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14 Best Beachfront Hotels in Panama City Beach You Must Stay!

14 Best Beachfront Hotels in Panama City Beach You Must Stay!

Looking for the best Beachfront Hotels in Panama City Beach? You have come to the right place.

Panama City Beach claims to have the world’s most beautiful beaches. In fact, that’s the town’s motto. If you visit, you’ll see it’s not just empty talk. That’s why there’s been such a building boom in the last couple of decades. High rises, condos, and hotels have sprung up everywhere. We’ve gone through them all to find the best beachfront hotels in Panama City Beach.

A beachfront hotel is almost non-negotiable in the so-called “Capital of Redneck Riviera.” After all, you’re coming here for the 27 miles of sugar-white sand. You want to be right next to it, not far away! Plus, while there are plenty of points providing public access to open sections of the beach, there’s nothing quite like having your own private section of soft sand.

Additionally, the coast here faces slightly west. That means gorgeous sunset views whenever the skies are clear.

That being said, the beaches aren’t the only thing Panama City Beach has to offer. The waters are teeming with fish. Artificial reefs have been placed in many spots near the shore, making the area perfect for scuba diving. 

Swimming in the warm, clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico is also delightful. Just be careful because there are often powerful rip currents by Panama City Beach. Remember to check what flags the lifeguards have on display, and if you do get caught, escape by swimming parallel to the shore instead of trying to fight the current directly.

That’s not all. Panama City Beach also hosts two gorgeous state parks just waiting for you to explore. Of course, we haven’t even mentioned the seemingly endless array of eating options. For lovers of fresh seafood, Panama City Beach is a paradise!

14 Best Oceanfront Hotels in Panama City Beach You Must Stay!

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Panama City Beach – Beachfront, an IHG Hotel: Highly Rated by Recent Guests

Stretching along the beach, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Panama City Beach provides plenty of rooms for visitors to this popular beach destination. As a guest, you’ll be able to grab a room with sweeping views of the ocean. You’ll also be just steps away from the soft white sands of Panama City Beach.

Fuel up in the morning at the daily breakfast, which has received great reviews. After you’re full and ready to go, head out to the beach or take a dip in one of the hotel’s pools. There’s an indoor pool and a lazy river pool for you to enjoy.

Now, if you need a luxurious room, then this hotel might not be the one for you. The rooms are clean and comfortable but don’t come with all the bells and whistles. You’ll be able to make coffee and keep some stuff in the fridge. A microwave lets you heat up simple food, and a hair dryer will be available.

The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Panama City Beach isn’t meant for lounging around in your rooms, though. Aside from its excellent beach access, the hotel is near a bunch of other exciting attractions. St Andrews State Park is a short drive away, as are Shipwreck Island Water Park and the Wonderworks Interactive Museum. 

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View from the beach of Holiday Inn Express Suites in Panama City Beach

Holiday Inn Club Vacations Panama City Beach Resort, an IHG Hotel: Highest Rated Beachfront Hotel in Panama City Beach

A quick 10-minute driver from the center of town, Holiday Inn Club Vacations Panama City Beach Resort offers spacious, comfortable rooms by the beach. Enjoy the view on your balcony or head down to the beach to relax to the sound of the waves. One of the best Beachfront Hotels in Panama City Beach with balcony for sure.

Each room in the Holiday Inn Club Vacations Panama City Beach Resort is uniquely decorated. They come with a fully-equipped kitchen, meaning you can cook to your heart’s content. They also have a washer and dryer, making post-beach cleanups a breeze. You won’t have to worry about finding a laundromat or bother trekking to laundry services in the hotel.

The entire property is air-conditioned, which means you’ll be able to walk around in comfort, even during the intense Florida summer heat.

Free parking is available on-site. Keep your vehicle safe without paying extortionate fees. Avoid the hassle of finding public parking.

There are plenty of other amenities at Holiday Inn Club Vacations Panama City Beach Resort. Barbecue facilities are available for guests, and there’s an outdoor fire pit that’ll be perfect for late-night drinks and discussions. There’s also a fitness center. As a guest, you’ll have access to various sports courts.

