The Good---
For a rating on the overall Destin Gulfgate property, I give it 5 out of 5 stars. On the beach in front of the Gulfgate, I give it a 6 out of 5 stars ... really. The problem is with unit 1105.

We've been coming to Destin for 13 years and this was our second stay at Gulfgate. We love the staff, the property is well kept, and the beach is THE best (but please keep that a secret). The Good also includes its central location in Destin and it is in walking distance of The Back Porch restaurant.

The Good of 1105 is that David, the owner, is very nice and easy to work with, the condo is very large, and the view from the 11th floor is phenomenal. The sheets were nice as well as the heavy duty towels -- and the noon check-in is a great plus... but that leads to ...

The Bad and the Ugly---
The Bad and the Ugly of 1105 are what other reviewers have said and I should have listened to.... the place was filthy, outdated, and in disrepair. Bookcases, furniture, and light fixtures were covered in thick dust. Bathroom faucets were worn, closets were off the hinges, remotes didn't match TVs and didn't work, there was a section of the screen doors missing (so you couldn't leave the glass door open to enjoy the surf-sound without letting bugs in), and the kitchen is dated.

The simple reality is that with a 10am check-out and a noon check-in AND a one person cleaning crew, it is simply impossible to get the place completely turned over the RIGHT way. And it doesn't look like they have taken a full day to do a deep cleaning in a LONG time. Also, by not renting directly from Gulfgate, the front desk didn't know we were there so we had construction workers and even the fire department just walking in our place because they thought the place was vacant. Also, I found (no exaggeration THREE (3) ice scoops buried in the ice-maker by the bar -- while using a fourth one I found in the kitchen. Top hotels dump the ice between every guest – that obviously hadn't happened here in awhile.

So, we will return to Destin and will most likely stay at the Gulfgate again... just not in 1105.

And here's a little tip for Fall travelers -- wait till you get there to make reservations and get a 20% off walk-in special! Shhhh!!!

Condo 102 was beautifully decorated and very clean. We loved being right on the beach. The staff were very friendly and helpful.

We have just stayed at the Gulfgate for the first time Oct 10 thru the 15 2011.The Gulfgate was great,from the staff to the grounds and room 306 was perfect.We are a family of three and wanted peace and relaxation and found it here.I would highly recommend this place. The room was clean and furnished with all the extras.When we come back to Destin I would look no further for a place to stay!My daughter was stung by a jellyfish and the beach attendant was great in treating the sting with windex { who knew}.I think his name was Kaci.The only thing I would change was the shower heads,which we noted on our review,they were just a little dated.

My family of six had never been to Destin so spent countless hours searching for the best family condo. Settled on Gulfgate. Decided to explore the other options once we got there for future reference. The more we looked the more we realized that we would return to Gulfgate for every Destin vacation. Huge condo with incredible balcony views. Front desk staff was incredible.