10 Best Hotels in The Panhandle, Florida

These four elegant suites, on the second story of the former offices of the French consul, range in size from 650 to 1,650 square feet and combine a 19th-century feel with 21st-century luxury. Antique architectural details add more than a hint of charm, and full kitchens and full-size washers and dryers make living easy. The two front units share an expansive balcony, where you can take in the constant parade of fishing vessels headed out to the Intracoastal Waterway. The homelike amenities make this a popular spot for families, larger groups, and even wedding parties, and discounts are given for stays longer than two nights. The Grady Market, a locally owned art-and-clothing boutique, occupies the building's first floor.

Even locals seek out the views at this harbor-front destination-within-a-destination that has luxurious accommodations, as well as amenities like a spa, marina, health club, and indoor/outdoor pools. Guest rooms, from suites to four bedrooms, have balconies with panoramic views. The HarborWalk Village, just steps away, offers oodles of activities and entertainment for the whole family, including shops, restaurants, water sports, thrill rides, fishing charter boats, pirate and dolphin-watching boat tours, and nightlife.

During the week, this newly renovated hotel—housed in a former livery stable and featuring contemporary-meets-the-past decor—buzzes with politicians, press, lobbyists, and other business travelers; on weekends, it's booked with visitors who want to explore downtown and/or have a romantic getaway. The complete remodel added a new second-floor patio lounge (a place to see and be seen) overlooking Adams Street.

Although it adheres to the Hilton standards of comfort and service, this family-friendly hotel, which has been run by the same owners for more than 30 years, is constantly refreshing its facilities and expanding its amenities. In the resort's Emerald Tower, every room is a junior suite with a separate bunk bed area, and throughout the summer there are activities and camps (for a fee) to keep kids busy. You won't get bored thanks to the breathtaking Gulf views and the six on-site restaurants that serve everything from sushi to steak. The resort's Serenity by the Sea Spa is one of the region's best.

Located directly on the beach facing the Gulf of Mexico, this family-friendly resort has enough activities to keep all ages entertained—including one of the best pools in the area.

At this family-friendly beachside resort, activity revolves around a 194,000-gallon pool (allegedly the area's largest) with a spectacular swim-through waterfall and a bar in the Grotto's rock wall. There's even a mermaid named Misty. There are several on-site dining options.

One of Southern Living's 10 Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Florida, these vacation-rental condos are luxuriously appointed and feature both sound and Gulf views. Each tower has its own private pool in addition to the larger resort pool, where you can have drinks and food brought right to your lounge chair. 

Chic, understated European style combines with Gulf-front views at this intimate inn in the heart of Rosemary Beach. Rooms are a bit snug, but the restaurants, shops, and activities within walking distance make up for it. Breakfast is served in the owners' The Summer Kitchen Cafe (continental included or a discount for a full cooked breakfast). Although kids are allowed, the inn isn't particularly family friendly.

Accommodations here include high-rise condo units and low-rise townhouse villas; some are directly on the beach, and others are just a short walk (or golf-cart ride) away. Convenient to the properties are the Dunes Putting Course, a basketball court, and winding paths. There is a tunnel underneath the highway for those who might want to walk or bike to the bayside amenities.

Although Sandestin’s lakes make its four golf courses challenging, they also provide serene natural settings for its villa communities, where properties come in a variety of sizes and configurations. Many are even right on a course—perfect those who plan to spend a lot of time teeing off. Choose from villas in communities that include Baypine Cottages, The Bungalos, Crystal Cove, Crystal Lake, Laurel Grove, Magnolia Bay, Prestwick Place, Turnberry Villas, and Villa Lago.