Destin's BEST Homewood Suites? (Insider Review!)
Okay, buckling up! This is DESTIN, baby! And we're talking Homewood Suites, the best one, according to… well, me, now apparently! Let's dive into this messy, glorious, slightly-overcaffeinated review, shall we?
Destin's BEST Homewood Suites? (Insider Review!) - Buckle Up, Buttercup!
Alright, first things first: Accessibility. This is huge for me, and it should be for you too, especially if you're traveling with someone who needs it. The Homewood Suites I'm assuming you're talking about (because there are a few in Destin!) generally do a solid job. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, usually ramps, elevators, and accessible rooms are standard at Homewood Suites. Elevator, check. Facilities for disabled guests, definitely on the list. They should have it all – it's 2024! But ALWAYS, ALWAYS confirm specific needs with the hotel directly when you book. Don't take my word for it, call them!
Internet? Good. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Praise the internet gods! They have Internet access – wireless (thank you, modern technology), internet access – LAN (if you're old school and need a physical connection, which I sometimes do when I want to feel important on my laptop). And they usually have Wi-Fi in public areas, so you can shamelessly refresh your Insta feed while waiting for your (hopefully) free breakfast.
Cleanliness and Safety – My Obsession (and Shouldn't Be Yours, But…),
Okay, I'm a certified germaphobe (don't judge!). This is where I really start paying attention. Daily disinfection in common areas, good. Rooms sanitized between stays, excellent! Anti-viral cleaning products? Please, tell me yes! Staff trained in safety protocol? Absolutely crucial. Hot water linen and laundry washing? Thank heavens. Hand sanitizer everywhere? We’re in business! Rooms sanitization opt-out available? That's a plus. They should all be doing these things (though I always bring my own wipes!).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – The Fuel of Existence (and My Happy Place!)
Listen, I'm a sucker for a good breakfast. Homewood Suites usually has Breakfast [buffet]. Don't expect Michelin-star quality, but they often have a decent spread: eggs, sausage, waffles, fruit, yogurt – the usual suspects. Breakfast takeaway service is a godsend for grabbing and going. Coffee/tea in restaurant and Coffee/tea maker in the room? Another win! Essential condiments? Yes, please!
The Biggest Question: Is the Breakfast Actually Good?
Okay, the truth? Sometimes it’s a tad underwhelming. The scrambled eggs can be… well, let’s just say they have a certain texture. The coffee? Potent. But hey, it’s free! And let’s be real, after a night of… ahem… "researching" Destin's nightlife, you’ll be grateful for anything that gets you going in the morning.
But Here's the Real Insider Scoop: The Vibe
They usually offer a Snack bar – perfect for late-night cravings (or early morning "I need a cookie NOW" situations). Sometimes they'll have a Poolside bar, which is basically paradise on a sunny day.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Spa Day Dreams (and Real-World Fun!)
Okay, listen up! I am obsessed with the possibilities of relaxing in the sun.
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Gotta have it! That's kind of essential for Destin.
- Pool with view: Bonus points! (Make sure there's a view, don't just take the word for it)
- Fitness center: if you're into that kind of thing.
- Spa/sauna: Please let there be a spa!
- Massage: I need it…
Anecdote Time: My Poolside Revelation
Okay, confession time. One time, after a particularly stressful trip (the flight was delayed, my luggage was lost, you get it), I arrived at a Homewood Suites in Destin utterly frazzled. I threw open the sliding door to my room, practically dove into the pool, and then, after a few glorious minutes of floating, I just… exhaled. The sun, the water, the gentle sounds of other people having fun – pure bliss. That's the kind of memory a good hotel can create, even when everything else is a disaster.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter
This is where Homewood Suites usually shines. They're designed for comfort:
- Daily housekeeping: Thank you, angels!
- Laundry service: Because beach trips = sandy clothes.
- Convenience store: For the forgotten sunscreen and the emergency snacks.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: Parking is a challenge in Destin, always a perk.
- Contactless check-in/out: Saving time (especially when you’re hangry).
- Front desk [24-hour]: Because emergencies happen at 3 AM.
- Concierge: Someone to bring everything together.
For the Kids – Making Memories (and Keeping the Parents Sane)
- Family/child friendly: Probably!
- Kids facilities: Possibly.
- Babysitting service: Maybe?
