Destin hotels

I can’t be the only one who’s ever realized halfway through a drive to the Panhandle’s beaches that I’d forgotten my entire suitcase of clothes. It’s in these absent-minded moments that I love hotels like Holiday Inn Express Destin E, which is located across the street from the Destin Commons Shopping Mall.

Within walking distance of the mall (and Fat Daddy Arcade, an awesome place to play when the weather rains on your beach plans), Holiday Inn Express is one of the best hotels in Destin right off Highway 98.

Regardless of whether you’ve forgotten your swimsuit or not, you can wash all your sandy clothes thanks to the hotel’s guest laundry service. And if you forget to set your alarm for the free breakfast, there’s a marketplace on-site for a quick bite.

Few luxury hotels in Destin can top The Henderson Beach Resort & Spa. This is hands down one of the best hotels in Destin for pampering. In the spa, over 10,000 square feet of space creates an oasis of optimal wellness. I love that the treatment rooms offer the perfect amount of privacy, while the Himalayan salt suite overlooks Henderson Beach State Park.

In the spring and summer, Poppy’s Kids Club is a huge benefit for parents, especially those who want to enjoy the spa while the kids are safely cared for. Don’t despair if you visit in winter; when we did, my kids were plenty occupied with the year-round lawn games.

Complimentary bicycle rentals are included in the resort fee, which I’d recommend riding through Henderson Beach State Park.

Every time I stay at an Embassy Suites by Hilton, I look forward to the evening reception. Easily one of the best hotels to stay in Destin, Embassy Suites is a great pick for adults who love perks like free alcoholic beverages and tasty finger foods.

But, alas, it takes more than a free made-to-order breakfast and evening of edible enjoyment to make it as one of the best hotels in Destin. Thankfully, Embassy Suites by Hilton steps up to the plate with two-room suites that have water views and king-sized beds.

Miramar Beach is right across the street, and the hotel offers private beach access too. Rent a beach chair, cruiser bike, or golf cart from the on-site Redfin Rentals service and explore more of the shore.

While technically in Santa Rosa Beach, a mere 20-minute drive from the center of Destin, Home2 Suites by Hilton offers a more laid-back feel. The hotel boasts home-away-from-home comforts and conveniences, including an in-room kitchen and a Spin2 Cycle fitness center where you can keep up with your workout routine.

A quick run on the treadmill is good enough for me, but I do love that on days I wake up a little earlier, the medicine balls and free weights let me get a full workout in.

One perk that makes Home2 Suites by Hilton one of the best hotels in the Destin area is that it’s across the street from Topsail Hill Preserve State Park. Sure, luxury hotels in Destin may put you right on the beachfront, but trust me, you’ll want to explore the dune lakes and secluded beaches of this park.

I don’t think the top-rated hotels in Destin – or anywhere on the Gulf Coast – get enough credit for having outdoor and indoor swimming pools. As someone who was shocked at how cold Panhandle winters get, an indoor pool is a great amenity.

Tru By Hilton’s free hot breakfast and family rooms with bunk beds make it easy to get up and get going in the morning. Plus, its location one mile from the center of Destin means you’ll get to HarborWalk Village in a heartbeat.

One of the main reasons I think Tru By Hilton is one of the best hotels in Destin is because it’s near two rainy day hotspots. Take it from a dad of two: order a Redneck Latte at Maas Coffee Roasters then sip it slowly as your little ones launch themselves into the air at Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park across the street.

Wingate by Wyndham doesn’t need to do much to be one of the best hotels in Destin for the on-the-go tourist. First and foremost, it’s right next door to Big Kahuna’s Water & Adventure Park, which is the ultimate summer fun spot.

Free parking at the hotel means you don’t have to load up the car to go back and forth from the waterpark. You can grab a quick bite at the hotel’s free breakfast, spend the day at Big Kahuna’s, then relax in the hotel’s on-site hot tub.

One amenity I think is a must when traveling to the beach is an on-site laundry facility. Luckily, this hotel understands that no one wants to bring a pocket full of sand back home in their luggage.

Beachside Inn is a wonderful boutique hotel in Destin just a few steps from Henderson Beach. So not only will you share this open-air beachy hotel with fewer guests, but you’re also just far enough away from some of the more crowded beaches.

I really like the homey layout and decor of the rooms here. Little touches like ceiling fans, hooks for snorkel gear, and a walk-in shower make it feel like you’re staying at your uncle’s beach house rather than a hotel.

Of course, the two on-site restaurants only add to the vacation vibes. By day, Camille’s Cafe offers light bites and sweet sips; by night, Camille’s Restaurant invites you upstairs for local seafood (and a bread pudding I’ve never been able to resist).

Trust me, fancy hotels in Destin are great for relaxation, but if you want to stay in the thick of the action, choose Homewood Suites by Hilton. This is one of the best hotels in Destin for the true vacationer.

The pet-friendly hotel has in-room kitchens that are perfect for reheating leftovers from the free breakfast. It has an outdoor pool, as well as a cute pirate-themed splash pad, but I would spend my outdoor time offsite.

That’s because Homewood Suites by Hilton is close to all the best Destin has to offer. The Track racing park is a short drive away and it’s without a doubt one of the finest attractions in town. But if there’s one thing I suggest putting on your itinerary, it’s walking across the street to watch the sunset on the beach.

Comfort Inn and Suites is only a mile’s drive from Gator Beach, Fat Daddy’s Arcade, and Destin Laser Tag and Blacklight Mini-Golf. If your kids don’t think that makes it one of the best hotels in Destin, then show them all the great perks on-site.

There are free waffles at the breakfast buffet, a huge outdoor pool perfect for cannonballs, and an on-site marketplace.

Another reason why Comfort Inn and Suites finds itself on this list is because it’s within walking distance of Publix. Order a chicken tender sub, grab a bag of chips, and get some Publix sweet tea for your beach trip – you won’t regret it.

The walk-in outdoor saltwater pool at Hampton Inn & Suites Destin is what I love the most about this property, as it lets my two little kids splash around safely. But you may well consider this one of the best hotels in Destin for a completely different reason, like its free hot breakfast, pet-friendly rooms, or fitness center.

Between the guestrooms and the suites, groups of all sizes will feel comfortable here. Personally, I prefer the studio suites with in-room wet bars (which, I’ll confess, I use more for washing baby bottles than stirring fruity cocktails).

​​​​​​​But one thing everyone agrees on is the hotel’s fantastic location. The famed local foodie hotspot The Back Porch is right next door, and I can’t think of a better way to gaze at the Gulf than with a cold drink in one hand and a mahi taco in the other.