As Indian Rocks beach has gotten busier (and busier) over the years, we realized the best way to have some buffer against some of the negative consequences of the high density of short term rentals is to stick to buildings with a 2-week minimum. We discovered Pelican Cove a few years before the pandemic and it is a gem- smaller building with 25 units, well kept, and located between (not right next to) public beach access points so there was always room on the beach directly in front. As units get sold and full time residents replaced with more vacation rentals, I just hope they keep enforcing the 2-week rental period- really keeps the building calm and quiet.
This was the first time in this unit and we'll be back for sure! First off- top (5th) floor - so no footsteps above. Amazing gulf views, ample space for a couple, nice open layout, comfortable bed and quality linens- all good. Also, loved how there were no upholstered pieces of furniture- at all. Anyone who has stayed in vacation rentals with stained furniture knows why this is worth mentioning - so nice to have clean leather sectional and even dining chairs that are free from fabric and stains. This is also an end unit so extra side windows give extra light (and views); the paint is a little dark for my liking, but that is just personal taste and by no means a deal breaker. The bedroom does face the road and there is minimal road noise- but the tower fan that we found in the master closet more than masked the environmental noise (and I am a light sleeper). Lots of nice touches- both a pod and regular drip coffee maker, decent condition beach chairs, and a reasonable stocked kitchen (although the non stick pans are pretty well past their lifespan and there were no BBQ utensils to use with new grill that is down by the pool). I was a little jealous of some of the neighbor's new Tommy Bahama beach chairs, but the ones provided were in decent shape, just a little awkward to carry.
All in all, if IRB is your destination and you have the ability to stay 2 weeks or more, I don't think you'll find a better option- We're just trying to figure out how we can stay even longer next time!