1040 Hwy 98 E, Florida, United States | (888) 273-7116
Condo complex fronting a flat and sandy beach
Units with full kitchens, some with gulf-view balconies
Casual restaurant and bar
Outdoor pool and children’s splash pad with whimsical fountains
Fitness center, sauna, and indoor whirlpool
Indoor pool and game room
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Some units are dated
Not all units have gulf views, or washer/dryers
Fee for lounge chairs and umbrellas
Sundestin Beach Resort is a mid-range, beachfront property with one-, two-, and three-bedroom condo units. Amenities include an indoor and outdoor pool, and kids' splash pad. Some nearby condo properties have bigger pools, but the Sundestin Beach Resort stands out for its on-site restaurant and bar, and gift shop with a coffee counter. The 316 rooms have full kitchens, and some have balconies with gulf views, but as is often the case with condo properties, decor varies and some units are more up to date than others. Travelers may want to compare rates with the Holiday Surf & Racquet Club, which, although it has fewer amenities, has direct beach access and rooms with screened-in balconies.
Scene
Beachfront condo complex with lots of amenities
The 18 floors of the Sundestin Beach Resort sit between a large parking lot surrounded by palm trees and the sandy shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Inside, there’s a chain restaurant on-site, Cabana Cafe, which serves burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, and fruity cocktails. For the kids, there’s a small game room with race-car and snowmobile simulator video games, and an indoor pool in a spacious room with stone floors. Outside, the beach is flat and sandy, with rows of blue lounge chairs and matching umbrellas. The area can get a bit congested, and guests have to walk farther down the beach for solitude.
Location
On the beach near other condo complexes
The hotel is located on Highway 98, on the beach near other condo complexes and hotels. There are a handful of fast-food restaurants across the highway, and it’s about a five-minute drive to Pier Park, an outdoor shopping area with an IMAX theater and several drinking and dining spots. Big Kahuna’s Water Park is a two-minute drive, and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is a little more than an hour’s drive.
Rooms
Condos with full kitchens and varying decor
Decor in the 316 rooms at the Sundestin Beach Resort varies dramatically, from sleek and modern with trendy rugs and bold art to homey with dated-looking patterned bedspreads and floral couches. One-, two-, and three-bedroom units are available, and all units have living rooms, dining tables, and full kitchens with refrigerators, ovens, and microwaves. Blenders, toasters, coffeemakers, cookware, and dinnerware are provided. Some units have washer/dryers, and bunk beds. All units have flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos, granite countertops, and toiletries. Guests recommend staying on higher floors for better views.
Features
Beach access, outdoor pool, and children’s splash pad
Sundestin Beach Resort has direct access to a flat, sandy beach. Lounge chairs and umbrellas can be rented. The hotel has an outdoor pool, an outdoor whirlpool with gulf views, and a children’s splash pad with colorful fountains. Gas grills and a shuffleboard court are also on the property. For rainy days, a game room with stand-up arcade games and an indoor pool give spots to play. The hotel has a casual restaurant/bar and a gift shop with a coffee counter. The small on-site fitness center is outfitted with a handful of cardio machines and a weight machine. There’s also an indoor whirlpool and small sauna. A tiny Internet corner with two computers gives guests a spot to check email, and meeting spaces are available for private events. Free DVD rentals are available, as well as free parking. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.