1029 Highway 98 E, Florida, United States | (850) 837-2599
Affordable chain property in walking distance to the beach
Five minutes' drive from Henderson Beach State Park
Rooms have mini-fridges and microwaves; suites offer kitchens
Narrow outdoor pool with lounge chairs
Comfy breakfast room and free continental buffet
Coin laundry on-site
Business corner with a PC computer
Soda, snack, and ice vending machines
Pet-friendly rooms (for a fee)
Free Wi-Fi and outdoor parking
Rooms have older decor and tube TVs; some smell musty
Wi-Fi can be unreliable
A busy highway separates the hotel from the beach
Thin walls don't prevent hotel and traffic noises
No elevator
The Days Inn Destin is a dated, 60-room budget hotel across the highway from the beach and close to Henderson Beach State Park. Although the beach feels nearby, getting there requires crossing an often busy highway. Guest rooms have mini-fridges and microwaves, and some offer kitchenettes or jetted tubs, but many rooms need updates and better housekeeping. The property offers a basic outdoor pool and free continental breakfast, but nothing is particularly impressive here. An alternative choice may be the more modern Holiday Inn Express Destin E. - Commons Mall Area, which is closer to the beach.
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Scene
Budget roadside hotel with dated, though cozy, decor near the beach
The Days Inn Destin tends to draw travelers on a budget, including families seeking nearby beach access and basic amenities. The hotel is actually separated from the beach by busy Highway 98, so guests shouldn't expect to roll out of bed and onto the sand. The property itself is typical of a roadside chain motel, a two-story white-stucco structure with orange-tiled roof and exterior hallways dotted with vending machines, potted plants, and shrubbery. There's a large parking lot that can accommodate cargo trailers, and some white sand has drifted into the area. The koi pond is a fun touch in the lobby, which is somewhat oddly decorated with a fireplace, East Asian furniture, and wood floors. The breakfast area of the lobby is bright and cozy, with cream walls, plush fabric chairs, and small wood tables set near a buffet counter. There’s no elevator, so the second floor is only accessible by stairs.
Location
Near the Gulf Coast in Destin with plenty of family fun within a short drive
The highly trafficked Highway 98 runs in front of the hotel, separating the property from the beach, which is about a five- to 10-minute walk away. The immediate area is dotted with gas stations and local businesses, including fast-food restaurants and a market. There are also plenty of family-friendly attractions: It's five minutes on foot to Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park; about five minutes' drive to Gator Park and Henderson Beach State Park; 10 minutes' drive to Destin Harbor Boardwalk; and a 15-minute drive to the Silver Sands Premium Outlets. The Destin Airport is a five-minute drive.
Rooms
Dated rooms with mini-fridges and microwaves; some with whirlpool tubs
Interior decor is typical of a budget hotel, but the cherry-colored wood furniture, dark carpeting, and plain armchairs feel dated and dingy, and many guests complain of poor housekeeping. Beds get good marks for comfort, however, and are topped with lots of pillows and neutral-colored bedspreads. Each room has a tube TV, mini-fridge, and air-conditioning; most also have coffeemakers and microwaves. Some rooms have sitting areas furnished with sofa beds, while others have whirlpool tubs, or kitchenettes with sinks, two-burner stovetops, and toasters. Suites have full kitchens with large refrigerators. Bathrooms are equipped with hairdryers and shower/tub combos. Wheelchair-accessible rooms, cribs, and rollaway beds are available.
Features
Free breakfast, coin laundry, and an outdoor pool
Free continental breakfast includes waffles, toast, cereal, coffee, and juice, all served in the cheerful breakfast area of the lobby. There are a coin-operated washer and dryer, with a soap dispenser, on-site. At the center of the property is a narrow outdoor pool, where guests can lounge on simple patio chairs lining the white stone deck. There are some potted plants around the pool, and a table shaded by a thatched umbrella for a tropical touch. Nestled in the breakfast room, near a display of tourism brochures, is a small business corner with one PC computer. Faxing and other business services can be requested. Parking and Wi-Fi are free.
