The Driftwood Inn, Mexico Beach

The quaint facade of this inn enticed us to stay on our recent vacation. We wondered why we were given a sheet of "rules" on check-in that stated we had to give a 24 hour notice if early departure should be necessary. Upon reaching our antique furnished room, we understood why. The mattresses on both beds were worn out and the pillows were flat. The antique wardrobe smelled so musty, we didn't want to hang our clothes in it, and the drawers of the antique dresser were broke. There was no closet, so we had to leave our clothes in our bags. The rooms have back doors that open to a back walkway (no private balconies overlooking the gulf). We tried to open the windows to invite the fresh sea breezes in, but the windows wouldn't stay open. And the view is partially obstructed by the palm trees and bird houses. Bring your own shampoo and soap. We have become accustomed to small shampoos and two small soap bars, but there is no shampoo, and each room is only allotted one small bar of soap per day that you have to move from the sink to the shower. After a miserable night on the horrible beds, we scouted out vacated rooms the next morning. The maids lead us to a better room, and the front desk agreed to switch our room. The second room was better, but not by much. The mattresses were better, but the pillows were still flat. Plus, the toilet lid was missing; we lost a toothbrush and mascara. Every room but ours had a very large dog. The back "yard" of the inn is where the dogs "relieve" themselves. The lady on the front desk and maids were nice, but the owner was rude to us from the time of check-in. We spoke to others staying at the Driftwood, and they reported the same rude indifference from the owner. There seemed to be long-term renters who stayed the winter with their dogs that were the only ones the owner deemed worthy of a smile and actual conversation. Daily or weekly patrons were not worth her attention. Parking is tight and very challenging. If you just need a place to stay with your dog, this place might do, but I can't imagine any other reason to stay here.

This little place next to the road of just about any other coastal area is still untouched, no condo's or high rises, is, serenity. Just wake up open your door and breathe........ If you're waiting for a bell boy to take your bags, or someone to be at your bec-n-call, this is not your place. KEEP DRIVING. Shhhhhhhhh don't tell people, lets keep it all to ourselves. I HOPE IT NEVER GOES AWAY!!!