Destin Inn & Suites

The Destin Inn & Suites looks like a typical beach town motel, with two-story gray and white buildings and a large parking lot dotted with a few palm trees. Dingy white stairwells lead to the second floor, and the open-air hallways are lined with white railings. The main gathering area is the fenced-in pool, which sits just off the parking lot, and has a couple of shaded seating areas and plenty of cushioned loungers. There's a homey atmosphere in the sun-filled lobby, with white tile floors, white and gray walls, and brown leather chairs where guests can sit and pore over tourism brochures from the nearby display. The hotel advertises its free breakfast on a large roadside sign, and ensures a pleasant dining experience by providing a cozy breakfast room with wood floors, freshly painted walls, and counter seating illuminated by overhead recessed lighting. Guests tend to be tourists, mainly couples and families, as the property is not particularly suited to groups or business travelers. 

The hotel sits off of Highway 98, and there are a few restaurants and shops within walking distance, including a casual seafood restaurant near the entrance driveway. Guests must drive to reach attractions and beaches, however. Without traffic, it’s under 10 minutes' drive to the beach, Henderson Beach State Park, and Destin Harbor. The Big Kahunas Water and Adventure Park and the Track Family Recreation Center are also within 10 minutes' drive. It takes 15 minutes to reach the Fort Walton Beach or the Silver Sands Premium Outlets. The Destin Airport is a five-minute car trip.

Rooms feel classic but modern, with dark wood flooring and furnishings, navy-checkered bedspreads, and headboards with s subtle wave motif. Each is air-conditioned and has a writing desk with a leather office chair, a 40-inch flat-screen TV, a microwave, and a mini-fridge. Some rooms have black-cushioned armchairs and ottomans. Bathrooms are basic in cream and white, with shower/tub combos and nicely folded towels. Vanities with sinks are located outside of bathrooms. Guests note that floors are often quite dirty, and that bathrooms sometimes have maintenance and housekeeping issues. 

There's an outdoor pool off the parking lot, though most guests head to the beaches instead. Free breakfast is set up daily on a buffet counter with a waffle-maker, orange juice machine, cereal dispensers, and coffeemakers, along with trays for hot items, such as eggs. One coin-operated washer and one dryer are outside on the ground floor, beside a mounted soap dispenser and an ice machine. Parking is free in the on-site lot, including for RVs and trucks. Wi-Fi is free throughout.