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Aerial view of Holiday Inn Club Vacations building, outdoor pool, and beach, in Panama City Beach

Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach – Beachfront, an IHG Hotel: Popular Beachfront Hotel

With thousands of positive reviews, Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach is yet another hotel by Holiday Inn that’s made it on the list of the best beachfront hotels in Panama City Beach. They’ve clearly figured out what makes guests happy!

In this case, a gracefully curved main building offers plenty of spacious rooms with private balconies offering breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Other rooms offer views of the pool. The rooms come with a microwave and fridge for simple food preparation. 

The eco-conscious among us might be interested to know that the private bathrooms at Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach are stocked with eco-friendly toiletries by PAYA. They also have two sinks!

The cooking facilities aren’t as extensive as those offered at some other hotels, but Holiday Inn Resort Panama City Beach makes up for it with the range of food options available on-site. In the morning and evening, head to the View restaurant to fuel up with a made-to-order breakfast omelet and fresh seafood entrées. A great option for a restaurant in Panama City Beach.

Between the morning and evening, the Bamboo Grill offers American-style eats for lunch. There’s also the Pizza Shack, which offers homemade pizzas.

If that’s not enough, the hotel is in a great location, surrounded by other dining options. It’s also near a bunch of great activities, from deep-sea fishing to golfing to shopping and more.

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View from the ocean of Holiday Inn Resort in the evening, with certain windows lit up to form a heart shape, in Panama City Beach

Hyatt Place Panama City Beach – Beachfront: Five-Star Hotel

For a five-star stay, consider Hyatt Place. We mean that literally: Hyatt Place is a five-star hotel located steps away from Panama City Beach. 

As a guest, you’ll be staying in spacious, modern rooms. Fresh linen bedding will welcome you when you arrive and when you return from the beach. If you want to cook, make sure you choose a room that comes with a kitchenette, which includes a refrigerator and a microwave.

Aside from the comfortable rooms and great customer service, guests also loved the breakfast buffet. Each morning, you’ll be able to fuel up on American-style food. Head out energized and ready to make the most of your holiday in Panama City Beach!

The hotel has an outdoor pool and a fitness center which you can enjoy. If you like your holidays a little less active, relax on the terrace and soak up some rays. In the evening, head to the hot tub to keep the good times going. 

Entertainment is provided in the evenings. However, if you want a lively night in the town, you won’t have to look far. The hotel is located within walking distance of the pier.

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Covered beach chairs on the beach in front of Hyatt Place Panama City Beach

Embassy Suites By Hilton Panama City Beach Resort: Multilingual Luxury

Embassy Suites By Hilton Panama City Beach Resort is perfect for international travelers or anyone looking for a luxurious beachfront hotel in Panama City Beach.

With private on-site parking and complimentary bike rentals, you can confidently leave your vehicle and explore the town by bike. There’s nothing quite like a bike ride by the sea. Biking down the coast in the sunshine, with the ocean breeze in your hair and the sounds of the sea in the background—it doesn’t get much better than that!

All that biking will no doubt leave you hungry. No worry. Embassy Suites By Hilton has multiple eating options. Dig into the breakfast buffet in the morning, which offers American, continental, and gluten-free food options. For other meals, head to the on-site restaurant, which serves local food, including fresh-caught fish. Of course, options for those who don’t eat meat, dairy, and gluten are available.

If you want a balcony to fully enjoy that breathtaking ocean view, choose the correct room. Only certain rooms include a balcony. Still, others will have great views, albeit behind glass.

All rooms have a private bathroom, which will be fully stocked with toiletries. You’ll also have a fridge and a TV.

The reception staff speak a wide variety of languages. Spanish, Ukrainian, Arabic, and Albanian are all available. If you’re an international traveler worried about relying on a translator, worry no more! 