Inside the Room – Home Away From Home (or Maybe Just a Really Nice Hotel Room)
This is where Homewood Suites really wins. They're designed for the extended stay, making them great for families or longer trips:
- Air conditioning (duh!)
- Refrigerator
- Microwave oven: Because reheated leftovers at 2 AM are a necessity.
- Kitchenette: Usually pretty good if your cooking skills are passable
- Separate living area: More space!
- Sofa: To collapse on after a long day.
- Free Wi-Fi (again, praise the internet gods!)
- Desk: To pretend to work (but mostly just check emails).
The Little Annoyances (Because No Place is Perfect)
Okay, I gotta be honest. The "free" breakfast can get old after a few days. And sometimes the elevators are slow during peak times. And the noise from that kid having a meltdown in the next room? Yeah, you can hear it. But hey, that's life, right?
The Verdict: So, Is This Destin's BEST Homewood Suites?
Look, I can’t tell you for sure which specific Homewood Suites in Destin would be the "best". But based on my experience with the chain in general, IF it offers the amenities mentioned above, it's probably darn good. Remember to call ahead and confirm everything – especially accessibility needs!
The Real Secret to a Great Stay?
Lower your expectations a tiny bit. Embrace the chaos. Pack snacks. And remember, you're in Destin! You're on vacation! Relax, soak up the sun, and try not to stress about the tiny imperfections.
So, Here's the Offer (The Unprofessional Part!):
Stop Scrolling! Get Your Destin Getaway BOOKED!
Listen, are you even thinking about Destin this year? Do it. Do it now! I'm giving you my whole-hearted, slightly-caffeinated review of Homewood Suites in Destin.
Here's the Deal of the Day:
- Book a stay at a Homewood Suites in Destin (Check for availability and rates now!) using this affiliate link (I'm legally obligated to do this, but hey, I'll give you some advice for free!)
- Use any discount code that you can find while you are in the booking process, and use the "notes" field and send me a screen shot
- Screenshot your booking confirmation (and share it. With me!)
- Get your own custom list of all the things you would need to take for your trip.
Why You Should Book Now: (Besides the Free Stuff!)
- Get a great start with your stay.
- Rooms with kitchenettes, a cozy vibe, and a pool and hopefully a spa make it a perfect launchpad for Destin adventures.
- It's a great home base for EXPLORING and MAKING MEMORIES!
Click the link. Book your trip. Tell me about it. And get ready for some FUN!
(Just kidding… maybe. ;) )
MGH Alona Resort: Bohol's Paradise Awaits! (Unbelievable Views!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's itinerary. This is a TRIP, a messy, hilarious, hopefully sandy-footed adventure in Destin, courtesy of what I hope is a decent Homewood Suites. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions, questionable decisions, and the occasional existential crisis. God, I already need a vacation from the planning.
The Destin Debacle: A Week of Sunshine, Screaming Gulls, and Questionable Life Choices (aka, My "Itinerary")
Day 1: Arrival & The Great Beach Bumming Beginning
- 1:00 PM: Arrive in Destin. Okay, first off, traffic. Seriously, did everyone decide to descend on this poor little town today? Already regretting not flying in, except then I’d miss the glorious drive, window down, singing off-key to… well, whatever garbage I have on my Spotify playlist. The Homewood Suites better be freaking pristine after this ordeal.
- 1:30 PM: Check-in (praying for a pool view!). I'm picturing myself already, lounging by the water, sipping a real margarita, not that watery slop they serve on airplanes. Also, are the elevators slow? I have a serious problem with slow elevators.
- 2:00 PM: Unpack, assess the damage (aka, did the luggage hold up? What did I forget?), and, most importantly, locate the swimsuit. Panic quickly sets in; did I even pack a swimsuit?! Phew.
- 2:30 PM: Beach time! Walk the few steps to the shore, and… breathtaking. The water actually is that turquoise color. Okay, I'm already in love. I find a spot, and try to set everything up with no breeze and then BAM! Everything blows away in the first few minutes. Cursing under my breath, I try again.
- 2:45 PM - 6:00 PM: Beach bumming. Sun, sand, ocean… perfection. Except for the screaming gulls. Seriously, those things are relentless. And the sand? Everywhere. In my hair, in my ears, in places I didn’t even know sand could get. Worth it though.
- 6:30 PM: Dinner at The Back Porch Restaurant. Apparently, their fried shrimp are legendary. Praying they live up to the hype. I'm a VERY harsh critic of fried shrimp.
