doors of the refrigerator, which I was compelled to clean -- so gross!

I was forced to retrieve a light bulb from one of the maintenance people, hoping that would resolve the issue with a lamp that refused to turn on in our room. The new bulb worked, but when I went to turn the lamp off later that evening, it would not turn off with its switch, so I resorted to unplugging it. Then, when I attempted to plug it in the next day, the lamp once again would not turn on. That was frustrating.

The floor underneath the TV cabinet was littered with large crumbs and fuzz, as though it hadn't been cleaned it a while. The bathroom was long and narrow and not very roomy, though it was the one thing in the room that felt relatively clean. We couldn't seem to get the air conditioner or heater to work (both use the same, old-fashioned thermostat, that we never heard or felt kick on). While the units do contain a full kitchen, hairdryer, vacuum cleaner, box fan, two ceiling fans, alarm clock, iron/board, coffee maker and a VCR/DVD combo player, they also feature an aging dinosaur of a television set (no flat screens here, folks) and an old, plastic telephone (just one) that was also dirty.

Also, the bed was REALLY tall, which could make it difficult for someone with disabilities to get into and out of. Be forewarned: Maid service is by request, though they do come by one a day to empty the trash cans and remove/restock the towels. No one is going to be making your bed, however. Finally, I took a dip in the jacuzzi one night -- it was pleasantly clean, but the temperature was ridiculously hot, so much so that I spent less than 10 minutes in the water before feeling as though I cooking in there and had to get out.

Overall, the "condos," with their garish '90s floral "tropical" decor are in desperate need of an interior design overhaul. If the property owners could get the inside of these units looking as terrific as the landscaping, it would make staying here a much more enjoyable experience.