When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. We are good and moral humans who do not accept money for reviews. Read more about our policy.
If day-to-day life has left you feeling like you’ve been drop-kicked into the Grand Canyon, a vacation to one of the many Panama City Beach hotels and resorts is just what you need. The white-sand beaches, emerald green waters and endless sunshine will restore your soul. Or at least make you forget about all the soul-sucking crap that’s part of normal life.
But how do you choose the best beachfront hotel for your vacation? (First world problems, yo.) Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re looking for a pet-friendly Panama City Beach resort or a budget-friendly room with a view, you’ll find what you need in this article.
Best All Around Panama City Beach Resort – Dunes of Panama
Dearest Dunes of Panama, light of my vacation fantasies, I dream of sipping a frozen drink from your poolside bar, Sneaky Tiki, while gazing out over your 1,500 feet of private beach. For real, this place has got it going on.
The resort consists of five buildings, which were each built at different times. Although all are well maintained, Building E is the newest and most modern. The grounds are nicely landscaped, and there’s security on site.
All of their 300 condos (one, two and three bedrooms available) have private balconies with epic views of the Gulf of Mexico. They also have fully equipped kitchens and in-unit washers and dryers. Some units are pet-friendly.
Since it’s located on a full eight acres away from the main strip (but still plenty close to restaurants and shopping), Dunes of Panama is quieter than most Panama City Beach resorts. But it’s not a silent retreat for old fogies. The staff organizes tons of events and games for the kids, and there’s plenty of socializing going on around the poolside gazebos and two outdoor firepits.
Photos courtesy Dunes of Panama
Amenities:
- 3 beachfront pools (1 heated)
- Beach store and deli
- Fitness center
- Kid’s activities and swing sets
- Volleyball, basketball, tennis and shuffleboard courts
- On-site beach chair and umbrella rentals
Price: $$$$$
Runner-Up, Best All Around Panama City Beach Resort – Palmetto Inn & Suites
You want a resort that will make you as happy as a seagull with a french fry? Palmetto Inn & Suites is your answer. It’s a laid-back, relaxed beachfront hotel with sweeping views of the Gulf.
All 122 condos are spacious and offer full-size kitchens and premium channels. With several different layouts available, most anyone can find a room that fits their budget. Although some of the decor and furniture may look a bit dated, there are no resort fees, which makes this a great deal.
The resort also has a great beachside sundeck with grills and a tiki bar. The beach area is clean and well maintained, with on-site rentals for lounge chairs, umbrellas, parasailing and other water-based activities. For the little ones, they offer a play area on the beach and a game room with arcade games. While free parking is available, the on-site lot fills up fast. If the hotel is busy and you don’t get there early, plan on parking in the overflow lot which is a bit farther away.
Photos courtesy Hotels.com
Amenities:
- 2 pools
- Hot tub
- Fitness center
- Snack bar & poolside tiki bar
- Playground & arcade room
- On-site beach chair and umbrella rentals
- Shuffleboard & beach volleyball
- Free wifi
- Free parking
- Free airport shuttle
Price: $$$$$
Best Kid-Friendly Panama City Beach Resort – Holiday Inn Resort
Kids are great, but they have the unique ability to shit all over what would otherwise be a lovely vacation. Avoid that mess and keep them occupied with the myriad of kid-friendly activities at the Holiday Inn Resort. There’s arts and crafts, DJ games, pirate-themed lunches, beachside bingo, frisbee and a large water playground called Aqualand. There’s also a game room and daily live entertainment such as magic shows, fire dancers and “dive-in” movies. Bonus: Kids eat free at one of the property’s two restaurants.
While the rooms aren’t condo-style like most Panama City Beach resorts, they all have full-size refrigerators, microwaves and private balconies with views of the Gulf. There’s also a large pool (in addition to the kid’s pool) and an expansive beachside deck and tiki bar. Beach chair and cabana rentals are available.
The Holiday Inn Resort is located right in the middle of the busiest part of the Panama City Beach strip, so there’s plenty to do nearby if you get bored with all there is to do at the resort. Keep in mind that being in the middle of the action means you’ll experience some noise.
