If this is the first time you have rented a vacation home, our New to Vacation Home Rental guide can help.
If you have not read the rental agreement you agreed to thoroughly, please do so now. And remember, rules are there to protect you, your group, the community, and the property. Please make sure to share these rules with your group. Rental Rules
If there is a question or comment, please call, text, or email us at:
tikihousepensacola@gmail.com/770-715-0886
Location: 1300 Maldonado Dr., Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
Search for Tiki House Pensacola Beach for Google directions.
Pensacola Beach is an island with a $1 toll bridge.
PeachPass or SunPass are honored or bring $1 for your toll each time you cross! If you want to get on the island quicker, they also allow toll-by-plate. The post below describes how this works.
Parking Instructions
Tiki House has a large 4 car garage. There is room for 4 cars across and 8 cars if they are double parked. Please use the driveway for parking as the road does not allow parking on both sides. If you need additional parking, use the public access next to the property. Do not park on the dunes by the access, in the neighbors’ driveways or on the other side of the road, or within 30 feet of the intersection. You will be ticketed or towed!
Do not park on the grass. We have a sprinkler system and parking on the grass will likely damage or break the sprinkler heads and/or lines.
Security Camera Notice
For your protection and ours, Tiki House is under 24-hour EXTERIOR VIDEO SURVEILLANCE. Signs are posted. Feel free to contact owners on placement of the cameras. We are very transparent on this and hope you understand it is part of our security system at our 2nd home. No indoor/private areas are monitored at any time.
Entering the Property
Tiki House is fitted with a keyless entry system. You will be assigned your own code to enter the front door. For security reasons, we do not give a key code out until the property is ready. Your code will only be valid during your stay.
To unlock the front door, simply enter your code, wait until you hear the mechanism unlock and then open the door. If you enter the wrong key code too many times the system’s security features will activate an auto lock-out mode. You will be unable to unlock the door for 30 minutes. If you have difficulty with the key code or door locks, please call or text. We will be available to assist you.
To lock, simply press the button with a picture of a lock. From the inside, just use the thumb turn to lock the deadbolt. Other doors should remain locked unless you are present. Please lock these doors from the inside anytime you leave the property unattended. The video below shows the operation.
Check-In
Check-in is after 4 p.m. Please do not interrupt the cleaning team while they are working in order to gain early entry to the property. They are working hard to make the house perfect for your arrival. An early arrival, or interruptions may hinder their performance and speed. You will be alerted by text message once the property is ready. Once inside, it is recommended the guest do a walk through to check all parts of the property for damage to avoid being penalized for damage incurred prior to the guest’s stay. If the premises appear dirty or damaged upon Check-in, please let us know immediately.
Check-Out
To receive a full security deposit refund, leave the property in good working order no later than 10 a.m.
a. Return all items, furniture, and appliances to the location they were found at check-in.
b. Strip sheets and pillow cases off all used beds and place with used towels in hamper in laundry room. Please leave all pillows, mattress covers, blankets, and quilts on the beds to avoid damage from wet/soiled towels and linens.
c. Make sure grill is cleaned, covered and returned where it was found at check-in.
d. Make sure hot tub jets are off, cover is on, and heat is turned down to 80°.
e. Turn off all TVs, appliances, faucets, and lights and log out of any personal accounts, such as Netflix.
f. Remove all trash and leftovers from inside and place in the outside cans provided for city trash pick-up. Recyclables only should go in the recycling bin. Please close all trash bags prior to placing them in the county receptacles outside. Trash bins remain by the house at all times.
g. Take everything that is yours. We can’t be responsible for any items left or lost at the property.
h. Close and lock all doors as you leave.
Air Conditioning and Heating
The house is equipped with 2 thermostats. The control for the main level can be found across from the hall bathroom. The thermostat that controls the master bedroom and bunk room levels is located on the wall as you enter the master bedroom upstairs.
These thermostats are “smart” enabled. They send information on temperature, settings, and status of the units. If the system detects that doors are left open and the unit is still running but unable to cool or heat to the set temperature, they will alert us and shut off. If you wish to enjoy the sounds of the ocean with the doors open, please either turn off both units or shut the doors and enjoy the sounds and views from the decks and balconies. Feel free to use the portable fans on the deck, if desired.
Keep in mind that this is the beach and Florida. High humidity means a unit will freeze if the air conditioning is set too low for the unit to handle. If the unit detects possible ice forming on the coils, it will send an alert and shut down. To avoid the A/C shutting down, keep all doors and windows shut while running. The temperature that this will occur depends on the humidity level inside the house. If doors are kept closed, the A/C will remove the humidity from the air and then allow the unit to run more efficiently and at a lower temperature.
The same conditions can interfere with proper heating. If you leave the doors open and turn up the heat, the unit will not respond. It will determine the unit is malfunctioning and will turn off. To avoid this situation, do not run the system with windows or doors open.