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Aerial view of the outdoor pool, surrounded by chairs and palm trees, next to Embassy Suites by Hilton Panama City Beach Resort

SpringHill Suites by Marriott: Business-Friendly Beachfront Hotel in Panama City Beach

SpringHill Suites by Marriott is a three-star hotel situated right on Panama City Beach. Step out of your room, past the outdoor pool, and onto the soft white sands of what many people consider the world’s best beach!

In fact, you won’t just be stepping onto any old beach. As a guest, you’ll have access to a private section of Panama City Beach. Of course, the public area of the beach is accessible from the sand. However, you can enjoy the sugar sands and crystal-clear ocean without worrying about throngs of people.

Before you head to the beach, fuel up at the breakfast buffet. Previous guests were pleased with the food on offer.

While only certain rooms offer that coveted beach view, they all come with a private bathroom, TV, and hairdryer.

If you get sick of salt, take a dip in the outdoor pool. It’s surrounded by lounge chairs that beg you to lay back and take a nap in the afternoon sun. 

The hotel is well-located. You’ll be a short drive away from local sights, including Ripley’s Believe it or Not!, Russell-Fields Pier, and more.

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Aerial view of the outdoor pool at Springhill Suites by Marriott Panama City Beach

Landmark Holiday Beach, a VRI resort: Condo-Style Stays

For a condo-style stay with all the benefits of staying in a hotel, consider patronizing Landmark Holiday Beach. This beachfront hotel in Panama City Beach is possibly the most beachfront of them all. You step out the back door and right onto the sand.

Of course, that means a compromise. In this case, it’s the lack of an outdoor pool, which would add a little bit of walking time between you and the soft sands.

Still, there’s an indoor pool for committed swimmers. Besides, you came here for the beach, not a pool! 

The hotel staff maintain the beach outside the hotel, ensuring it is clean and enjoyable for guests. Chairs are available to rent. Relax during the day and take advantage of the barbecue area to cook up an evening meal.

If you fancy moving about a bit, try your hand at a game of tennis on one of the hotel’s courts. In-unit washers and dryers make washing up after a day in the sun a breeze. Your room will also come with a full kitchen and a balcony. Whip up a meal and enjoy it on your balcony as the sun sets over the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico.

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Aerial view of the beach next to Landmark Holiday Beach a VRI resort in Panama City Beach

Calypso Resort: Stay in Paradise

Stay in this colorful, quirky three-star resort right by the Gulf of Mexico. Calypso Resort stands out from the crowd, literally. On the outside, it’s painted a charming ochre yellow-orange. The rooms have all been decorated with care. Signs, art, and more make you feel welcome.

More importantly, each room has its own patio. And each patio gives guests a beautiful view of the sea. You won’t have to worry about choosing the correct room because every single room guarantees that all-important vista! Grab some food or a drink and enjoy the colors of the setting sun from your private patio. Certain rooms come with a balcony.

The outdoor pool is surrounded by palm trees and deck chairs. Relax poolside with a book or take a soak and enjoy the sea views. 

Besides being right by the beach, Calypso Resort is located near various other local attractions. Russell Fields Pier and Gulf World Marine Park are both nearby.

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The outdoor pool next to Calypso Resort in Panama City Beach

Shores of Panama Penthouse Resort: Beachfront Condo Hotel

Pamper yourself with a stay at the Shores of Panama Penthouse Resort. With some of the largest accommodations of any beachfront hotel in Panama City Beach, Shores of Panama Penthouse Resort lets you rent entire apartments. Thousands of square feet of luxury will be yours!

Of course, all that space means a range of amenities. You’ll have an area to sit and chat, a TV, and a full kitchen. And when we say full, we mean full. Not only will you have a fridge, you’ll also have a dishwasher and oven. Just think of the multi-course meals you could create here!

You’ll be able to enjoy the food you make in style. Each room has a balcony with panoramic sea views. Those views are just as enjoyable with a cold drink, though a freshly cooked meal wouldn’t hurt.

We’re not finished. Your apartment comes with a private bathroom. That might not be too impressive. But what if we told you this private bathroom includes a hot tub?

