The Best Hotels to Book in Panama City Beach, for Every Traveler

The best hotels in Panama City Beach can deliver an unforgettable experience
The best hotels in Panama City Beach can deliver an unforgettable experience | Courtesy of Pearl Hotel / Expedia
Mara Curechian

Junior Production Assistant

The hotels of Panama City Beach, Florida, unsurprisingly offer prime beachfront locations and panoramic ocean views. And how could they not? Options range from large, family-friendly resorts to spa hotels and stylish boutique boltholes. If you need a little help choosing, we’ve curated a list of the best places to stay in Panama City Beach – bookable with Culture Trip.

1. Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort, for birdies and eagles

Spa Hotel, Hotel, Luxury

The square, colorful outdoor bar overlooking the water at Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort
Courtesy of Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf and Spa Resort / Expedia

As far as beach hotels in Panama City go, the Sheraton Panama City Beach Golf & Spa Resort is what dreams are made of. Overlooking the historic St. Andrews Bay from a prime waterfront location, the AAA Four Diamond-rated resort has a wealth of amenities appreciated by both solo travelers and families. Golf enthusiasts are sure to be enthralled by the Nicklaus Design golf course – the only one of its kind in Northern Florida – while those seeking ultimate relaxation are bound to find it at the luxurious on-site spa, or by soaking up the sun on the resort’s private beach. Best of all, your four-legged friends don’t have to stay at home – the resort is pet-friendly.

2. Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Panama City Beach, for simple comfort

Chain Hotel, Budget Hotel

Exterior view of yellow-toned Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Panama City Beach with pond in front
Courtesy of Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Panama City Beach / Expedia

Comfort and convenience is the name of the game at the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Panama City Beach. The rooms are simple yet spacious – featuring flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary breakfast – while the modern fitness center and outdoor swimming pool offer another way to unwind in your spare time. The hotel is located just a short 2mi (3.2km) from the crystal-clear waters of Panama City Beach – a short way to go for some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

3. WaterSound Inn, for watersports

Boutique Hotel, Hotel, Luxury

Cosy interior of a lounge area at WaterSound Inn featuring a comfy couch, two armchairs, a TV, a dining table and classy white decor
Courtesy of WaterSound Inn / Expedia

Blending contemporary design and timeless architecture, WaterSound Inn is not just another hotel on the beach in Panama City, it’s a boutique experience. The 11 Nantucket-style spacious condominiums each feature master bedrooms with kingsize beds and Egyptian cotton linens, full-size kitchens, living and dining areas, and private furnished balconies. What’s more, all guests can enjoy unlimited access to the WaterSound Beach Club, famous for more than just its 7,000sqft (650sqm) pool – private golf sessions, complimentary bike use, and watersports equipment rentals are just some of the things on offer. The sugar-white sand beach, with its windswept dunes and warm Gulf of Mexico air, is waiting…

5. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Panama City Beach, for a great location

Chain Hotel

Night-time view of outdoor pool at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Panama City Beach - Beachfront, an IHG Hotel
Courtesy of Holiday Inn Express & Suites Panama City Beach - Beachfront, an IHG Hotel / Expedia

One of the best-value beach hotels in Panama City, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Panama City Beach combines a stunning oceanfront location with all the great amenities Holiday Inn Express is known for. Start off your day with the complimentary Express Start Breakfast, then enjoy sunbathing on the beach, floating peacefully on the lazy river, working out at the fitness center, or grabbing a delicious bite at the poolside Indigo Bar & Grille. Want to explore a little further afield? The Gulf World Marine Park and the Pier Park shopping complex are just 2mi (3.2km) away.

6. Radisson Hotel Panama City Beach, for watching the sunset

Chain Hotel

View from the beach of Radisson Hotel Panama City Beach - Oceanfront at night time with palms in front and a restaurant
Courtesy of Radisson Hotel Panama City Beach - Oceanfront / Expedia

The Radisson Hotel Panama City Beach is all about location, location, location. Sitting on a pristine stretch of white sand, you are perfectly positioned to enjoy the serene beauty of the Gulf of Mexico, as well as nearby kid-friendly attractions such as the Gulf World Marine Park and Shipwreck Island Waterpark. If you’d rather not wander too far, the outdoor pool and hot tub are the perfect places to unwind. After a long day, watch the sunset from your private balcony and then head out for a delicious dinner at the hotel’s beachfront restaurant, Barefoot Hide-A-Way.

7. Carillon Beach Resort Inn, for water-based activities

Resort, Hotel

A long outdoor pool, complete with an accessible lift, flanked by palm trees at the Carillon Beach Resort Inn
Courtesy of Carillon Beach Resort Inn / Expedia

Swimming pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, and your own private beach area – this resort is heaven for anyone who loves an exclusive enclave crammed with amenities. If you want to work up a sweat, visit the resort’s modern fitness center overlooking Lake Carillon, or try out any number of water-based activities nearby. More into shopping than sports? Pier Park, home to more than 100 stores plus dining options, is only a short drive away.

8. Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach, for ocean views

Chain Hotel, Resort

Outdoor pool surrounded by blue sun loungers and palm trees at Holiday Inn Resort
Courtesy of Holiday Inn Resort / Expedia

A fountain pool, an oversized hot tub, and a kids’ water playground equal hours of fun at this family-friendly resort. Right beside the white sands of Panama City Beach, the hotel also features a sand-side stage on which bands regularly perform. Rooms are modern and come with balconies overlooking the ocean. If you need a calm escape from the little terrors, play golf, or go deep-sea fishing for the afternoon.

9. Hampton Inn and Suites Beachfront, for modern elegance

Chain Hotel, Hotel

Simple room with two double beds, a writing desk, a TV and private balcony overlooking the water at Hampton Inn and Suites
Courtesy of Hampton Inn and Suites / Expedia

As the name suggests, this Hilton resort is right next to the beach. The pool looks over the Gulf, so you can flit between the two. While the hotel is elegant and modern, the location is one of its biggest draws, with Gulf World Marine Park, Pier Park, and Russell-Fields Pier nearby. Enjoy a free daily hot breakfast, and finish the day lazing in the hotel’s hot tub or burning calories in the fitness center.

10. The Pearl Hotel, for a romantic break

Hotel, Luxury

Pearl Hotel featuring a small pool in an inner courtyard, a bar and outdoor dining area and lounge area with yellow sun umbrellas
Courtesy of Pearl Hotel / Expedia

If you’re looking for a romantic break a little further out, the Pearl Hotel in the coastal town of Rosemary Beach is a good bet. Soak up the old-world architecture of the highly-rated 30A restaurant, or take a stroll along the private beach. Hire a bicycle if you’d like to get a feel of what the area has to offer. Back at the hotel, each room includes a balcony, a small refrigerator (perfect for a bottle of bubbly), and a seating area for you to get cozy.

This is an updated version of an article originally by James Callery.

If you’re in the business of saving a few bucks, check out the best cheap hotels in Panama City Beach, Florida, or spend the big bucks on one of the best resorts in the Panama City Beach. If you’d like a place with a view, and of course you do, check out the best beach hotels in Panama City Beach, bookable with Culture Trip.

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