We just returned from the Gulf Strand and had a rather unfortunate experience. We originally booked unit #504 but were BUMPED to unit #203 because the owners decided to visit at the same time as our booking. Despite the unit booked appearing to be nicely tiled & updated the nasty non-updated unit 203 was considered "comparable"....PAALEESE, the carpet was stained & soiled, the bathrooms were slimy with years of built-up scum (YUK!), the unit was filled with dusty dirty junk (chotchkies) which took up what little space there was...we had to move stuff into the closets just to keep from bumping into things. We were informed that the owner is embarrassed about the lack of updates & the nasty carpet but the facility stays so booked up they just can't get in there to get the work done. I say, "NO WAY"!! During our week stay it did not appear all units were booked & why in the world would you not just close this unit to bookings & get the job done??? We found this to be a totally unfair "trade".
Also note the facility is next to the public beach access with people walking right next to your window/balcony...noisy & nosey people. Every morning at 6:00 am a worker would literally drag the trash containers across the parking lot making a loud grating noise. I wouldn't recommend this facility unless you are guaranteed the unit you book & you are up higher than the third floor for privacy sake.
On a good note, the location is great & our kitchen was well stocked. Access to the beach was easy & the unit did have beach chairs for us to use.

If you are only looking for a place with a great gulf view, then this is the place for you. But, if you are looking for a clean place, and an updated one, this is not your place. We travel a lot, around the world, and never have we stayed at a place that was so dirty...socks or bare feet turned black while walking on the floor. The living room is so tiny and the kitchen very outdated. The parking, although covered and out of the sun, can be difficult, depending on which assigned spot you get. We will never return here and were very disappointed that the AAA would even rate this complex. This is not a "resort". It is an outdated, dirty old building with a great view. There are so many other way better places if you want to stay on St. Pete's. Thankfully there were many good restaurants nearby as I would not use the kitchen or their counters. The frige was falling apart....this was a really bad place.

While vacationing and staying in another hotel, we stopped in at the Gulf Strand, visited briefly with Rebecca and looked through 2 units. We immediately booked our condo for the following spring break and have been back twice with this year 08' being our 3rd year. great facility and each condo is decorated differently by individual owners. We've spoken with other guests from various other states and countries.......and all have been impressed with the amenities and comfort. My 2 daughters love the easy access to the beach and the private pool/hot tub. We'll continue to vacation in St. Pete Beach and at the Gulf Strand. Why look for anything else?

We have just returned from a 4 night stay in Unit 402 which is absolutely beautiful. Bathrooms were recently remodeled. New tile throughout the unit and wonderful new appliances make this one of the most desirable units in the Gulf Strand. This was our second year in this unit and were very pleased with the location, cost and comfortable living space. We will happily return every November to the Gulf Strand.