BookIt.com® User Return/Recommend Rate:
Based upon 14 User Reviews
78% would return or recommend
22% would not return or recommend
Overall BookIt.com® User Rating: 
Based upon 14 User Reviews
A Recent Traveler from gordo, alabama had this to say:
"Can we say rip off!! What part of complimentary do they not understand? Its advertise that you will recive 'complimentary' beach service, however, when we checked in we were charged 28.00 for an amenity fee. When we asked what that was for were told it was for the beach chairs and umbrella. We could not check in with out paying it. So rather you want the chairs or not you are paying for it. The place is okay but you can only use one of the several pools at the resort. It is not worth the hidden fees. I will go somewhere next time that I know upfront exactly what I am paying for. Oh, and do not go expecting to see nice friendly staff people because they are not there. The staff is very rude and unpleasant."
Posted: Thu, Sep 03, 2009
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- Would Return or Recommend:No
Fralix Family from Murfreesboro, tennessee had this to say:
"It does look exactly like the pictures. Our stay was wonderful. We stayed 4 nights: arrived Sunday and checked out on Thursday. We only saw the tram service bus to the beach once while we were there. It did not matter to us because we enjoyed walking, but for someone with health problems this could be an issue. It is a good stretch of a walk to the beach from the condo, but it is really not bad, just hot. The staff is not too friendly, but we really did not really require their assistance. Be aware of an extra fee they charge, that BookIt.com does not tell you about. It is called a no waiver fee and was about $35 more dollars and the `activities fee` is per day, which totaled $112 for us. I am still unsure what this is for, considering there is an extra charge to play tennis, golf, and I think the fitness center as well. So the only activity we used was the pool, and with 4 children that was enough. Check out Gator Beach at Fudpuckers, it was really cool and free. Our view from the ninth floor was awesome, but just so you know majestic sun is in front of Ariel dunes and has a better view of the beach. We would certainly come back here. "
Posted: Sat, Jul 04, 2009
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- Would Return or Recommend:Yes
A Recent Traveler from Phenix Cit, AL had this to say:
"We stayed at Ariel Dunes 4th of July weekend in 2008 and we had an awesome time. The resort is just as pictured on the site. The beach is just a short walk away. We rented a two bedroom two bath and the condo was beautifully decorated. My son enjoyed the mushroom shaped water sprayer. We had a balcony view of the ocean. There is a restaurant on site and another one right up the beach in walking distance. It was convenient to the outlet malls and pretty much everything. The resort had a big celebration on the 4th with grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, fireworks and lots of fun beach games. We had such a good time we rented another condo at Ariel Dunes for this July 4th."
Posted: Sun, Jun 21, 2009
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- Would Return or Recommend:Yes
Joy from Birmingham, Alabama had this to say:
"My family and I stayed at Ariel Dunes I in unit 2108 at the end of May 2009. We had a wonderful experience. I definitely think the higher your unit, the better your view. We had a great view from our balcony and from the front because you could see the bay from the front. Honestly, we loved the bay view more than the ocean view! It was amazing! The ocean view is slightly blocked by the Majestic Sun and another hotel, but it is still a great view. Our balcony was huge! The condo itself was beautifully decorated and our master bath was ridiculously large. We couldn't have asked for a better place to stay. The pool was wonderful as it was our baby daughter's first time at the beach or pool. The walk-in pool was absolutely perfect for her to sit and splash and play in. By the pictures, I thought the pool area was split into two pools for both Ariel Dunes I and II, but when we arrived we realized each building has its own set of pools. Very nice! This resort is centrally located to everything you could want to do in Destin, and your amenities card is very handy! We had free beach chair/umbrella rentals every day. You have to walk a ways down the beach to get to the ones that are free, but it's worth the extra walk. By the way, the walk to the beach isn't very far at all. I can't wait to go back!"
Posted: Sat, May 30, 2009
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- Would Return or Recommend:Yes
Caleb W. from Newbern, TN had this to say:
"My wife and I married on the 17th of May in 2008 and the next day we were off to Florida! We booked with Bookit.com and we were pleased with everything. The room was clean and had everything we needed except food. The room had the most comfortable bed I have ever slept in. We were in bed most nights by 9 pm. The staff was very friendly and the beach service was great. This is probably the best vacation I have ever been on. The area has the nicest people and everyone welcomes tourists. I would even move to this area in a few years if I could. As for the guy with 'sand mites' they come from not washing off when you come out of the ocean, not from the hotel."
