Planning a trip to Panama City Beach? You’re not alone. More and more people are flocking to this coastal location each year, thanks to its world-renowned beaches. With more than 27 miles of white sand beaches running along the Gulf of Mexico, this city is the perfect place for a beach getaway!
It’s also a great city for a family vacation. After a day at the beach, you can visit tons of family-friendly attractions, like the edutainment center WonderWorks or the world-traveler-themed amusement park Swampy Jack’s Wongo Adventure. Or you can just embrace the natural beauty of the land by visiting one of two massive state parks.
There are tons of unique places to stay in Panama City Beach, with many hotels overlooking the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. From luxurious waterfront hotels to all-condo accommodations that offer the comforts of home, the hardest part about visiting this beachside town is deciding which cool Panama City Beach hotel is right for you. So we’ve compiled a list of the best hotels in Panama City Beach to help you plan your perfect getaway!
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Where to Stay in Panama City Beach
If you’re visiting Panama City Beach, you’ll find that many of the best accommodations are directly on the beaches themselves. Many top-rated Panama City Beach hotels boast not only ocean views but direct beach access. Some even offer their own private beaches. But which areas of the city are the best to stay in?
There are a few things to consider when picking a hotel in Panama City Beach. The first is the proximity to the beach. Staying in the Long Beach area is a popular pick for visitors, but picking a hotel near Laguna Beach to the north will be a bit quieter.
The second is the proximity to the action. You likely won’t spend your entire vacation just on the beach. You’ll probably want to spend some time around additional attractions. Staying nearby Pier Park allows you the option to be near the beach while also being around other nightlife and family-friendly activities. But not matter where you stay in Panama City Beach, you’ll never be too far from the action or the beach!
The 12 Best Hotels in Panama City Beach, FL
1. Majestic Beach Resort
Staying at the Majestic Beach Resort, one of the best Panama City Beach hotels, offers you the best of both worlds. You’ll wake each morning to the sound of crashing waves and then head out to enjoy the white sand beach just outside your doorstep. But you’re also just a short drive away from shopping, restaurants, and more family-fun activities.
This resort is an all-condo complex. Choose between studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom condos for your stay. You’ll find one that’s the perfect size for your family to enjoy their Panama City Beach vacation.
All condos are uniquely decorated, but they come with all the amenities of home. Studios offer kitchenettes, while others have fully-equipped kitchens. All condos have seating areas, private balconies, air-conditioning, heating, free Wi-Fi, room-darkening shades, and televisions.
You’ll love spending the day on this resort’s private beach, which you can access with ease by using the boardwalks. But the resort makes it even simpler to enjoy a day at the beach with access to tons of beach activities right from the private beach. Grab yourself a beach chair to do some sunbathing, hop on a jet ski, go parasailing, ride an iconic banana boat, and much more.
For even more fun in the water, you can swim in one of two Gulf-front outdoor pools with great views, relax in one of the three hot tubs, or take a dip in one of two heated indoor pools when it’s too cold to swim outside. Little ones also get their own kiddie pool!
For even more to do on-site, play a game of tennis or pickleball on the on-site court, play in the game room, watch a movie in the movie theater, or get a workout in at the fitness center. For a bite to eat, you can stop by the on-site Starbucks for a coffee and sandwich or visit the H20 Poolside Bar & Grill for a drink and a light lunch.
2. Sunbird
Just steps from the beach is the Sunbird, a beach resort that’s one of the most unique hotels in Panama City Beach. This resort is an all-condo hotel, offering ocean views and all the amenities you need for a cozy stay.
Each of the one-bedroom condos in this resort is uniquely decorated, and some have additional amenities. However, all condos have fully equipped kitchens, private balconies, living rooms, queen-sized sleeper sofas, and free Wi-Fi. Many also feature views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Spend your day lazing around on the resort’s private beach, where you can enjoy the cool ocean breeze. Or take a dip in one of three pools, all with views of the Gulf. One of the pools is also heated, so you can enjoy the view even when the weather is chillier. For more on-site fun, you can play a game of tennis, racquetball, or shuffleboard.
3. Grand Panama Beach Resort by Emerald View Resorts
The Grand Panama Beach Resort by Emerald View Resorts is one of the coolest hotels in Panama City Beach because it offers you tons of ways to enjoy your vacation. And although there’s plenty to do on-site, you’re also just a quick walk from top attractions, like Shipwreck Island Waterpark.
Amenities vary by condo, but all condos have full gourmet kitchens and balconies. Each condo is also individually themed, ranging from cozy farmhouse vibes to a house-by-the-sea feeling. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort, and many condos also offer ocean views.
