I have lived and currently live in a high-end apartment community in South Tampa such as Skypoint and Element. I decided to stop by to take a look at this apartment community as I pass by it every now and then on my way to the International Plaza, and because of the cheaper prices compared to the downtown/ Channelside district. I have to say that the management is pretty rude, arrogant, condescending, and not worth my time. The leasing agent I dealt with was acting as if Valera was the most upscale "first class community" in Tampa, which it most certainly is not. The leasing agent said that they are trying to attract a 'certain clientele'. The community is surrounded by what looks like low income houses; not an attractive neighborhood. The only thing going for this place is its proximity to the International Plaza and the airport as well as that the kitchens look nice. Moreover, by looking at other reviews about the management I can underststand how their negative descriptions make sense. Although it's more expensive I would rather stay in the Downtown/Channelside area to avoid the cheap wood construction, fake hardwood floors, and rude staff.

This apartment is nice but it's being managed by an incapable, irresponsible and stupid property manager whose name is Malissa Lich. Dealing with this woman is worse than any experience you can imagine, since there's no way to reason or talk with this individual. A 3-year-old can do a better job in managing a property than this person. It's kinda pathetic this place is using fake profiles to post reviews. Rose Marquez, this is the rudest person on this property. She's just an assistant manager yet she thinks she is the ruler of the world. It's fair to say this person does not have any idea how to do this job, not even a bit at all. Anyone lives here knows how horrible she is. Also retaliation is a common practice of this person. Be careful. Danielle and Sharon are the only people in the leasing office know how to do their job and can do their job in the right way. Feel bad they are being lead by a bad management team.

I CAME TO TAKE A LOOK SPOKE TO SHARON WHO GAVE ME BASIC INFORMATION THAT I NEEDED SHE WAS VERY HELPFUL I WENT HOME SPOKE TO MY WIFE WHO IN TURN SPOKE TO ROSE THE ASSISTANT MANAGER WHO THEN TURNED US OVER TO CARI THE EXPERIENCE WAS WONDERFUL EVERYONE ON STAFF ARE VERY HELPFUL AND WE ENDED UP LEAVING A DEPOSIT ON A APARTMENT AND WE WERE ABLE TO GET ALL OUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS PLACE TO EVERYONE LOOKING FOR A GREAT UPSCALE COMMUNITY THE AMENITIES ARE STUPENDOUS

We selected Varela after looking at 8 different luxury apartments in the Tampa and St.Pete area because we liked the amenities and because it was a non-smoking property. Varela was more expensive than other Tampa Bay area apts, but we thought the amenities made up for the difference. This is a new building with sloppy subcontractors who did the work quickly and poorly. We've had multiple issues to resolve with maintenance and front office, however, they did resolve all of them. Now, it's under a new management company, and we are seeing improvements. Varela has some great front office mgt like Sharon. Most of the residents that we've interacted with are very friendly, professional with fascinating backgrounds and expertise. Given all the issues, the amenities are great and well managed. It's a great place to live.

I have relocated to the Tampa Area and was in search living quarters during my transition. As you could probably imagine, I have met many leasing agents during my search. I would like to take a moment and shine a bright light on the customer service I received from Ms. Cari Guzman. In a word...EXCEPTIONAL!! Ms. Guzman made me feel as if Varela at Westshore was my next home. She took her time to explain the policies and procedures as well as showcase the MANY amenities your property has to offer. In the end, I chose a property closer to my place of employment but I could not pass up the opportunity to inform your organization of the Asset in their Midst. Thanks again and thank you Ms. Guzman!! Stanley M., U.S. Federal Investigator