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Reviews of Emerald Coast Houseboat

Emerald Coast Houseboat
32 Miracle Strip Parkway SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL

Reviews

8.6

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 59 out of 83 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 83 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 83 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 8 out of 83 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 5 out of 83 reviews" "

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.0/10

Staff & service

7.0/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

Reviews

6/10 Okay

Claire

Disliked: Cleanliness
We get that this is a houseboat and the idea of it was fun, but this place needs a full clean down….lots of mold around the windows and on the deck, had a very musty odor!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

John Mark

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Excellent.
Awesome place! Such a cool way to book a hotel. The only thing I would change is just that when someone reserved the houseboat…whoever is texting the tenant could let them know which dock spot it’s in at the time. I accidentally stepped onto a similar boat and the people staying there were like HEY WHAT ARE YOU DOING and I said IM SO SORRY I GOT THE WRONG BOAT WHERE IS THE EMERALD COAST 😂 Other than that…everything is great! Will definitely be renting this houseboat or other houseboats again!
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sharon

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was a unique place to stay. The houseboat was clean, there were sufficient amenities (we didn't do any cooking and didn't turn on the TV), the AC kept us cool, and the bed was comfortable. As expected on a houseboat, space was more of a premium than in a condo. A restaurant, bar and donut shop are in close walking distance. Parking is free, but you should be sensitive that the marina is part of a working boat yard and don't park to obstruct traffic in and out. The toilet got numerous mentions in other reviews. Just follow the instructions on the wall. Fill the pitcher from the shower, pour in some water, close the lid and push the button. No paper or other items allowed in the toilet. The shower was a bit cool, and the plumbing needs some attention since there were small leaks from the valves. Overall we had a good and unique experience with our stay on the houseboat. Recommended for the adventuresome.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Business traveller, Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
U liked that everything needed was therr. Coffee],linens soap, shampoo. Plus it was f Decorated nicely. Disliked a little cluttered at the beginning of the pier. Other than that it was perfect. We slept very well.. even overslept. Very restful stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Book this houseboat
We literally didn’t leave the boat . Great place to getaway . You can just walk to the tiki bar that serves great food. Enjoy the sun on upper deck and don’t miss the sunset. Clean, comfy , quiet and very safe. It was very memorable experience on the boat. It rocks!!
Stayed 1 night in May 2021

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Disliked: Amenities
The only thing we enjoyed about this property was that it was on the water. We definitely didn’t feel like it was worth the price per night that it is listed for. The situation with the bathroom should be disclosed in the description of the property. We had to leave the boat every time we needed to use the bathroom and we definitely weren’t interested in standing in backed up gray water while taking a shower. The “bunk beds / 2 single bed are suitable for toddlers, not adults. I feel strongly that this property is overpriced and a full description of the bathroom and sleeping areas should be given in the listing. I felt very deceived and disappointed.
Stayed 1 night in May 2021

4/10 Poor

Julio R.

Business traveller
Disliked: Room comfort
Stayed 1 night in May 2021

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The property was unique, a houseboat. It is an old houseboat. It was clean and comfortable. I have been on boats before so I knew what to expect. However, someone who has not been on a small boat before might find the experience somewhat disappointing. A light should be placed where they have the entry lock. If you go out at night or arrive at night it is kind of challenging trying to get the lock open, where you stand on the deck is very narrow the railing is low. The window covering need to be replaced, they are old and in some cases have holes in them. More instructions are needed regarding the no paper in toilet but in the basket as to disposal of the basket waste. The air conditioning/heating unit was noisy and not practical. Overall, I was a happy camper. Joe Thomas
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family, Travelled with family and small children
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Was an awesome unique stay. The kids loved staying on the boat & the kids room underneath is a very cool little hideaway.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
The whole ambience was comforting - quiet and safe. This was last minute one night stay booking- wish could have been longer. It was good.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Johnna

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Bucket List
Thanks for giving me the chance to help my boyfriend check off a bucket list item, to stay on a houseboat. It was a lot of fun and romantic. And the sunrise was one of the most beautiful ones we have ever seen. My only complaint was that we couldn't stay longer, haha.
Sunrise
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Best vacation ever. Can’t beat the price for the experience!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2020

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Easy communication and instructions to get to the boat. We arrived almost right before sunset and we had the chance to enjoy it on top of the boat with our wine. This was a secret gateaway everyone should try. We LOVED every moment of it.
Stayed 1 night in May 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
The whole family loved spending the Memorial weekend on the boat. Although we can not grill on the boat, we still enjoyed every moment of it. It was the best vacation we had for a long time. We will surely be back .
Stayed 1 night in May 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
If you want something different, this is the place to be. Just get ready to "rock". We all loved it
Stayed 1 night in May 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, room comfort
Amazing place to stay .!the water was calm at night but gets busy in the morning due to some boat rentals next to it. Great location as walkable to downtown fort Walton. Best sunset view in the afternoon.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2020

