9011 US Highway 98 W, Miramar Beach, Florida, United States | (618) 248-8274
Gulf-front location on the
main highway to Destin, with a gorgeous beach
Spacious and homey apartment-style units with
full kitchens
Some apartments have gulf views
Three pools and hot tubs, including one indoor/outdoor pool
Excellent tennis complex with
12 clay courts and pro shop
Two restaurants, including
poolside tiki bar
Large fitness complex with
steam room and sauna
Fee yoga and aerobics
classes
Supervised children’s
activities and babysitting
Free parking, resort
shuttle service, and Wi-Fi throughout
Units vary in design, decor, and
condition
Amenity card fees for tennis, fitness room, and TOPS’L pool
Fees for beach chairs and umbrellas
Part of the 52-acre TOPS'L Beach & Racquet Resort, TOPS'L Tides is a mid-range condo tower located off the main road into Destin, bordered
by the Gulf of Mexico and a nature preserve. The property includes a gorgeous beach, three pools, large fitness and tennis centers, and
two restaurants, including one with a beachside tiki bar. The 121 two- and
three-bedroom apartment-style units have full kitchens, but they are
individually owned so decor varies. Guests should note that some fees may be tacked on for amenity cards and cleaning. There are lots of similar options in the area, like the Hidden Dunes Beach & Tennis Resort, so travelers might want to compare rates.
Scene
Beachfront condo tower in large resort complex
TOPS’L
Beach & Racquet Resort – Tides is a 15-story condo tower overlooking a gorgeous stretch of beach on Destin's resort-packed coast. This is the kind of hotel that's best for those seeking an independent stay with resort-style amenities that they can pick and choose, as there are fees associated with almost everything. Style here is reasonably modern, and public spaces have the sort of chunky, suburban-style furniture that are germane to so many mid-range properties in the area.There is a good amount on offer for the many families that flock here, though. A
poolside thatched-roof tiki bar serves food and drinks throughout the
day, and there's a casual indoor dining area with ceiling fans for guests to escape the
midday sun. From there, it’s just a short walk to the flat, sandy
beach, which is clean and raked daily. There
are plenty of kid-friendly activities including weekly “dive-in" movies during
warmer months. The resort is part of a sprawling complex, and there’s a free shuttle
available to get around the property. Reception is located in a separate
building, and guest don’t have much interaction with staff after checking in.
Location
Beachfront tower within massive resort development
The beachfront Tides tower is located within the sprawling grounds of the TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort. The
resort is on Highway 98, east of Destin and between the Gulf of Mexico and the
Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, which has secluded beaches and 25-foot-tall
sand dunes. The area is filled with other condo complexes and hotels, and there
are several restaurants within a five- to 10-minute drive, including an Applebee’s
and a P.F. Chang’s, as well as a Publix Super Market for stocking the kitchens. Panama City Beach will take about 45 minutes to reach by car. Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is a 40-minute drive from here, while Penascola International Airport is about an hour-and-a-half away.
Rooms
Individually-owned apartment-style units, some with gulf views
The hotel offers two-
and three- bedroom units with full kitchens, living rooms, and dining
tables. Units are privately-owned, so decor can vary widely from chic and
modern to breezy and beach-like. One unit we saw was particularly attractive, with gorgeous wood floors and stylish furnishings like glitzy pendant lighting and a faux animal rug. The Three-Bedroom Condo that we visited was a sophisticated take on an upscale home, with vibrant printed fabrics -- like damask bed runners -- complementing on-trend colors like mint and light gray. Keep in mind that some condos can be a bit more dated and humble. All apartments include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Some units have covered balconies offering picturesque
gulf views. Kitchens are outfitted with refrigerators, ovens,
dishwashers, coffeemakers, microwaves, and cookware/dinnerware, as well as paper towels, dish soap and detergent, and dish sponges. Bathrooms
vary; some have shower/tub combos while others have separate showers and tubs. Some units also have washers/dryers.
Features
Gorgeous beach, large fitness center and tennis complex, several pools, and two restaurants
The hotel has a gorgeous beach with umbrella and
lounge chair rentals available for a fee. There are also several pools on-site, including
a children’s pool and a hot tub just outside of Tides tower. There’s
a large fitness center with plenty of exercise machines, free weights, yoga and aerobics classes, and sauna and steam facilities.
The impressive tennis complex has 12 clay courts including 10 lighted courts, a
pro shop, and certified instructors. The hotel has an indoor racquetball court,
a basketball court, and a free mini-golf course. Supervised children’s
activities are offered several times a week. Note that some guests report needing to buy an amenity card to access some of the resort’s features. There’s a casual grill and tiki bar as well as a restaurant that's open for
dinner and has occasional live music. No meals are included in the standard room rate. The hotel also has a gift shop, gas grills, and
free guest laundry facilities for those who don't have in-unit washers and
dryers. This gated property has 24-hour security. A free shuttle is provided around the property, and parking and Wi-Fi are both also free.