RE/MAX of the Islands

I had a wonderful experience with Re/​MAX of the islands. I highly recommend booking with them.
I’ll start by saying that a lot of my initial troubles could have been avoided if my fiancé had actually read the ‘before-​you-​check-​in’ emails they sent us. They had all the info that we, in typical tourist style, chose to ignore.
Anyway, my story has a point: We booked a condo at the Sundial Resort, and so we showed up at Sundial. Needless to say, they didn’t have our reservation because we booked through Re/​MAX. The woman at the Sundial gave us a look like «ruh-​roh! you did?!» She went on to say that we shouldn’t have booked through RE/​MAX because any money we saved booking through them will not be worth it because the condo will likely not be updated and we don’t have access to the big pool or any amenities. This lady had me thinking I was about to walk into a run-​down mess. We were so nervous.
So, back in the car we go, to the RE/​MAX offices (only about 5 minutes away) to check in there. DOH! They are closed because it’s after 4. This is when we remembered the e-​mail, which instructed us to access the lock box by code where our key gloriously (and conveniently, had we done it right the first time) awaited.
Okay, so we weren’t homeless for the night, but I was still super nervous about the condition of the condo. The woman at the Sundial desk scared me half to death. So, we came back to the Sundial, and as we opened the door, I held my breath.
I don’t know what I was preparing myself for: Cigarette stink? Harsh chemical cleaning supply stink? Mold? Grimey carpets? Sandy couch? Stained sheets? General nastiness? Nope, none of that.
The condo was bright, airy, clean and smelled good. Now granted, I knew we weren’t getting luxury (under 1000 for a week!), but I couldn’t complain (and I can always complain!)
There were plenty of towels (beach and bath), extra sheets, and an adorable gift basket of laundry detergent, dishwashing soap, paper towels, etc (the stuff you always forget.) There were even mini shampoos, conditioner and lotion in the bathroom, hotel style. We had a nice TV in the living room and a decent-​sized one in the bedroom. No view, really, but we knew that. We had access to a great pool, and even though it wasn’t «the big pool,» it was still a good size and had the benefit of not being overrun with children (they were at the big pool!)
I was so thrilled that the condo was clean and nice that I got ready to head out to the beach. The listing had said there would be a beach umbrella and two beach chairs. Unfortunately, there was no umbrella and one of the beach chairs was kind of broken. I called RE/​MAX, and by time we were back from our sunset beach walk, there was a BRAND NEW UMBRELLA AND CHAIR waiting for us in our condo. Now, that’s service!
I was curious what amenities we were missing out on by booking through RE/​MAX and not through Sundial itself. Here’s the rundown of the Sundial amenities:
–One mile of world famous white sand beach (obviously we still had access to that!)
–Indoor and outdoor dining venues (I wouldn’t eat at the resort anyway– eat at the wonderful local restaurants or go to the grocery store)
–Water sports options (didn’t partake, but I’m sure you could rent separately if you wanted. It’s not like they are included in the price)
–Access to on-​island golf at The Sanibel Island Golf Club (we don’t golf– i’m sure this still costs money)
–Six tennis courts (no, thanks)
–Volleyball court (no, thanks)
–Five heated swimming pools (our one pool was fine)
–Full-​service spa and hair salon offering massage, facials, nail care and more (I’m sure you could still book… money is money!)
–Lifestyle boutique featuring inspirational apparel, accessories and gifts (aw shucks!)
–Beach chairs and towels (provided by RE/​MAX)
–On-​site bicycles and kayaks (could still rent if you desired, from anywhere on the island)
–Professional recreation staff and organized programs for all ages (no, thanks)
–Environmental Coastal Observatory Center (plenty of other wonderful places to observe Nature)
–Twelve Thousand square feet of conference and special events space with business center (I’m here to relax!)
–Wireless internet access in guest rooms (had with RE/​MAX)
So, there you have it. In fact, the professional recreation staff and organized programs being NOT near us probably accounted for how quiet it was (and how there were no kids) down on our side of Sundial. We don’t have kids yet and enjoyed the peace and quiet,
Overall, I not only see no reason why Sundial should NOT use these scare tactics to warn people off RE/​MAX, but I would book through REMAX of the Islands again because of the great customer service and small touches we received.
We stayed in D311, by the way. It was a great price for a clean, cozy, convenient stay.