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Business traveller
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
It was not as advetised. The boat is in much more disrepair than pictured. The shower was disgustingly filthy.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Owner was very accommodating & we loved the Houseboat! Very clean, plenty of room. We will definitely book with them again!
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2020

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
perfect gateway
We loved our stay at the houseboat.The location was great and well secured. It was amazing. We will definitely come back
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2020

4/10 Poor

Daniel K

Travelled with family
Disliked: Staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Not hot on the water!
I was disappointed in my stay. I knew that I was staying on a boat but this boat had a god awful smell to it. I sprayed air freshener in it and turned on the AC and left for three hours. I came back and it was a little better. Then I tried the TV, it worked but only had a couple channels so it was more or less worthless so I tried the WIFI and it was terribly slow. I just switched it off and used my phone’s tower instead. The shower would just dribble out and once you got all suds up it started to run out of hot water. The sink was so small that when I’d wash my face water was all over the floor and the toilet was the size for a child. It sat about a foot off the floor and you had to put the soiled TP in the garbage. It would have been fine but it wasn’t cleaned out daily. If I would have known what I was in store for I would have gotten a hotel room for less or the same money. Definitely not worth what I paid.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020
Response from Management on 21 Jan 2020
We are very sorry you had disappointing experience with the houseboat. Due to the nature of the houseboat ,( small bathroom and shower , typical houseboat smell ) we can not modify them. We tried out very best to make your stay comfortable. There’s cleaning company that does there to clean every other renters. Sometimes other renters are not used to this type of accommodation . It’s a houseboat, not your typical hotel or condo.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Anwar

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

8/10 Good

PeacefulVacay, Helena

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
My husband and I enjoyed our first houseboat experience Houseboats are not like hotels so don't expect that. We loved being able to have privacy and fishing. Only thing is don't go #2 in toilet, go to the office bathroom. Everything else was amazing. We had both ACs going ON LOW and no breakers went out. The rocking of the boat was soothing. Will def.book this again. Cheaper than hotels and more peaceful and quietness. Thank You!!! Highly suggest this as a couples get away.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

8/10 Good

Christi, New Orleans

Travelled with family, Travelled with pets
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was super fun to stay somewhere a little different than the usual condo or hotel! Falling asleep amd waking up to the movement of the water was super relaxing and calming it reminded me of camping but on the water It was a great place to bring our dogs as well! Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

4/10 Poor

Stephanie, Mississippi

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was dirty and smelled. The refrigerator did not cool and there was roaches.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Thank you.. the whole family had a great time. Everything was perfect!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A very interesting and enjoyable stay. it was something unique and we all loved it. It was not your typical hotel or condo stay but this was not boring. We were not picky and we enjoyed anything out of the ordinary. This one really exceeded our expectation!
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Travelled with group
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
While this property appears to have a reasonable price at first glance, upon boarding the ship, we were to be disappointed. Many of the appliances did not work (stovetop, toaster, most of the lights) and the boat contained two separate AC units that couldn’t run at the same time. (this cools the boat just fine.) We were quite unaware of a few issues/details. First off, if you plan to stay for more than a day or two, expect to fill the boats water tank yourself with a hose connected to the dock. On our second night after two of four people showered, we found ourselves with sputtering faucets. Another thing was the fact that our bathroom on the boat could not handle anyone going “number 2.” After discovering this, we also struggled to find the public restrooms that was ONLY open from 8-6pm. However, the owner of the boat dealt with the issue quickly. On a similar note, throughout the week a strong sewage smell began to permeate the house and we had a run in with a few roaches. The door doesn’t have a key but instead a rusty latch with a padlock. Numerous times the door would get stuck. Some of the utensils were dirty as well. Overall, the houseboat is in need of an update. Concerning the price, we paid about $1300. Upon review of our charges, we were charged an additional 240. This amount was 30 per extra guest per night. We discovered that while the houseboat acomidates 4-5 guest, you are charged the extra after two people. Would have been nice to know beforehand.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Enjoyable stay
The whole family enjoyed the stay. The boat rocks in the morning due to activities in the marina but we were mostly out on the beach and return late where it was cool and quiet. Clean houseboat, no complaints with our stay. The marina has better bathroom we used.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2019

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, amenities
This is a very old houseboat, very dirty dilapidated with roaches. For the money they charge they should be able to pay to have it cleaned properly and restored. 2 other houseboats were rented in the marina and neither family stayed. The one we rented may have been the best of the 3. Shower was dirty, had to use the cold shower at the marina. Before leaving we looked under the bed to be sure we didn’t leave anything, glad we didn’t look when we arrived....disgusting!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Floating oasis
My husband and I fell in love with concept of living on the water. This houseboat just did not disappoint. Very cozy and comfortable. Indeed a floating oasis. We can’t get enough of it . We will definitely be back soon
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
My best vacation on floating houseboat. Enjoyed every moment . I’ll be back soon.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019