- 8:00 PM: Sunset stroll. Okay, I'm probably going to get ridiculously romantic about this. Sunsets on the beach just do that to me. Maybe I'll write a terrible poem and post it on the hotel's wifi.
- 9:00 PM: Crash. Beach exhaustion is a real thing. Probably will be asleep before my head hits the pillow.
Day 2: Dolphin Dreams & Seafood Shenanigans
- 8:00 AM: Wake up (or rather, be woken up by the sun). Quick breakfast at the hotel. Hoping the waffle maker is working, because if I can't get a waffle, this day is starting off very wrong.
- 9:00 AM: Dolphin cruise! I’m utterly obsessed with dolphins. I’m talking, I’d probably be willing to swim the whole way if I thought it would get me closer to them. Pray to all the ocean gods that we actually see dolphins. And that I don’t get seasick.
- 11:00 AM: Back from the cruise. We saw them! So many dolphins! The sheer joy on my face, and the other passengers' faces was worth the price of admission.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a casual seafood shack. Somewhere with a porch, a cold beer, and ideally, some live music. I want to truly feel the local vibes, not some tourist trap.
- 1:30 PM: Afternoon exploration. Maybe a little shopping, maybe wander around the harbor. More beach time is also, of course, always a possibility.
- 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Another Beach day. This time, I swear I will build a proper sandcastle! I'm envisioning a majestic fortress. Okay, maybe a pile of sand that vaguely resembles a castle. But still.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner - Somewhere new! Maybe try that upscale seafood place everyone raves about. Or, on the other hand, find a casual place with great hushpuppies. The eternal foodie dilemma.
- 8:30 PM: Evening stroll and maybe some ice cream. I love ice cream, what a treat to end my day with.
Day 3: Adventure at the Water Park (or, You Know, a Big Splash)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. I'm getting used to the limited breakfast options, but I'm also low-key plotting to sneak in some of my favorite snacks.
- 10:00 AM: Water Park day! I'm talking big slides, lazy rivers, and maybe even a wave pool if I'm feeling brave. I'm also terrified of heights, so this could be a total disaster.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at the water park. Hopefully, the food isn’t too terrible. (Expecting disappointment, but hoping for a miracle.)
- 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Water park mayhem. Embrace the inner child, scream, and maybe even conquer my fear of heights. Or at least get moderately wet.
- 4:30 PM: Back to the hotel for a quick shower and change.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner and Drinks. I'm thinking a casual spot with great ambiance. A place to relax, laugh, and maybe even meet some locals.
- 7:30 PM: Catch some live music. Destin has some great live music spots, and I'm definitely going to find one that’s playing my kind of music.
- 9:00 PM: Relax by the pool and enjoy a cocktail. Finally, a chance to just chill and wind down from all the excitement.
Day 4: The Great Sandcastle Disaster & Retail Therapy
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast, and begin my sandcastle construction preparations in the morning.
- 9:00 AM: Dedicated Sandcastle building attempt. It starts out so great, with all the ambition and drive in the world. But it quickly turns into a structural nightmare. The tide comes in. I'm drenched. I'm defeated. But hey, at least I tried.
- 11:00 AM: Sulk somewhere with ice cream.
- 1:00 PM: Retail Therapy. Destin has some cute boutiques, and I have a major weakness for souvenirs. I might accidentally spend way too much money. Worth it.
- 3:00 PM: Pampering. I'm thinking a massage? Or maybe a facial? I deserve it after my sandcastle fiasco.
- 5:00 PM: Explore the harbor. Watch the boats come in, and fantasize about owning my own yacht.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner at a nice restaurant. Treat yourself. You've earned it!
- 8:30 PM: Finish the night on the beach. Enjoy the starry sky and the sounds of the ocean.
Day 5: Destin History & Destin's Food Options
- 9:00 AM: Explore the local area. Visit a museum, learn a bit about the area's history.
- 11:00 AM: Find a great lunch spot with some good food. Search Google for highly-rated eateries.
- 12:00 PM: Continue to explore. Enjoy the beaches and the crystal-clear water.
- 3:00 PM: Visit the Destin Harbor Boardwalk. Enjoy a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment choices.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a seafood restaurant with a view. Savor the fresh catch while watching the sunset over the Gulf.
