The First Floor Myth: Why "Low" Means High Value (and Zero Waiting)
Let’s play a word association game. If I say "First Floor Condo," what comes to mind?
For many travelers, the immediate thoughts are: Parking lot views. Headlights in the window. Safety concerns. No ocean breeze.
We get it. In a standard hotel or city apartment, the first floor often feels like the basement. But here at Oceans Edge (Sea Marsh I), we need to let you in on a little secret: The first floor is actually the smartest spot in the building.
If you are a parent of young kids, or if you just hate wasting precious vacation time standing in a lobby, this post is for you. Let’s dismantle the "First Floor Myth" and explain why the first floor offers the convenience of a beach house with the amenities of a luxury condo.
Reality Check: It’s Not Actually on the Ground
First, let’s talk architecture. Sea Marsh I isn't built flat on the asphalt. The building is raised on stilts to protect the dunes and provide parking underneath.
This means it is actually elevated.
When you stand on our balcony, you aren't looking at the bumper of a Honda Civic. You are looking over the dune line, straight out to the Atlantic Ocean. You get the panoramic horizon and the sound of the waves, completely unobstructed. You have the privacy of being up high, without the hassle of being too high.
The "Elevator Bypass": A Parent’s Best Friend
If you have ever stayed in a high-rise during peak season (hello, Fourth of July or a Saturday in July), you know The Wait.
You’re sun-drunk, sandy, and holding a cooler that feels like it weighs a thousand pounds. You walk into the lobby, and there’s a line. The elevator stops on every single floor. You wait 10 minutes just to get upstairs to take a shower.
At Oceans Edge, you skip the wait entirely.
The "Potty Dance" Rescue: Parents, you know this panic. You’re at the pool, and your toddler suddenly announces, "I have to go NOW." If you’re on the 15th floor, that’s a disaster waiting to happen. On the first floor? You can scoop them up, walk up one short flight of stairs (or use the ramp), and be in your own bathroom in under 60 seconds. Crisis averted.
Grocery Day is a Breeze: Loading a week’s worth of food onto a luggage cart and fighting for elevator space is stressful. Here, you can park near the stairs and have the fridge stocked before the ice cream melts.
Stairs or Elevator—Your Choice: We do have an elevator, and since we are on the first living level, it’s a quick ride. But having the option to take the stairs gives you total freedom.
Accessibility Matters
For our guests with mobility concerns or those traveling with grandparents, the first floor is a blessing. While the stairs are a great shortcut for the active crew, the building ramp and elevator make it incredibly accessible without the dizziness or anxiety some folks feel on higher floors.
The "Beach House" Feel
Because we are so connected to the first level, staying here feels less like a "hotel box" and more like a private beach cottage.
Want to take a sunrise walk? You’re on the sand in seconds.
Forgot the sunscreen? It’s a quick dash back inside.
Kids want to hit the pool? You can get there without an ordeal.
Don't Sacrifice the View for Convenience
The biggest fear—losing the view—is simply a myth here. We invite you to check out our photo gallery. The blue horizon is right there waiting for you.
So, next time you’re booking, don’t scroll past the first floor. Skip the elevator small talk, and spend that extra time where it belongs: with your toes in the sand.
See you on the sand (sooner than everyone else!),
~ The Oceans Edge Family