Photos courtesy Hotels.com
Amenities:
- 2 outdoor pools
- 3 on-site restaurants & 2 bars
- Kid’s club & activities
- Live entertainment
- Fitness center
- Spa services
- On-site beach chair & umbrella rentals
- Free wifi
- Free parking
Price: $$$$$
Runner-Up, Best Kid-Friendly Panama City Beach Resort – Splash Resort Condominiums
Splash Resort comes in a close second for Best Kid-Friendly Resort in Panama City Beach, simply because they don’t have quite as many activities as the Holiday Inn Resort. But they’ve still got plenty going on – kid’s pools with water slides and spray toys, splash pad, lazy river, movie theater, on-site ice cream shop, arcade, mini bowling alley – the list goes on.
The 276 condos all have full kitchens, washers, dryers and private balconies overlooking the Gulf. There’s direct access to the beach where you’ll find wooden sun loungers and umbrellas as well as a beach hut offering dolphin tours, parasailing, jet ski rentals and more. If you prefer to stay by the pools, be sure to get a drink and some snacks from the poolside bar and grill.
As with most condo properties, decor varies from unit to unit. Most are cheerful and homey, but some may not be as updated. Be sure to get a unit that suits your needs (the larger condos can accommodate up to 10 guests).
Photos courtesy Hotels.com
Amenities:
- 2 pools, lazy river, water park
- On-site restaurant & bar
- Fitness center
- Kid’s club & activities
- Arcade, bowling alley, movie theater
- On-site beach chair & umbrella rentals
- Playground
- Free wifi
Price: $$$$$
Best Pet-Friendly Panama City Beach Resort – Pineapple Villas on Laguna Beach
Pineapple Villas has just 18 units, but each of these little sweeties is like a harmonious gem designed specifically to soothe your little hummingbird heart. The one and two bedroom beach villas are clean, open and airy, with tropical art painted by a local artist and simple but tasteful decor. All units offer beautiful views of the Gulf and most have terraces or balconies.
The newly renovated resort has a large private beach as well as a pool, hot tub and beachside deck.The grounds are beautiful, with lush tropical landscaping, creating a peaceful little treasure. Plus, the property is located on the quieter western end of Panama City Beach, known for its lack of high-rises (talk about views).
But the most important thing is how pet friendly the resort is. They’ve got a nice pet potty area and while there is a pet fee, it’s worth it for the added space and extra scritches from the pet-loving staff.
Photos courtesy Pineapple Villas
Amenities:
- Outdoor pool
- Hot tub
- Sundeck
- Personal chef
- Laundry facilities
- Free wifi
Price: $$$$$
Runner-Up, Best Pet-Friendly Panama City Beach Resort – Carillon Beach Resort Inn
Confession: The Carillon Beach Resort Inn isn’t technically beachfront. But it is lakefront and the beach is literally right on the other side of the lake. So it still offers great views of the Gulf and beautiful paths leading around the lake to the beach (just a five minute walk away).
But here’s the cool thing about this Panama City Beach resort. It’s nestled in a quaint little village of gorgeous houses owned by people who use summer as a verb. That means you can walk through the system of parks and walkways to restaurants, shops, art galleries and more. All those paths make it the perfect place to walk your dog, bike around the lake (bike rentals available on site) or go for a jog and admire the beautiful summer homes.
The resort’s 44 rooms sit right on the shores of the lake and offer kitchenettes, dining areas and flat-screen TVs. There’s also free wifi, pools, tennis and basketball courts, a playground and more. The 3,900 feet of private beach means fewer crowds and a quieter experience.
Photos courtesy Hotels.com
Amenities:
- Private Beach Access
- 4 Pools
- 2 Hot Tubs
- 2 Tennis Courts
- Restaurants & Wine Bar
- Fitness center
- Full service spa
- Gift Shop
- Free wifi
- Free parking
Price: $$$$$
Best Panama City Beach Hotel for Activities – Driftwood Lodge
This family-owned Panama City Beach resort is known for its sunset parties, cook-outs, sandcastle building contests and other fun activities. There’s also movie nights with free popcorn, afternoon snacks for the kids, beachfront volleyball and plenty of lounge chairs around the three pools, making it the perfect place to meet fellow cubicle escapees and make new friends. Many families have been vacationing here every year for decades.
The rooms are all cabana style and most have kitchenettes. They also come with access to the Driftwood’s sister hotel next door, which gets you three pools (including a heated one), a hot tub, sundeck, splash pad, beachside tiki bar and a beautiful palm-lined courtyard.