If you find the air conditioning or heat is not cooling or heating or you have a question, please call.
Check out the video on how to adjust the temperature settings.
Kitchen
You will find dish soap, dish cloths, towels, cleaning products and laundry soap in the kitchen, laundry and linen closet. You will find many small kitchen appliances located under the kitchen island (shelves are doors). Dishes and utensils are provided. We only ask that you clean up after yourself and wash and put away the last of your dirty dishes the morning of your departure. We provide salt, pepper, many spices, some pantry items and a roll of paper towels. You will find trash bags for your use in the trash cans, laundry room or garage.
We have 2 dishwashers, 2 ovens with conventional and convection options, a microwave, 5-burner gas range, refrigerator/freezer with filtered water and ice maker, an separate automatic ice maker, and many small appliances. We have a waffle iron, multiple blenders, mixer, multiple coffee makers, Keurig, electric griddles, multiple slow cookers/crock pots, coffee grinder and more.
There are 2 trash bins built into the counter and wall. One is by the laundry room under the kitchen counter and the other is to the left of the ovens in the wall. Please use trash liners at all times. You may want to use one for recycling as the island does recycle.
We do have a garbage disposal for your use. Use care when using the disposal and NEVER grind or put the following into the disposal: glass, plastic, metal, paper, combustibles, grease, or oil. Use only cold water when grinding food waste. Grind food waste in small amounts to avoid over filling the disposal and clogging it. To clean, grind up a large cupful of ice and rinse well.
See the appliance guide below for operation and trouble-shooting.
Laundry Room
The laundry room is located off of the kitchen. There is a pocket door to shut if you are doing laundry and do not wish to hear the machine run. The washer and dryer are front loading appliances. There is detergent for your use provided. If you run out of detergent, please purchase high efficiency (HE) detergents to use in the washer.
We have an iron and ironing board for guests’ use. Please use filtered water from the refrigerator or distilled water in the iron. Please empty leftover water from the reservoir when finished.
The high humidity at the beach means you should always keep both the washer and dryer doors open when not in use to avoid musty odors from forming. If the washing machine does develop a musty odor, run a load of towels on the highest temperature setting and add a cup of vinegar to the bleach dispenser.
Always empty the lint trap on the dryer after each load. If the dryer is taking too long to dry, or something with excessive lint was put in, try cleaning out the lint trap on the east side of the house.
Always prop open doors with a towel or other obstruction, if children are present, to avoid entrapment and injury.
See the Washer/Dryer Guide for operating instructions.
Dining Room
The dining table will accommodate 8-10 people. The breakfast bar will also seat 8-10. Toddler tables and chairs are in the bunk room and garage. You will find high chairs and booster seats in the closets on the main floor for your use. Please use common sense and care. Clean before returning them to the closets. Feel free to use them where you wish. There is also outdoor seating for 8 more on the main deck.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
You will find extra blankets and pillows in the closets, dressers, or shelves in the bedrooms. The linens for the trundle bed and futon are in the dresser in the bunkroom. Never take sheets, pillows, or blankets to the beach or outside the house. Guests will be charged for missing or damaged sheets and blankets.
There are 2 master bedrooms. The main floor master has a private bath with shower/tub combination. The other 2 main floor bedrooms share a bath with a shower/tub combination and one has a separate access to the front of the house while the other has access to the pool area. The bedroom closets contain pack-n-plays, high chairs, a bed safety rail, fans and other essentials for guests’ comfort and use.
The upstairs master has its own exit with access to a private balcony and pool area. The bath is on the same level. This bath contains a walk-in rain shower and a jetted tub. There is a trash receptacle under the vanity in a pull out drawer. The futon can be found in the master alcove, separate from the master bedroom.
The alcove bunk bed, 5th bedroom and bunk room on the lower level share the bathroom with a shower off the bunkroom. The bedroom has its own access to the pool as well. The bunk room contains 2 bunk beds and a daybed with a pop-up trundle. The trundle and daybed together make a king sized bed. They can be used together or separately. The weight limit for all top bunks is 150 lbs. No child under 6 should sleep in a top bunk for safety reasons. Use ladders with caution when climbing into top bunks.
With so many entrances and exits, please keep them locked if young children are present. If you have little ones, please keep an eye on them to avoid any accidents as the pool and hot tub are accessible from these doors. We do have some gates for blocking off balconies, steps, and other hazards. But supervise all children and use caution with the pool and balconies for safety.
Pool and Hot Tub
The pool and hot tub are chlorinated. Both are maintained year-round by a professional pool service. During the warmer months (April-August) the pro visits at least twice a week (Friday and Tuesday) and at least once a week (Tuesday) during the winter. The visits are generally early in the morning to avoid disturbing guest. Please allow the professional access to the pool and hot tub at all times when you are renting. It is for your own safety and to keep things sanitary.