You honestly might not even want to leave your room, and we don’t blame you. However, if you do manage, you’ll be able to enjoy an indoor pool, outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness room, and more. Relax and soak up some rays on the sun terrace while the kids play in their own pool. 

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View from the beach of Shores of Panama Penthouse Resort in Panama City Beach

Casa Loma: Most Popular Beachfront Hotel in Panama City Beach

With over 5,000 reviews, Casa Loma Panama City Beach is clearly doing something right. While those reviews generally praise the cleanliness, staff, and amenities, people loved the view most.

Every single room at Casa Loma Panama City Beach comes with a balcony, meaning you can step outside and enjoy a sweeping view of Panama City Beach and the Gulf of Mexico. That’s not all, though. Those balconies are furnished, meaning you can sit back and relax as you enjoy a cool drink and bite to eat. 

In between the rooms and the pool is the sun terrace. The terrace is actually more of a garden. It’s filled with trees and greenery. There’s also a pool. 

With free on-site parking, arriving by car is easy and convenient. Pier Park is just a seven-minute drive away. 

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Aerial view of the balconies overlooking the garden, terrace, outdoor pool, beach, and sea, at Casa Loma Panama City Beach

Origin at Seahaven: Sea Views

Origin at Seahaven has everything you might need from a beachfront hotel in Panama City Beach. The building is shaped like the letter “U,” with an outdoor pool in the middle. 

That means rooms with balconies that offer sea views. It also means quick access to the pool and beach for all guests. 

Rooms also come equipped with a TV, dining area, and a kitchenette. You’ll also have a private bathroom complete with a bath. A soak in the tub is one of the best ways to end a long day at the beach!

Origin at Seahaven is well-located. You’ll be within walking distance of Gulf World Marine Park and Russell Fields Pier. Pier Park and Shipwreck Island are a little further, but still reasonably close.

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Outdoor pool at Origin at Seahaven in Panama City Beach

Majestic Beach Resort: Five-Pool Beachfront Hotel

Yes, you read that right. Majestic Beach Resort lives up to its name. The hotel has not one, not two, and not even three swimming pools. It has a whopping five pools available for guests to use. There are pools inside and more outside. Oh, and there’s also a hot tub.

The hotel also has a sauna, which is the perfect place to recover from a round of golf. There are plenty of courses in the area. The hotel has on-site courts for tennis players, and there’s a fitness center for other forms of exercise.

All rooms have a TV and a private bathroom. Only certain rooms have a seating area.

The hotel has free private parking. It’s within walking distance of certain attractions, including Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Of course, the beach is just steps away.

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Outdoor pool overlooking the beach and ocean at Majestic Beach Resort in Panama City Beach

Sugar Beach Condo: Huge Apartment With Great Amenities

This is technically a condo hotel, but don’t dismiss it just yet. Sugar Beach Condo has one of the best location ratings of all the beachfront hotels in Panama City Beach. 

Plus, if you’re traveling with a big group, renting an entire apartment can be a recipe for an unforgettable vacation. Pile into Sugar Beach Condo and let the good times roll!

As a guest, you’ll have access to all the amenities at the resort. There’s a picnic area, a kids pool, a garden, and plenty of sports facilities, including tennis courts. There’s also an outdoor pool, though be aware that it closes during the off-season.

Of course, you’ll also be right by the beach. Sugar Beach Condo gives you access to a private section of the beach!

Inside your accommodation, you’ll have a full kitchen, including a dishwasher. You’ll also have a private bathroom, complete with a bath for soaking away a day of sun-soaked entertainment.

Book your stay here

Aerial view of a pond, tennis courts, and condos at Sugar Beach Condo Resort in Panama City Beach

Author

  • Rohan M

    Rohan is from New York but loves traveling in Florida and writing about his travel experiences especially great accommodation he finds in the State. Rohan is an established traveler writer whose work has appeared in major outlets, including the BBC and The Nation, and has collectively gained more than one million views.

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