Beachbreak By The Sea

The decor in the lobby is reflective of the rest of the property -- basic, functional, and a little shabby. The common area, which is somewhat dark, offers a couple of worn and fraying armchairs and a side table with a lamp and some tourist information. Still, the space is clean and tidy overall, and has a bit of a mod vibe with its sky-blue walls, framed black-and-white photos and lack of clutter. The hotel is geared toward last minute bookers or those wanting a beach vacation on a budget. It mainly attracts families, groups, and spring breakers.

The Beachbreak sits on Panama City’s main street, Front Beach Road, among a range of other hotels, gift shops, convenience stores, tattoo parlors, and restaurants. The property offers direct beach access and a convenient location for tourists with popular attractions nearby, including Gulf World Marine Park right across the street. Russell-Fields Pier, with activities like kayaking and fishing, is just a two-minute drive or a 15-minute walk northwest. Miracle Strip Amusement Park, with its range of rides, is a 10-minute walk northwest as well. Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is about a 25-minute drive northeast.  

Rooms at the Beachbreak by the Sea are basic. Motel-style units tend to have plain white walls and floral bedspreads with simple furniture that’s sometimes worn. Some rooms have been refurbished while others are dated and smell a little musty, and guests complain about unclean carpets. Balcony rooms have breathtaking beach and sea views, although the balconies are on the small side. All the rooms are air-conditioned and have kitchen facilities like fridges, coffeemakers, and microwaves. Some units have tube-style TVs, while others have flat-screens with satellite channels. Bathrooms are basic as well with shower/tub combos, but they do include free toiletries and hairdryers. A range of room categories are available. The Standard Double has two double beds, while the Double Suite is well suited to groups or families as it has two TV-equipped bedrooms. The suite also offers expanded kitchen facilities compared to smaller units. 

The hotel offers a free breakfast buffet with a limited selection that includes muffins, pastries, fruit juice, and coffee. The restaurant Barefoot Hideaway Grill is attached to the property, too, with hotel guests getting a discounted bill; it’s a casual dining affair with sandwiches, salads, and quesadillas on the menu along with separate children’s dishes. Plenty of outdoor seating is available along with lovely vistas of the beach and sea. Hotel guests are also entitled to discounts at Gulf World Marine Park and the nearby Pier Park shopping, dining, and entertainment complex.This property is well set up for families as there’s a playground for young children. The small on-site outdoor pool is heated, and there are plenty of sun loungers, but space is limited and feels cramped during busy times. A hot tub is on hand as well. But the main attraction is the beach itself, a strip of white sand outfitted with padded loungers that's just beyond the pool. Other perks include coffee and tea in the lobby, free newspapers, and free Wi-Fi though the signal is spotty and tends to be stronger in the lobby than in most guest rooms. Free on-site parking is available to all guests as is a laundry room, but it’s worth noting that there’s no elevator at the property, so luggage must be carried up the stairs to higher floors.