2/10 Terrible

Verified traveller

Travelled with family
Disliked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
DO NOT BOOK THIS PROPERTY! The original price looked reasonable, once I booked I was charged an extra $30 per person. I received a text message with the gate code on my check in date. The code did not work and we had to find another way into the docks which was quite a haul. The plank to get into the house boat had holes and nails coming out. The padlock was not on the door and the door was unlocked. Once in the boat the smell was awful ( like nobody had been on the houseboat in quite some time). There was no running water in it to be able to flush. The shower floor was filthy and there was a wet towel on the bathroom floor. We attempted to use the microwave without anything else running and it blew a fuse, so we had no power. The houseboat said there were bunk beds there were not. There were 2 beds next to each other in a small space. The bedding was old and dirty. It was a cold day so we attempted to use the space heater which filled the houseboat with an awful gas smell. Due to the fact that we had no running water in the bathroom, the awful smell , dirty bedding and shower and the lack of security with the door being open , I was not comfortable staying in this boat. I left and attempted to call the management company. After voicing my complaints. I was told the number I had was not for the management company, it was for the cleaner, and they refused to give any other number. I was offered a small refund, which did not equal 1/2 of the price I paid.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
This was an anazing experience. Very nice accommodation. We plan to revisit and recommend to friends.
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Had this for our honeymoon and it was the best time. We loved everything about this boat. We didn't leave literally during our stay. The sunset was so romantic. We will surely be back
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing stay .
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Best Relaxation on the water.
Very enjoyable! Was surprisingly refreshing to stay somewhere new instead of the typical hotel environment ( if you like the creature comforts of hotels, this one isn't for you. This is for those who enjoy things out of the norm...a unique experience so to speak). If you have never slept on water and felt how relaxing it is you should see for yourself! Cozy. Private yet safe, fun yet relaxing. I'm in town for business due to Hurricane Michael. My first night on the boat was from out of no option and I hesitantly gave it a try. I have rebooked from whenever one of them is available since! ( There are actually 3 houseboats in the same Marina to choose from. They are all equally enjoyable. Last thing I would say that this is an EXCELLENT place for a quick getaway for couples! a couple of drinks on the back deck of the boat during sunset and my wife and I were literally hooked. Cant beat. Ryan
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018

8/10 Good

Charmae, Port Saint Joe, FL

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
The houseboat was very nice. Comfortable living area, great kitchen, very small "head" (bathroom). We were hurricane refugees and picked this houseboat as a last resort -- but glad we did. Cable TV did not seem to work, but we picked up a couple of movies and all was well. Living areas were a little dated, but great overall. I definitely would recommend this houseboat for other travelers.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018

2/10 Terrible

jessica

So disappointed
To start off half the lights wouldn’t work, then you can only run of the ac units so your gonna be hot, the “spare” room is not what the picture makes it look like it’s a small very small hole u crawl into with 2 small beds the sheet and blankets are probably older then me which is a cheap fix but clearly they don’t plan on fixing that either. The steps are missing trim so if u have a kid watch for the little toes on the steps. The bathroom had other people used rags and sponges. And it could defiantly benefit from a air freshener. I ended up not staying no way was I going have 2 kids stay there. And the owner refused a refund for their poorly upkept boat. Hope they use my money to fix minor yet big things wouldn’t take much to get this boat looking good and working right
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We had a blast. This houseboat was superb. Unique and fun. Best location in Fort Walton Beach.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We had a great time with friends. We literally didn't leave the boat. Brought our drinks and stayed on the upper deck sunbathing and with the view of the water. Cant beat this!
Stayed 1 night in May 2018

10/10 Excellent

Ann

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing view!!!!
Relaxing stay on the water with amazing sunset view!!! Something so different than your normal hotel stay. Special thanks to the lady that does the rental! She is always so nice and quick to respond to any questions.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Amazing stay. I loved being on the water. The houseboat was comfortable and clean

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Super cool
This houseboat was really cute .The bed was full size but super comfortable ,the only complain I have is the shower and kitchen sink drain so very slowly , otherwise everything worked fine. The TV only gives you basic channels I guess maybe because you are on the water. this is a unique way to relax and the marina is very safe and quiet.Crab Shack seafood restaurant is just a minute ride . All and all, the experience was super cool and I will book this houseboat again when I revisit.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Relaxing moment
This is our 3rd stay here and we loved it every time. We were just hours away from the location but we love to come down and stay in the houseboat. It is centrally located and the marina is very safe ,quiet and peaceful. We forget everything once we get to the houseboat. Just bring yourself and loved ones and enjoy the place with a glass of wine.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Best place to relax and unwind. The boat was very nice and comfortable and clean. The manager was very responsive and recommended us places to eat and go. It was cold December at night but it was magical.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
This was unbelievable, waking up one morning and seeing dolphins right next to the boat. The houseboat was really comfortable , just to warn you that it gets rocky if there's speeding boats passing by. The location was perfect, walking to downtown FWB.
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2018