Best Western Ft. Walton Beachfront

Marked from the main road by the typical Best Western signage, this hotel catches the eye with its frosty mint paint and turquoise accent stripes. The hotel is in the middle of a renovation slated for completion in 2017. Most area hotel lobbies are either outdated or decorated in neutral, pale colors (or both), but one step into the bubblegum lobby at the Best Western Fort Walton and it feels like you're a kid in a candy store. A fresh mint color adorns the walls up to the white tiled ceiling and Floridan art in blue, pink, white, and green hues is found throughout the hotel -- in the hallways, eating area, reception and even the parking garage. Bright furniture, colorful rugs, and patterned curtains are unexpectedly quirky for a mid-range chain hotel. The only indoor area that lacks such vivid personality is the black and white breakfast area.The updated 50s-style diner dubbed Swizzle Stick Lounge and Martini Bar is complete with chairs that resemble martinis. No comparable hotels in the area match the funky and hip style of the Best Western Fort Walton, and after a sea of sand-colored hotels stuck in the 80s, it can be a welcome difference. Still, despite the sprucing, the hotel can't fully hide its age; many inherent architectural aspects and permanent features of the hotel remain very dated, even after renovations.

Situated on Okaloosa Island with the beach as its backyard, the Best Western Fort Walton Beach is an ideal location for those wanting to be directly on the sugar sand beaches of the Gulf without sacrificing proximity to local restaurants, shopping, or popular points of interest. Located off a main road shared with condos, attractions, and gentlemen's clubs, the hotel is around a five- to 15-minute drive from the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge, Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Emerald Coast Conference Center, and Hurlburt Field Military Base. Guests can also find water sport rentals, charter fishing trips, snorkeling spots, and golfing close by.

While rooms are more contemporary and stylish than those at the nearby Hampton Inn, they seem to be an odd mix of old and new. The curtains, bedskirts, headboards, and furniture seem to be recycled; while the walls, cushions, bed lamps, bed spread, carpets and flat-screen TVs appear to be more recently added. Whatever the case, the rooms are big and clean. Colors are in line with what is found elsewhere in the property; expect bright green walls and bed runners.All 100 rooms come with flat-screen TVs, microwaves, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges. All 60 of the gulf-facing rooms come with private balconies outfitted with a table and chairs (higher rooms have better views), and both Junior Suites are top-floor corner units featuring wrap-around balconies and spa tubs. There are no ground-floor rooms, but there is a possibility of seeing dolphins, whales or other marine life from the rooms with a beachfront view. Bathrooms are clean typical chain hotel bathrooms with some wear.

Most of the Best Western Fort Walton's property features are outdoors. There is a heated pool; table tennis; a large outdoor porch with tables, chairs and umbrellas; a private beach with umbrellas and lounge chairs; and the seasonal poolside Cabana Bar. Unlike nearby competitors, this hotel has no on-site restaurant or fitness room (although it does offer its guests a free pass to the local gym). There is not much lounge furniture poolside, but guests can work on their tans on the free loungers at the beach.Inside, the hotel provides a small computer station (with a copier, printer and fax), a small bookshelf with books and games, and a meeting/event space that can cater to 70 people. The hotel also serves a free hot breakfast buffet with waffles, eggs, bacon, biscuits, and all the usual continental items. In an effort to preserve the delicate Florida beaches, this hotel is certified green and entirely smoke-free.