Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

Thanks in part to its 2013 renovation, the Residence Inn Sandestin at Grand Boulevard is a well-kept outpost of the Marriott chain, with a lot of comfy, well-furnished public spaces for socializing and a few extra amenities that make it a cut above many mid-range chain hotels. The lobby has skylights, a fireplace under a flat-screen TV, and plenty of couches and armchairs in tones of warm rust, red, and blue. Family-friendly, the hotel has a children's pool, plus a tennis and basketball court. There is a manager's reception several evenings a week, where free beer, wine, and snacks are served. The breakfast area is pleasant, with large windows, modern art, and ample seating -- including booths, breakfast bars, and tables for two. There are also an outdoor pool and concrete sundeck with lounge chairs, but there aren't any shade or landscaping. However, there are a few quiet, shady areas around the grounds where guests can stake out a bench.

The Residence Inn Sandestin at Grand Boulevard is right on Highway 98, in the Destin-Miramar Beach area of the Florida Panhandle. 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 the beaches and golf courses require a car. The closest beach is Miramar, located about a six-minute drive from the property. 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 from the hotel. 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 five-minutes away by car. Big Kahuna's Water and Adventure Park is a 17-minute car ride away. Northwest Florida Regional Airport is a 40-minute drive away without traffic.

The 120 rooms at the Residence Inn Sandestin at Grand Boulevard underwent a renovation in 2013, which resulted in contemporary, pleasant decor consisting of rich-brown accent walls, light wood furniture, and colorful decorative accents, including hip throw pillows and hanging prints. All rooms, which range from Studios to Two-Bedroom Suites, are large and air conditioned, featuring excellent kitchenettes that include two-burner stovetops, full-size refrigerators, microwaves, dishwashers, coffeemakers, and a good selection of cookware, dishes, and utensils. As they're apartment-style, rooms are furnished with king-size beds with pillow-top mattresses, small sectional sofas, work desks, sofa beds, and armchairs; some even have fireplaces. Bathrooms have ample counter space and shower/tub combos, as well as Paul Mitchell toiletries. Rooms face either the highway or the pool and courtyard area; although there are double-paned windows on the highway side, light sleepers may want to opt for the quieter poolside rooms. All rooms come with 32-inch flat-screen TVs with cable channels and ironing facilities. 

The Residence Inn Sandestin at Grand Boulevard has a variety of amenities, making it a cut above most mid-range options. Though it lacks a restaurant, it serves a free breakfast buffet each morning that includes both hot and cold selections. The hotel also hosts a manager's reception several nights a week with free wine, beer, and light snacks. A lobby market sells snacks, drinks, frozen dinners, and various other sundries. A gas grill and picnic area are available on the grounds for guests' use. Recreation-wise, the hotel has an unheated outdoor pool and sundeck lined with lounge chairs, as well as a small outdoor hot tub and adjacent children's pool. A combination tennis and basketball court is also available. The windowless 24-hour fitness center is more of a small exercise room, with just three cardio machines and one weight machine, plus a flat-screen TV. The hotel has a 24-hour business center in the lobby with two computers, plus basic Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. There's an on-site guest laundry room with four coin-operated washers and dryers. For guests that plan on cooking, the hotel also offers a free grocery-shopping service.