The Lodge is located on the main strip, right in the middle of town, so it’s within easy walking distance of Pier Park, the outdoor mall, Gulf World and tons of shops and restaurants. There’s plenty of parking with an extra parking lot across the street from the hotel.
Photos courtesy Hotels.com
Amenities:
- 3 pools (including a zero-entry heated one)
- Hot tub
- 2 large beachfront sundecks
- Bar / snack shack
- Beach volleyball
- Picnic areas
- Playground
- Free wifi
- Free parking
Price: $$$$$
Runner-Up, Best Panama City Beach Hotel for Activities – Osprey on the Gulf
Osprey on the Gulf is the sister hotel to the above mentioned Driftwood Lodge, so it’s kind of unfair to give them both the winner and runner-up positions. But that’s just how good they are. If corporate life has drained your life force to the point that you feel like your eyeballs are melting off, this is where you can get your mojo back.
To expand on the amenities mentioned above, there’s a sundeck with two shaded gazebos (where Surfside Cinema and Watermelon Time happen), an outdoor kitchen and grills, a library (that lets you borrow puzzles and board games), ping pong, shuffleboard and a whole lot more.
All of the spacious rooms have large, private balconies with panoramic views of the Gulf. They also come with fully equipped kitchens and high-speed wifi.
Photos courtesy Hotels.com
Amenities:
- 3 outdoor pools
- On-site restaurant & bar
- Beach volleyball
- Playground
- Library
- Free wifi
- Free parking
Price: $$$$$
Best Luxury Panama City Beach Resort – Aqua Resort
Whoa, black Betty! This place is the dark horse of luxury. World-class amenities, expansive views, luxurious accommodations – what more could you want? How about a whirlpool spa grotto? Or elliptical terraces? Or nine-foot ceilings, full-length windows, granite countertops and premium appliances? Yep, Aqua Resort’s one, two and three bedroom units offer all that and more.
Imagine this: You park in the covered parking garage, then follow the air-conditioned, elevated walkway to the exquisite gardens featuring cascading water features, then enter the grand lobby and reception area. After checking in and exploring your fancy pants room, you head back downstairs to relax on the tropical pool deck or in the aromatherapy steam and treatment room. When you get hungry, you order something tasty from the poolside cafe. Congratulations, you have now relaxed into a near boneless state.
Bonus: This fancy pants Panama City Beach resort is within walking distance of Pier Park. You can also book dolphin tours, parasailing trips, snorkel excursions and more on site.
Photos courtesy Hotels.com
Amenities:
- 2 swimming pools
- Whirlpool spa grotto
- Poolside cafe, bar / lounge
- Fitness center (with epic views of the Gulf)
- Aromatherapy steam room
- High speed elevators
- On-site activity rentals
- Free wifi
- Free parking
Price: $$$$$
Runner-Up, Best Luxury Panama City Beach Resort – En Soleil
You like luxury? En Soleil will give you luxury. The immaculately designed, gated resort includes two grand waterfall features, beautiful Mediterranean landscaping, underground parking and a huge pool area.
Each of the 15 floors has just a handful of two, three or four bedroom condos, giving the place a quiet, exclusive feel. All units come with free wifi, fully equipped kitchens and private balconies with outstanding views of the Gulf. The resort grounds and the private beach are well maintained.
En Soleil has great security, and access to each unit is indoors. As with most condo-style resorts, decor varies from unit to unit. Read the description carefully to make sure the one you choose allows you to shower yourself in champagne and chocolate cake.
Photos courtesy Hotels.com
Amenities:
- 2 incredible pools
- 2 hot tubs
- 2 waterfalls
- Fitness center
- Underground parking
- Free wifi
Price: $$$$$
Best Budget Panama City Beach Hotel – Sunset Inn
This old school, no frills hotel may be a bit dated, but it’s clean, family friendly and a great value. The Sunset Inn has two large heated pools, a spacious deck overlooking the Gulf, coin-operated laundry and free wifi. The rooms have a retro feel, and all come with full-size kitchens, balconies and premium channels.
The hotel has direct access to the beach and outdoor showers so you can rinse off after a day in the sand. But the real stand out feature is the staff. The hotel has been family owned and operated for many years, and the staff is incredibly friendly and helpful.