To keep the pool and hot tub sanitary, please make sure swim diapers are used on pre-trained children at all times. Always wash ocean water off suits, toys, and bodies before entering. Failure to do so could result in algae contamination. Failure to comply with sanitation guidelines could result in extra cleaning charges and/or make the pool unusable during your stay. Never use bath products in the hot tub anytime! It will damage the filter and make the hot tub unusable.
There is no glass allowed in the pool area. Use the acrylic glasses provided for guests to keep you and the pool equipment safe from the dangers of broken glass.
When coming and going from the pool area, do not climb over the fence at any time. Damage to the fence will result. Please use the gates, the porch, house or garage accesses. Please close all gates when you are not present or when you retire. This will discourage anyone who is not a guest from unauthorized use of the pool and protect children from accidental drowning. If you do see trespassers, please feel free to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office to report.
The owners are not responsible for any accidents, injuries or illness that occurs while on the premises. There shall be no more than six (6) persons in the hot tub at any given time. No children under the age of are12 permitted in hot tubs or pool without adult supervision. Follow all posted pool and spa rules.
When using the hot tub, remember there is a certain health risk associated with this facility. Use at your own risk. Hot tub covers are for insulation purposes and are not designed to support a person or persons. Remember when not in use, turn down the heat, turn off jets, and leave cover on so hot tub will stay warm. To clean, run the jets for 30 minutes or longer, before or after use. Latch the cover in the front and back when not in use to keep little ones safe from entry. Unlatch before attempting to open the cover. The cover lifter allows for the cover to be opened by one person and remains on the side of the hot tub for storage. Do not remove the cover from the lifter.
See the Hot Tub an Pool Guides for operating instructions.
Pool Heater
The pool has a heat exchange heater, located on the east side of the house near the pump. The breaker to turn the heater on and off will be locked unless the guest has requested and paid for heat. The temperature, when the heater is on, shows in the display on the heater. Guests can turn the heater up or down as desired. Keep in mind, if the heat is too far above the air temperature, the heater will shut off automatically and will have to be re-started. Valuable heat time and heat can be lost when this happens. For this reason, use common sense and do not turn up the heat more than necessary. It is easier to maintain a lower heat when no one is using the pool and turn it up when in use than having to reheat the entire pool due to an automatic shut-down. If the air temperature is too cold (below 50 degrees), the heat exchange may not work effectively. Keep this in mind when heating. Call for heating costs and questions.
Pool Lights
The pool lights are located on the east side of the house on the right side of the breaker box. The switch is labeled “lights.” If you plan to use lights in the pool at night, it is best to familiarize yourself with the lights before it is dark. If you use lights, keep in mind that the lights will attract bugs. Please turn off the lights when you retire for the evening to keep the pool clean and to avoid turtle season light violations.
Outdoor Shower
The outdoor shower is located under the steps and is for guests use. Please take advantage of the hot and cold water available for rinsing off all people, toys, and suits before entering the pool or hot tub. Even just a little sand can contaminate the pool with algae and make it unusable until it is treated. Detergents, soaps, lotions and oils should be washed off before entering the hot tub. Even detergents in swim suits can cause foaming in the tub.
Recreation/Garage Area
The garage contains a pool table, ping-pong table, air hockey table, and basketball shooting game. You will also find a corn hole and bag set, bocce ball, croquet, and various bikes, and toys. All bikes and games should be used with adult supervision. We maintain all these items to the best of our ability. Please help us by reporting damages. If a bike tire needs air, a pump is located on the shelf near the bikes.
The area can be accessed from the lower level near the bunk room alcove or from the back yard or through garage doors. There are four separate garage doors for access as well. Please keep these doors lowered when you are not on the property. The back door to the garage should also be locked when you are not there. Feel free to keep them open for ventilation when there. These areas are not heated or cooled and are open (unsealed, breakaway walls) as per FEMA and Flood Insurance requirements. This means water, insects and sand can find their way under the walls. Do not leave open food or drinks in the garage.
We store the Superyard play yard gates in the garage for your use. There are 12 separate panels that can be used together or separately where guests find most helpful. Click here for instructions for use.
We also have an extra refrigerator and freezer located in the garage. This is a great location for drinks for when you are at the pool or in the rec room. The refrigerator will cool, but for best results if loading with room temperature items, like water and soda, allow the refrigerator to cool, unopened, several hours or over-night. Repeated opening and checking on its progress will not allow it to cool as quickly.
You will also find chairs, loungers, coolers, umbrellas, toys and a wagon for use on the beach in the garage or outside of the garage under the steps by the shower. Feel free to take any of these items to the beach for your use. Please do not leave items at the beach unattended or overnight as they will be confiscated by the beach patrol. Guests will be charged for broken and/or missing items.
