Our family (inc. 2 adult daughters, 22-24) is planning a Dec. 2009-Jan 2010 trip to Florida. I'd appreciate some feedback on any experience with VRBO properties on the Gulf side (location is flexible). We're looking for something VERY nice, 2bdr, private yet convenient to shopping, restaurants, etc. Most of the properties I've looked at on the vrbo website are 'cookie cutter' condos. Any ideas are greatly appreciated!

How nice? How $$$ nice? How long are you going for? The really nice ones will most likely have at least a month minimum. It is in the condo rules. Things inside Pelican Bay and especially Bay Colony inside Pelican Bay near Naples will be very nice.

Portofino in Pensacola Beach is supposed to be a very nice property (I have not stayed there myself, but friends have). Also, check out Sandestin (near Destin). Finally, do a google search for Beachwalk Cafe. It is a restaurant located in a nicer condo building.

I agree that the VRBO offerings on the gulf coast are not that great.

Good luck!

Forgot to menton Seaside (east of Destin). Check it out, too.

The panhandle locations of Destin and Pensicola will probably be cold in December and January. Try Siesta Key or Longboat Key, near Sarasota. We have stayed in 2 bedroom condos at Siesta Dunes on Siesta Key and some of the properties are very nice and the beach is great. Both Siesta Key and Longboat Key are close to restaurants and shopping.

South Seas Resort-Captiva Island, FL

second vote for south seas-captiva island. There are also great choices on sanibel island. some great house rentals available too.