Best Business Hotels in the Florida Panhandle

The Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Miramar Beach is a pretty, sprawling property with a total of 1,600 rooms. It is organized like a little town that can be broken down into four resorts and 30 separate neighborhoods -- each with different decor and price range, but all feature attractive rooms with upscale decor. Depending on the size of their group and budget, guests can choose between a standard hotel room, condo, villa, or town home. Business-friendly perks include a business center, free Wi-Fi, and 65,000 square feet of meeting space. Plus, the resort includes a market full of shops, restaurants, and entertainment, and four golf courses so travelers can talk business on the links.

Portofino Island Resort and Spa offers a total of five Mediterranean-inspired towers with two- and three-bedroom condo units. All rooms have balconies with great views over the beaches to the Gulf of Mexico or Santa Rosa Sound. Convenient perks in the condos include fully equipped kitchens and washer/dryers. Business-friendly amenities include 17,000 square feet of event space (some of which is outside and takes advantage of the ocean views), a large fitness center, three restautants (including a market with to-go meals), free Wi-Fi, and a free water taxi to Portofino Boardwalk's restaurants and shops.

The 210-room Crowne Plaza at Grand Boulevard is located in a restored train depot from 1912, and the interior reflects this history, featuring dark mahogany moldings, brick walls, a grand chandelier, and plenty of natural light from skylights. Despite these details, the overall feel is definitely that of a mid-range property. Rooms have generic decor, but floor-to-ceiling windows and white linens make them feel bright and fresh. Amenities such as a business center, over 7,500 square feet of meeting space, a 24-hour fitness center, two restaurants (as well as late-night room service), free Wi-Fi, and free airport transportation are all great perks for business travelers. But perhaps it's the hotel's location -- near the Civic Center and the airport -- that seals the deal.

The WaterColor Inn & Resort is reminiscent of its name, with beach-y whites, blues, and light greens dominating the color scheme throughout the luxurious lobby and rooms. The inn offers an airy and relaxing atmosphere, and sits right on a beautiful private beach. It's part of a larger resort community that's packed with amenities that business travelers will appreciate, including four restaurants, a golf course, and 4,000 square feet of meeting space. On-site amenities include an attractive guest library and free Wi-Fi in all rooms.

This trendy Holiday Inn may not stray far from the ordinary, but it does provide a contemporary, comfortable place to stay. The lobby is furnished with eclectic textiles and artwork, a big flat-screen TV, and decorative fireplace. Modern furniture and vibrant colors make the hotel feel more upscale than some chains. Each of the 114 rooms features a colorful accent wall, and big, comfortable beds with crisp white linens, but generic bathrooms with shower/tub combos. Amenities include a fitness center, free Wi-Fi, and an outdoor pool. This Holiday Inn is a great value pick for travelers looking for close proximity to the airport rather than the beaches.