Posted: Wed, May 20, 2009
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- Would Return or Recommend:Yes
Gina B. from Enterprise, AL had this to say:
"As mentioned in other comments, this area is pretty nice as far as beach condos go. I've stayed in quite a few in this area specifically, and these are in line with the better quality.... HOWEVER, I want to make sure to mention the 'hidden fess,' or rather the 'fine print' in more detail. This past weekend, we booked a room for 3 nights at '$99 a night.' After all the taxes, etc., our total came to $375.xx. BUT... when we arrived on the property, and before we were allowed to stay in the condo, we were charged an additional $198 for 'amenities and housekeeping fees.' Reminding you, we were there for 3 nights, and the total which started off at $375 then became almost $600!! NOT what we were expecting to spend.... This site should NOT advertise 'FREE' anything, because I assure you, it is paid for!! Just be sure to know what you are paying for is what I recommend... Good luck! Also, the buyers of the condo we stayed in Room #1607, must have spent all of their money on the condo itself, because everything inside was medium/Wal-Mart quality at best!"
Posted: Fri, May 01, 2009
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- Would Return or Recommend:No
MRS. Mosley from Mobile, AL had this to say:
"This was my first time vacationing in Destin and EVERYTHING was Nice. The Condo was spacious. modern and comfortable. I would definitely reccomend this place."
Posted: Sat, Apr 25, 2009
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- Would Return or Recommend:Yes
Dr. L. Martin from Dallas, Texas had this to say:
"We have stayed at Ariel Dunes 4 times in the last 3 years. We really enjoy everything about it except for the rude staff. However the value and beauty outweighs that. The condos are exceptional and the location is ideal. I recommend it - just don't expect professional or courteous staff. "
Posted: Thu, Apr 23, 2009
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- Would Return or Recommend:Yes
Lisa from Crystal Lake, IL had this to say:
"Spring Break 2009 was fantastic in the Ariel Dunes II 1 bedrm. condo we rented! Our model was furnished superbly, and every day felt like a dream. We found it to be conveniently located (but our 2 children are in their teens), so we didn't mind the 300 yard walk to the beach each day. We found it to be a refreshing walk, with incredible view (22nd floor)! We will definitely return, and hope to rent the same unit! Stackable w/d made it extra convenient. Felt like we were at home, and could have stayed for months without missing home! Groceries were reasonably priced in the area. Restaurants, beaches and drive were excellent! Can't imagine a better vacation! Clean pools, good security! AWESOME! AWESOME! Our best vacation ever! 'We HIGHLY RECOMMEND the ARIEL DUNES - especially the 2nd Tower! "
Posted: Sat, Apr 11, 2009
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- Would Return or Recommend:Yes
Anonymous from Brentwood , Tennessee had this to say:
"The place is quite luxurious, although the place is not for kids, but they can stay there. Kids aren't allowed in the gym or at the pool without a parent or other adult. It is very close to Miramar beach, so there won't be much driving to do. I would recommend to stay in Tower One, since their pool includes a jacuzzi, and there is a cafe/restaurant installed in the building. "
Posted: Tue, Apr 07, 2009
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- Would Return or Recommend:Yes
Jane from Louisville, KY had this to say:
"What a bunch of scrooges! The 'free beach chair' service cost us $28 a day. NOW, when the trip is over, they claim that the $28 charge was for other 'goodies' that we didn't want!''There was NO extra toilet paper. Am glad I noticed while the stores were still open!'No shampoo, no hair dryer!'No salt, no pepper, no paper towels.''Go to a motel!"
Posted: Sat, Apr 04, 2009
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- Would Return or Recommend:No
A Recent Traveler from Derby, Kansas had this to say:
"I took 5 of my kids and one of their friends to Destin for Spring Break. We stayed at Ariel Dunes. I was surprised how nice it was because it was the best price I could find. It is very close to a super beach. We had a great view of the gulf and could watch the sunset too. Everything seemed new. The washer and dryer are nice to have. The kids had a great time. The staff was very friendly even though some of the people checking in were in a hurry. Our experience was all good."
Posted: Sun, Mar 22, 2009
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- Would Return or Recommend:Yes
Lori from Lake Charles, La had this to say:
"My husband, 2 kids and I stayed here for 4 nights July 2008. It is absolutely beautiful. The 2 separate pools were great for the kids, friendly staff, short walk from the beach and I was excited to have a washer and dryer which wasn't mentioned in ammenities. Excellent experience. Booking now for this coming summer!"
Posted: Sun, Jan 11, 2009
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- Would Return or Recommend:Yes
Angela H from Atkins, Arkansas had this to say:
"I have gone to Destin 4 times and this was by far the best place I have stayed. It was very kind friendly, the staff was helpful, and the room and view were great. We stayed on the 18th floor in Ariel Dunes 1 and had a great view of the ocean. We could only use the pools that were with our building, but that was fine because we had 2 really nice pools to swim in. I can't wait to go back. I would recommend Ariel Dunes to anyone. "
Posted: Wed, Nov 05, 2008
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- Would Return or Recommend:Yes
