Courtyard by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

This Courtyard is noticeably geared toward business travelers, but it also attracts couples and vacationing families seeking a familiar brand name in equal measure. The contemporary lobby had a 2013 renovation that added power outlets everywhere, along with a sociable standing-height table with stools that makes for a convenient device-charging station. The decor screams business casual with a few bold accents -- orange chairs and teal pillows -- that liven up the open lounge area's muted tones and wood-veneer tables. The Bistro serves as a casual bar in the evening, with guests gathering at tables that spill into the lobby.  

This Courtyard is located right on Highway 98. The Grand Boulevard, as the immediate area is known, is a popular destination for high-end shopping and dining, with plenty of choices within a short drive. Grand Boulevard Town Center is within a five-minute walk, as is the Village of Baytown Wharf. A Publix supermarket is also within walking distance, although getting to the beaches and golf courses require a car. Topsail Beach State Preserve is a four-minute drive from the Residence Inn, and the Santa Rosa Golf and Beach Club is a 10-minute drive away. For golfers, Burnt Pine Golf Club is a seven-minute drive away, Regatta Bay Golf Club is a 15-minute drive, and the Kelly Plantation Golf Club is a 17-minute drive. Silver Sands Premium Outlets is a five-minute drive, and Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park is a 17-minute drive. Barring traffic, Northwest Florida Regional Airport is about a 40-minute drive away.  

Renovated in 2014, the hotel's 174 rooms had a contemporary makeover echoing the muted tones of the lobby, but with the addition of light, natural-wood furnishings. The look is pleasant, but nothing outside of the chain-hotel norm. Work desks and ergonomic chairs come standard, as do 32-inch flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Some rooms have balconies overlooking a nearby golf course, while Suites add separate living areas with sofa beds and microwaves. Traffic noise is apparent in the south-facing rooms, but not at deal-breaking levels. Light sleepers should opt for rooms on the north side (facing the golf course) just in case. The bathrooms have tiled shower/tub combos, and show remnants of the old decor with '90s-style granite countertops around single vanities.

This Courtyard offers the amenities expected of the brand, adding value overall. The hotel has an unheated outdoor pool and sundeck lined with lounge chairs, with a pergola on one side giving partial shade to a narrow seating area. There aren't quite enough lounge chairs for everyone, and both the hot tub and kids' pool are small. A poolside gazebo adds a little more outdoor space, along with covered tables and chairs. The hotel also has a small fitness center with a few cardio machines and free weights plus windows that look out toward the pool. The Bistro serves standard American fare for breakfast (for a fee) and dinner year-around, with a daily happy hour. Lunch is available seasonally only (Memorial Day to Labor Day). A lobby market sells snacks, cold drinks, suntan lotion, and various other sundries.  Business amenities include four meeting rooms and a business center with printers and multiple workstations. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel, but high-speed access costs extra.