019 - Dolphin Cottage

Although my kids had a good time because they enjoy the water and fishing . I was very disappointed on how things at the island have changed. Several times I witnessed staff members around the kitchen or those around the island flirting with guests or arguing and cursing at each other. One day as I was picking up breakfast for my kids, the chef cursed at another staff member and threw the bacon at her which then caused her to curse at him. Every single golf cart they handed me had issues, throughout my stay I was given about 5 and even then the last one was still stalling or going very slow. The house where we stayed at was not clean, you can tell the blankets were dirty and we’re not cleaned from the last use. The bathrooms were still dirty, water was not draining in the showers. The house says it sleeps 7 but it truly only sleeps 6 individuals. The house photos make it seem like the house has access to a dock pier to fish when it doesn’t which is the main reason why I rented that one in the first place. For the amount of money that it cost to stay there the staff should be sweeter and nicer. Honestly from the moment you walk out of the ferry staff should be wearing tropical clothing so it’s eAsier to identify them from a crowd at times it was hard to even know who was a staff member and who was not. Restaurants should stay open later. For those wondering about the boat house restaurant don’t waste your money eating there. When you walk in the restaurant looks like a run down dennys, considering each plate is around 45-65 dollars you should be walking into a 5 star restaurant. It’s called the boat house but you really have no view to the boats or the water , there are maybe only 5 tables if that, the chef was rude and no one is wearing gloves as they cook or serve your food. I personally saw staff members grabbing food items like bacon with their hands and then touching their faces.

We love North Captiva, have been several times with our two boys, and will return to enjoy it again. We are always totally prepared that all of life's conveniences just can't be expected on N. Cap but we do prefer that all elements of the rented home advertised are provided. We did not have internet or the promised direct TV for our entire stay. While this was likely not the fault of the Island Club we would have preferred to be compensated for this lack of a substantial amenity. I will say the staff that attempted to fix it (but not successfully) were very nice and professional.

We had a wonderful time on our trip and enjoyed Dolphin Cottage very much! It is a very cute cottage with an absolutely stunning view. The kitchen is well equipped and has everything you could possibly need for cooking. The home is advertised as having a king size bed but it does not. There is a Queen upstairs and two twins on the main level. It worked out as we chose to sleep in the two twins as it was just my husband and myself. Otherwise we very much enjoyed our stay. The island is beautiful and the home is very private.

great experience staying in this cottage and island. Everything well organized: boat trip, gulf card, transportation of luggage to the flat ...
We enjoyed the private beach (the cottage is defineately not on the wrong side of the island), crossing the island for sunset is only a short trip by the gulf card
the rooms and kitchen are clean and well equipped, I only wonder why nobody clean up the mess under the house from the trash and broken equipement (maybe I ́m too German) which would only takes 5min. Highly recommended location. Some minor disadvantages mentioned in prior reports are true, but come on, this is like paradise.

We had the opportunity to stay at this adorable cottage for our anniversary weekend. We noticed the recent reviews that the cottage looked worn and needed updating. It could use some updating and a refresh, yes, but it had the charm of an old beach cottage that you would expect. It was decorated in a chic way and was perfect for the two of us. We had no issues with the home and thought it was an adorable place. Our biggest complaint was the fiasco checking in and the boat dock slip. We were told they would be there until 5. We showed up at 4:45 and the property manager had already left for the day so it took a lot back and forth with people on the grounds to figure out our golf cart and check in information. Our boat slip was assigned to two different boats so we were dealing with trying to find a spot every time we came back in from the water. It was definitely disorganized.

Cate From Eden Prarie MN hit it on the head in her review

My rental experience was average. I had unanswered questions since booking in February and actually found the transportation resources to be most helpful, even for the cottage questions I had. The Cottage itself is tired. Curtains are stained, the screen doors don't slide and are torn, the outdoor cushions were filthy and clearly are left outside constantly without being touched, the couch in the family room is ripped, there were no outdoor trash bins for trash removal, the golf cart was extremely difficult to turn as well as rusty, the water smelled like sulfur and was not good for showering, and the decks/railings feel unsafe and have what appear to be some pretty big cracks. The location of the Cottage is wonderful and the views were what provided the best part of the stay. I will be back for a visit to the island but will choose a different place to stay.

We arrived on a cold and rainy day but the gentleman who assisted us with our luggage and groceries was nonetheless so pleasant ! Our cottage was lovely with a gorgeous beach view and the weather for the remainder of our stay was perfect. We look forward to returning to this special place.

We had a lovely time and the home was beautifully decorated and well stocked. Was just a different experience for us.

Manager's Response

++amazing place with private beach++++beautiful house, Lovingly furnished++++pool access with bar++