Trash Bins
Trash is picked-up on Mondays. We have a roll-back service which means you do not have to move the bins at all. The collectors will bring them out and roll them back for you. There is one bin that is designated for recycling only. Please do not fill it with trash. All trash must be bagged. We provide kitchen bags and utility bags for the bin in the garage for this purpose. Loose trash is more likely to blow in the high beach winds, draw rodents and insects. Always put your trash in one of the bag lined containers, not loose in the bins. If you notice that the truck has missed the house and trash has not been collected, please let us know immediately. It does require time to remedy the situation and put in a special work order. This has occasionally happened when there is a substitute driver.
Linens, Towels and Amenities
You should find everything you need for your stay at Tiki House, but your meals. Towels, wash cloths, hand towel, beach towels, crib sheets and blankets, and kitchen linens are in the linen closet off the living room. If you need to change linens or you run out of towels, the washer and dryer are at your disposal. All linens should be returned to the house daily. Do not leave towels on the beach or pool area unattended.
Use beach towels for outside and leave the white towels, sheets, and blankets for indoor use.
We provide complimentary shampoo, bath gel, hand soap, toilet paper and other paper products to get you started. You may or may not need to purchase more. There are food stores and foodmarts on the island and Grocery stores located just over the bridge in Gulf Breeze.
Outdoor Grill
The grill is an 8-burner propane grill. It is kept covered and under the deck to protect it from the corrosive salt air. When you are ready to use it, pull it at least 3 feet from the house and uncover it. Open the covers and put up the wind screens before lighting it. Please burn off and remove all debris when finished. Let cool before covering and moving back to its storage place by the house.
We provide two propane tanks. If you run out of propane, you can take the tanks to any of the gas stations on the island and exchange for full tanks. You can also get them refilled at the ACE Hardware in Gulf Breeze, just over the bridge.
Beach Access
Just west of the house is the sidewalk to the beach. This is a public access. If you wish or need to park at the access, please do. Do not park on the dunes or block the sidewalk entrance. At the end of the paved sidewalk access there is a wooden walk-over. It is about 400 ft to the beach and Gulf. Please keep to the sidewalk and walk-over to avoid damaging the dunes. Click here and here for information about Gulf Dune Protection.
You may use the front gate for access from the backyard to the beach access. But please close it behind you for safety reasons. Please do not climb over the fence at any time. Damage to the fence will result. Please use the gates, the porch, house or garage accesses. Please close all gates when you are not present or when you retire. This will discourage anyone who is not a guest from unauthorized use of the property. If you do see trespassers, please feel free to call the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office to report.
Beach Safety and County Ordinances
The beach is great! But please be safe. Click here for swim conditions and warnings. Please always be aware of conditions and warning flags. Click here for an explanation of the warning system and beach safety laws.
-No person may enter the Gulf of Mexico during red flag or double red flag conditions.
-There is absolutely NO GLASS allowed on any of the beaches or the pool area.
-Alcohol and open containers are not allowed west of the pier (we are east), in parking lots, off the Boardwalk or outside any establishment.
-From May to October is Turtle Nesting Season. Please turn off outside lights after retiring and close blinds to keep hatchlings and turtles safe.
-Fill in any holes you may dig and remove all trash and gear from the beach. Patrols will collect unattended items at dusk.
See the Emergency Numbers Guide for more information.
Wifi, Internet, Cable, Stereo and TVs
The house wifi password is funinthesun. There is a hard wire connection cable next to the phone on the right of the TV entertainment console. We use MediaCom on the island for both services. Guests should not use this service to download any copyrighted or prohibited content at any time. We do have access to Netflix if you have a Netflix account. Please don’t forget to log out of your account before checking out.There are remotes for each TV. Please do not remove or change the remotes from room to room. They are registered to specific cable boxes and are not interchangeable. The TiVo features are for guests and are available in most rooms. Most rooms have a DVD and VHS player. Tapes and DVDs are located under the TV in the console in the family room. Children’s DVDs and tapes are located in the bunk room downstairs. Please return tapes and DVDs to the appropriate locations.The stereo is also located under the TV in the console. The TV and stereo are both connected to surround sound speakers. The amplifier has buttons to choose which option you wish to use. The system is also connected to the speakers on the deck outside. You may listen to the TV, CDs, DVDs, or radio inside, outside or both. The A/B speaker buttons allow you to choose these options. The “B” switch is for OUTSIDE sound.Please keep in mind this is a residential area and be a good neighbor. Turn off or turn down all music outside after 10 p.m. to avoid complaints. Noise ordinances go into effect at 11 p.m. Turn off all outdoor speakers to avoid a citation by county law enforcement.
You should find everything you need for your stay at Tiki House, but your meals. Call if you have trouble finding what you need or need assistance with anything. If we have it, we will help you locate it.
Tiki House Pensacola Beach. A beach home rental favorite.