In addition to spending your day at the beach, you can also go for a swim in the Gulf-front pool or take a dip in one of two spa pools. Go for a jog or a bike ride on the on-site nature paths or get a workout in at the fitness center. And when you’re done with your day, stop by the seasonal tiki bar to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset over the ocean.
To help you get the most out of your Panama City Beach vacation, this resort offers daily complimentary activities. Though these change each year, some current free activities include a free daily round of golf, one free adult ticket for a dolphin cruise each day, a power card to Dave & Busters, and one free adult ticket for a snorkeling trip per day.
4. Landmark Holiday Beach, a VRI Resort
Landmark Holiday Beach, a VRI Resort, is located on a beachfront property overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. One of the best places to stay in Panama City Beach, this resort is conveniently situated to give you easy beach access, as well as access to top attractions like the Gulf World Marine Park and Shipwreck Island Waterpark, both just a few miles away.
This all-suite hotel offers one-, two-, or three-bedroom accommodations, offering something for families of every size. All suites come with a living room, dining room, full kitchen with a dishwasher, cable TV, a DVD player, a combination washer and dryer, and either a patio or balcony with stunning views of the Gulf.
Striving to be everything you could need on your vacation, this hotel offers plenty of things to do. Work out in the fitness center, swim in the indoor heated pool, relax in the whirlpool, play a game of tennis, or challenge your fellow travelers to a round of volleyball. You’ll also find many activities to do on-site, like beach cookouts, arts and crafts, ice cream socials, and sand sculpture contests.
5. Beachside Resort Panama City Beach
Beachside Resort Panama City Beach is one of the best hotels in Panama City Beach if you’re looking for a tranquil place to enjoy the ocean air. Located on the western end of the city, this hotel offers ocean views and an escape from the busier sections of Panama City Beach. Even still, you’re only a few miles away from top attractions like Camp Helen State Park and Gulf World Marine Park.
All rooms and suites in this hotel offer air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, HDTVs, and plush mattresses. Some rooms also have a full-size fridge, coffee maker, and microwave, while others have a full kitchen. Many rooms have balconies with ocean views, and some also offer pullout sofas for more guests.
Wake up with a workout in the fitness center or grab a coffee at the all-day coffee station in the lobby. Then, head out to the beach, or go for a dip in the seasonal heated beachfront pool. You can also relax in the beachfront hot tub, enjoying the beautiful view while your stress melts away. Don’t forget to grab a cocktail from the seasonal poolside bar!
6. Bluegreen’s Bayside Resort & Spa
Live the life of luxury while you enjoy all that Panama City Beach has to offer by staying at Bluegreen’s Bayside Resort & Spa, one of the coolest Panama City Beach hotels. Set on a wildlife preserve, this hotel offers a serene and seriously beautiful getaway.
In each of the one- or two-bedroom villas in this resort, you’ll find free Wi-Fi, plush bedding, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and coffee makers. Some rooms also feature views of the on-site golf course, where you can schedule a tee time at a course designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus.
This hotel was designed to give you everything you could want on a Panama City Beach vacation just steps from your door. From your hotel, you can book everything from a brunch cruise to a pontoon boat rental to a snorkeling tour. You can also schedule in time at the on-site Serenity Spa.
The Bayside Resort & Spa also offers several on-site dining options. Start your day with Starbucks from the Cabana Café. Watch the sunset over the water with a drink in hand at Pelicans Bar & Grill, with live music on Fridays and Sundays. Or relax by the pool at the Flip Flops Pool Bar, with live music on Saturdays. For more upscale dining, head to TIDES Restaurant & Lounge, offering fine dining with views of St. Andrews Bay.
7. Casa Loma
Looking for a laidback hotel that offers you easy access to the best of Panama City Beach? You’ll love Casa Loma, one of the best hotels in Panama City Beach for beachy views and unfussy vibes.
This hotel offers three types of rooms, all featuring retro, Old Florida decor and views of the water. In the Standard Room, you’ll find two queen beds, a coffee maker, a microwave, a seating area, and a mini-fridge. In the Standard Room with Kitchen, you’ll find the same amenities, plus a stove and your own private balcony.
With the Two-Bedroom Suite, you get two queen-sized beds in one room plus one king in another. You’ll also get all the perks of the Standard Room with Kitchen, with one additional television and balcony.
With direct beach access, it’s simple to spend a day on the white sand beach. But you can also sunbathe on the sundeck or take a dip in an oceanfront pool.
