OT: Residence Inn Destin or Holiday Inn FWB?

[disynut]

I'm sorry for posting off topic, but it is kind of DVC related(trying to justify myself I guess). After our week at our DVC next week we are going to drive back through the Destin/FWB area. I've looked at tripadvisor and have it narrowed down to the Residence Inn Destin(not on the beach--shuttle ride away) and the Holiday Inn at Fort Walton Beach(on the beach). Just looking for anyone that has stayed at either. We'll be interested in the beach(me and kids), golf(dh), and shopping(all of us).

Thanks for any info!
3 Days until we leave I'm hoping I can kick this sinus infection before we leave!!!!

Jen

 

[Sammie]

If the Residence Inn is the one located at Grand Blvd at Sandestin, that would be my recommendation, there is also a very nice Marriot by Courtyard there.

I would not recommend Fort Walton or old Destin, I much prefer the area of Sandestin which is in Walton county versus Okaloosa county. Nicer hotels, nicer beach, better places to eat.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/vpsri-residence-inn-sandestin-at-grand-boulevard/

 

[quirty30]

Have you considered the Embassy Suites? Nice location in Miramar Beach and a little closer to the actual beach than the Residence Inn.

http://www.embassydestin.com/index.php

 

[sabrecmc]

Well, I live in Niceville, so just a stone's throw from FWB and Destin. I'm actually in Destin working (ahem) right now.

The Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort is actually on Okaloosa Island and is on the beach and actually just fine. There is also a Sheraton Four Points there that is pretty good as well. The hotels are a bit older, but benefit from being directly on the beach. I would not recommend FWB proper for hotels.

The Residence Inn is in Sandestin. It is not by the beach, but is near shopping and is pretty new. The Embassy Suites is closer to the beach and across from the outlet mall.

My recommendations would be the Sandestin Hilton (I think this may be one of the properties you could use points at, but can't remember for sure), the Emerald Grande, Baytowne Wharf, or really any of the Sterling Resorts properties (my favorite being the Henderson Park Inn).

The Sandestin Hilton suits your needs the best. They have 4 golf courses, shuttle service, are on the beach, have kids activities, pool, spa and easy access to several shopping areas, including the Market Shops of Sandestin, Grand Boulevard, the Silver Shells outlet mall and the shops at Baytowne Wharf. They are running several specials right now, since it is the off-season. I will tell you that temperatures have dropped, so swimming in the Gulf (unless you're from Ontario) may not be on your agenda when you arrive. The Hilton has an indoor heated pool, a rarity here.

Oh, and enjoy our beautiful area!

 

[dvc_john]

My recommendations would be the Sandestin Hilton

Well that's good to hear, since I'll be staying there briefly on my way back from Orlando in a few weeks.

 

[sabrecmc]

Well that's good to hear, since I'll be staying there briefly on my way back from Orlando in a few weeks.

Well color me jealous! That's our in-town vacation spot, along with the Emerald Grande. Its great. The spa is really nice. You should treat yourself!

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

You could stay at the Club Intrawest on points through Buena Vista Trading Company. It may be easier than a direct trade through RCI.

Its NOT on the beach, but is near Baytowne Wharf.

I had to spend a few days in Ft. Walton back in Spring. We actually stayed at the Fairfield next Eglin in Shalamar. It was nice...but miles and miles from the beach. There is a fantastic mexican place in Shalamar to eat. Yummy. We also liked Fudpuckers food.

We really liked a development called Emerald something or another, maybe Emerald Harbor. I don't know, but that place was amazing. We went to the Pat O'Brien's. That was kind of mediocre, but there was a lot of food and shopping and boat excursions. It was a really cool place. There and Baytown Wharf are both cool must see areas.

I also went to a conference at the Hilton...Very nice!

Here's a plug for my home state...Consider staying in Orange Beach ALABAMA.

 

[sabrecmc]

We really liked a development called Emerald something or another, maybe Emerald Harbor. I don't know, but that place was amazing. We went to the Pat O'Brien's.

That's the Emerald Grande. Its right on the East Pass and has the most amazing views. There are restaurants and shops on the harbor "underneath" the resort. Lots of New Orleans restaurants there. Also a very nice resort. They do fireworks every Thursday night in the summer with patriotic music piped in. Its a very popular spot.

 

[dvc_john]

Here's a plug for my home state...Consider staying in Orange Beach ALABAMA.

And I'll be stopping there also on my way back. I wanted to stop at Orange Beach a few years ago, but then Katrina came along....

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

That's the Emerald Grande. Its right on the East Pass and has the most amazing views. There are restaurants and shops on the harbor "underneath" the resort. Lots of New Orleans restaurants there. Also a very nice resort. They do fireworks every Thursday night in the summer with patriotic music piped in. Its a very popular spot.

That's it!!

I absolutely loved it there!!!

I think there is a free boat launch to the beach from there. Is that right? If so...I would stay there (if in the budget). It was awesome!

 

[sabrecmc]

I think there is a free boat launch to the beach from there. Is that right? If so...I would stay there (if in the budget). It was awesome!

Yes, the Emerald Grande offers guests a free boat to the beach and back. It is quite easy to use. There are also boats of various size available for rental, including personal watercraft.

 

[disynut]

Thanks all! Gee, now I don't know where to stay again! I'm going to check out the Emerald grande. I had checked out the Sandestin Hilton, and it was either out of our price range or not available, don't remember which. I don't really want to use the points just for two nights, but sometime it might definitely be a place to go for 4-5 nights if we like it! I've never been to Destin, but Mickey'sApprentice, we used to go to Gulf Shores when I was in high school for spring break--at that time there was a Best Western and one other hotel on the beach, I think. I remember the last year we went we drove down the road towards Orange Beach and it was completely filled with construction! It's a great area as well!

 

[LindaBabe]

If the Residence Inn is the one located at Grand Blvd at Sandestin, that would be my recommendation, there is also a very nice Marriot by Courtyard there.

I would not recommend Fort Walton or old Destin, I much prefer the area of Sandestin which is in Walton county versus Okaloosa county. Nicer hotels, nicer beach, better places to eat.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/vpsri-residence-inn-sandestin-at-grand-boulevard/

I second it! Long waits for shuttles at prime dinner hours, but everything is very convenient - there is beach and golf right in the SanDestin community.

 

[disney aviator]

Have you considered the Embassy Suites? Nice location in Miramar Beach and a little closer to the actual beach than the Residence Inn.

http://www.embassydestin.com/index.php

I've stayed at this Embassy Suites four times in the last couple of years, and I highly recommend it. It's an easy walk across the street to the beach. It's clean, and the rates are usually very reasonable.