You’ll find several restaurants within walking distance as well as rentals for beach chairs, umbrellas, jet skis, parasailing trips and more. Everything you could need at a super affordable rate.
Photos courtesy Sunset Inn
Amenities:
- 2 heated pools
- Gulf front sundeck
- On-site laundry
- Free wifi
- Free parking
Price: $$$$$
Runner-Up, Best Budget Panama City Beach Hotel – Lollye on the Beach
One of the last old school mom-and-pop type beach hotels, Lollye on the Beach may not be luxurious, but it has all the essentials. All 35 rooms have large flat-screen TVs plus kitchens with full-size refrigerators and stoves.
Both of the property’s two-story buildings (no elevators) are older, but they’ve been renovated nicely with fresh paint and newer decor. The buildings face each other, with the pool in the center. So if you want views of the Gulf, ask for a room on the end closest to the beach. There’s a nice deck around the pool with a few grills available to those who like to cook out.
Another family-owned hotel, Lollye’s staff is welcoming and helpful. They do an excellent job of keeping the property clean and well maintained. And while the hotel is close to restaurants and bars, it’s away from the main drag and many of the area’s high rises, so it’s a bit quieter.
Photos courtesy Booking.com
Amenities:
- Swimming pool
- Picnic area
- On-site laundry
- Free wifi
- Free parking
Price: $$$$$
Best Quiet Panama City Beach Resort – Seychelles Beach Resort
If resorts could be transformed into a mythical creatures, Seychelles Beach Resort would be a unicorn that farts glitter. Rising 22 stories above the emerald Gulf, this Panama City Beach resort will slap you in the face with tranquility.
All of the one, two and three bedroom condos offer full kitchens, washers, dryers and spacious balconies with spectacular views (doubly true since there aren’t any other high rises nearby). Individually owned condos vary in decor, but all are elegantly appointed.
The resort offers two pools, a hot tub, sun deck, fast elevators and a limited amount of free covered parking (miss out and you’ll pay $20/day to park down the block). There’s also beach chairs, umbrellas, jet skis and more available for an additional charge.
One of the best things about Seychelles is that it’s within walking distance of restaurants as well as peaceful St. Andrews State Park. So you can get whatever you need without worrying about traffic or crowds.
Photos courtesy Hotels.com
Amenities:
- 2 outdoor pools
- Hot tub
- On-site restaurant
- Fitness center
- Free wifi
- Free parking
Price: $$$$$
Runner-Up, Best Quiet Panama City Beach Resort – Ramsgate Harbour
Located on the quieter west end of Panama City beach, Ramsgate Harbour is an intimate complex with private beach access and a beachfront pool.
The 66 beachfront units all offer two bedrooms and come with fully equipped kitchens, washers and dryers. But there are two different unit styles – flats and townhouses. Flats are one level above parking and come with two full bathrooms and one beachfront balcony that extends across the entire width of the unit. Townhouses are on the third level and include two and a half bathrooms plus two beachfront balconies (one off the living room, the other off the master bedroom).
The one downside is that there are no elevators. So plan to get a nice leg workout with all those stairs, especially if you rent a townhouse.
Photos courtesy Ramsgate Harbour
Amenities:
- Swimming pool
- Free wifi
- Free parking
Price: $$$$$
Related Posts
The 5 Most Spectacular South Beach Miami Hotels & Resorts
When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. We are good and moral humans who do not accept money for reviews. Read more about our policy. Are you looking for a vivacious South Beach Miami hotel where you can party like it’s hot with celebrities and other […]
Top 8 Orlando Area Beaches – All Less Than 2 Hours from Disney
If you’re looking for Orlando beaches, you’re going to be disappointed. Sadly, Orlando doesn’t have any beaches of its own. But the Atlantic coast is only about an hour away, and the Gulf coast is less than two hours away. So there are tons of Orlando area beaches that make for a quick and easy […]
The 5 Coolest Clearwater Beach Resorts for a Kick-Ass Vacation
When you buy something using the links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. We are good and moral humans who do not accept money for reviews. Read more about our policy. Le sigh, Clearwater Beach. Powdered sugar sand, warm, clear water (so that’s where the name came from!), gorgeous sunsets, cavorting dolphins […]