8. Calypso Resort
Located just nearby the fun and excitement of Pier Park, Calypso Resort is one of the best places to stay in Panama City Beach if you’re looking for a beach getaway near all the top attractions in the city. This all-condo resort has one-, two-, and three-bedroom accommodations, so you’re bound to find exactly what you need for your family’s Panama City Beach vacation.
This resort consists of three towers. Towers 1 and 2 are located right on the beach, while you can find Tower 3 just across the street, easily accessible by a covered walkway that will lead you to the resort’s private beach.
In-room amenities include air-conditioning, heating, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Some rooms also come with a fully-equipped kitchen and a private balcony.
Your amenities vary based on which tower you’re at. If you’re in Tower 1 or 2, you get access to the on-site fitness center, two swimming pools with Gulf views, a tiki bar, and free Wi-Fi in all public spaces. Tower 3 guests can access their own heated pool, hot tub, fire pit area, two tiki bars, free Wi-Fi in public spaces, and food hall. Tower 3 guests also get the option of renting private pool cabanas.
9. Pineapple Villas
Featuring a retro Old Florida style, Pineapple Villas is one of the best Panama City Beach hotels if you’re looking for a hidden gem offering all the comforts of home. However, you’re just a quick drive from top attractions you won’t find anywhere else.
Choose between one-, two-, or three-bedroom villas, each with living room and dining room areas. You’ll also find full kitchens, TVs, free Wi-Fi, and private balconies and terraces, some with beach or pool views. You can also stay in a five-bedroom beach house for added comfort and space. Looking for some extra luxury? You can also book a personal chef for an added fee!
This hotel is right on the beach, and you can enjoy private beach access every day of your stay. Or you can go for a swim in the outdoor pool or relax in the soothing spa tub.
10. Laketown Wharf Resort by Emerald View Resorts
Laketown Wharf Resort by Emerald View Resorts is one of the coolest hotels in Panama City Beach because you never have to set foot off the property to have an incredible vacation. But it’s conveniently located to allow you access to some of the top attractions in the area, like the Signal Hill Golf Course and St. Andrews State Park.
Sitting on a lake, this hotel is an all-condo resort offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom accommodations. In each condo, you’ll find private balconies or patios, full-sized fridges, coffee makers, dishwashers, microwaves, TVs with premium channels, free Wi-Fi, and DVD players.
Work out in the fitness center or work on your golf skills on a putting green. Stroll along the 52,000-square-foot boardwalk for a wonderful way to wake up to views of the beach and the lake. Take a dip in one of five outdoor pools, including one on the roof.
Grab a meal at the seasonal seafood buffet or anytime at Southern Sandwich Co. And be sure to end your day by watching the lighted fountain show, set to dancing water, lights, and music.
11. Sugar Sands Beachfront Hotel, a By the Sea Resort
Located right on the beach, the Sugar Sands Beachfront Hotel, a By the Sea Resort, is one of the best Panama City Beach resorts if you’re looking to spend your days being rocked by the waves. Offering straightforward suites with everything you could need, the Sugar Sands Beachfront Hotel is the perfect place for a beach vacation.
This all-suite hotel provides free Wi-Fi, private balconies, and either kitchenettes or full kitchens in every room. Many rooms also come with views of the Gulf, as well as pullout sofas or hallway bunk beds for additional guests. Some suites also lead directly out to the beach.
While beach access is one of the best parts of this hotel, there are also more offerings to be found here. Take a dip in the outdoor pool, relax in a hot tub, or have lunch in the picnic area. For even more beach fun, the hotel rents chairs, umbrellas, and jet skis, as well as offers parasailing and banana-boat rides.
12. Origin at Seahaven
Sitting opposite Laguna Beach, Origin at Seahaven is one of the best places to stay in Panama City Beach if you’re looking to be near the action. You’re just one mile from the Pier Park entertainment complex and a short drive from Downtown Panama City.
This all-condo resort offers studio, one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom condominiums, perfect for families of any size. All units come with either a full kitchen or kitchenette, flat-screen TVs, and DVD players. Some rooms also include stunning views of the Gulf and private balconies for you to watch the sunrise over the water.
Wake up to a workout with ocean views at the fitness center, play games in the arcade, or watch a movie in the movie theater. Want to spend your vacation in the water? You’ll get private beach access in this hotel, or you can take a dip in the rooftop heated pool and hot tub.
There you have it! The 12 best hotels in Panama City Beach. Where’s your favorite place to stay in Panama City Beach? Let us know in the comments!
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