The Reef at Seahaven Beach Resorts

The Reef at Seahaven Beach Resorts is one of the top budget options for cash-strapped travelers who want a Panama City Beach vacation on a private stretch of sand, accessible via a gated entrance. Reeds line the wood-planked walkway, which has a couple of outdoor showers and leads to the white sand. The reception area and front desk for guests of both The Reef and Origin at Seahaven are at the adjacent Discovery Center, a charming, yellow cottage with a porch and small lobby, which offers free coffee and is nicely decorated with wood floors, recessed ceiling lights, and woven furnishings. The Reef itself is a four-story hotel with a bland exterior that’s painted cream with white railings and has an A-frame entrance. There is one elevator, or guests can use the open-air staircases to reach their rooms. However, a bit of wear and tear is noticeable around the property, including at the barbecue area and around the picnic tables overlooking the beach. There’s also an outdoor pool, with a few plastic lounge chairs and picnic tables on a slightly weathered deck; guests have complained that the pool is not cleaned regularly and that chairs are old and fragile.

The Reef, along with sisters hotels Origin at Seahaven and Seahaven Beach Hotel, sit along a highly trafficked, two-lane road, with the beach at the back of the property. There is plenty to do in the immediate area. The Gulf World Marine Park is just over five minutes' walk, and just down the street, guests can rent scooters at California Cycles, and have a beer Moe’s Original Bar. Margaritaville and Pier Park -- with shops, restaurants, and amusement rides -- are five minutes by car. Boat rentals at Panama Beach Services are 15 minutes by car. Driving to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport takes 20 minutes.

Typical of a budget property, The Reef keeps room decor simple with dark wood furnishings, brown carpeting and accents, and generic framed paintings. All rooms have double beds with white bedding, flat-screen TVs, irons/ironing boards, coffeemakers, two-seat dining tables, and patios or balconies overlooking the sea. Bathrooms are simple and white with basic fixtures, wall-mounted hairdryers, and shower/tub combos; some guests have noted that water pressure is lacking. Some rooms have full kitchens with ovens/stoves, microwaves, large refrigerators, sinks, and cabinets. Some rooms offer kitchenettes with microwaves and mini-fridges. Rooms are generally clean but dated, so guests shouldn't come expecting anything special. 

The hotel’s location, directly on a private beach, is its greatest asset. Beachside cocktails and casual dining -- including seafood dishes -- are available next door at the popular Sharky’s Beachfront Restaurant and Tiki Bar, which offers live entertainment, sea views, and free meals for kids. A small patio beside the beach offers two barbecue grills, picnic tables, and lounge chairs. More picnic tables also dot the narrow, cracked, and altogether unappealing cement terrace that overlooks the beach. There's an outdoor pool open during the summer months. The meeting space for private gatherings sits near the lobby and can accommodate up to 20 people. Free coffee is available for meetings.