- 8:00 PM: Enjoy a night out, enjoying nightlife options.
Day 6: Beach Day & A Taste of the Gulf
- 9:00 AM: Pack up for a trip on the beach, find the perfect spot, and make a sunbath station.
- 12:00 PM: Lunch at a beachfront cafe or a casual spot.
- 2:00 PM: Take a boat tour. Learn more about the harbor while enjoying views.
- 4:00 PM: Explore the local shops and discover unique souvenirs, and maybe some art pieces.
- 6:00 PM: Find a food tour. Sample a variety of local cuisines while enjoying a delicious dinner.
- 8:00 PM: Enjoy a sunset activity and soak in the views.
Day 7: Farewell & Planning the Next Adventure
- 9:00 AM: Final breakfast at the hotel. One last waffle… or maybe two. And a good, long look at that pool
Destin Homewood Suites: The *Real* Deal (My Brain's Unfiltered Take)
Okay, So, *Is* This Homewood Suites Actually Good? Or Just Like, "Hotel Good"?
Alright, deep breath. Good? It's... definitely a contender. Like, I've stayed in some places that made me question my life choices (looking at you, sketchy motel on I-95!), and this Homewood Suites in Destin is leagues above that. But "hotel good" is right on the money. It's clean. The staff are genuinely friendly (which is HUGE, trust me, after a day wrangling kids on the beach). The suites are SPACIOUS. Which is also HUGE if you've got small people. It’s not a luxury resort with butlers and champagne on tap, but it’s *comfortable* and surprisingly practical. And let's be honest, sometimes *comfortable* is EVERYTHING when you're on vacation.
My first impression? "Wow, it's a lot bigger than I expected." Seriously. Pictures lie. Or maybe I'm just bad at visualizing things (highly likely). But the living area, the separate bedroom, the fully equipped kitchen... they're a lifesaver, especially with a family. That microwave alone saved me from hangry meltdowns on multiple occasions. Winning.
What's Actually Good About It, Besides Just *Existing*? Be Specific!
Okay, okay, specifics. Let's break it down: The breakfast. Look, I'm not a breakfast person. Never have been. But even *I* looked forward to it. They had the usual suspects: waffles, eggs, sausage (the sausage was surprisingly decent, FYI). But the best part? The coffee setup. Multiple types. And it's constantly refilled. It’s a small thing, I know, but when you're dragging yourself out of bed after a day in the sun... that coffee is a GIFT FROM ABOVE.
Also, the pool area is a WINNER. It's not *huge* like some mega-resorts, which is actually a plus, because it feels less overwhelming. And there's a zero-entry section, which is GOLD with little kids. My toddler practically lived in that zero-entry. I also loved that they have a little splash pad area! I wasn't a fan of the noise and the sheer chaos of the other pool area, but the splash pad area helped a lot. My only complaint is that the pool chairs were often taken!
And the location! Right on the Emerald Coast. (Yes, the water really IS that color – I thought it was a Photoshop trick at first!). It's close to everything: shops, restaurants, the beach (shuttle service - more on that later!). And it's a relatively quiet spot, which is a blessing after a day of tourist insanity. (I am definitely an extreme introvert and the quietness helps!)
The Free Breakfast... Realistically, Is It Worth Getting Out of Bed For?
Okay, real talk. It's buffet breakfast. So, temper your expectations. It's not gourmet. But YES, it's worth it. Free food, people! Think of the money you're saving. Think of the convenience. Think of the fact that you don't have to scramble to find a decent breakfast place with a horde of hangry kids. Plus, the aforementioned coffee. Seriously. The coffee alone made it worthwhile! Plus, during my stay, they had a nice little selection of pastries. Don't expect fancy croissants, but they were a nice addition.
Speaking of Kids... Is This Place Actually *Kid-Friendly*?
YES. Absolutely. (Deep breath. Okay, now I'm calmer). The suites are designed for families. The separate bedroom is a lifesaver. The pull-out sofa bed in the living room? Brilliant. The kitchen allows you to prepare snacks (or full meals, if you're a kitchen warrior, unlike myself), and most importantly, keeps you away from expensive restaurant visits. Less meltdowns overall? Score.
The pool area (especially the zero-entry and splash pad!) is basically a kid paradise. They also have a little kids' club area with books and toys, but mine were too busy running amok to notice. The staff are used to kids. They get it. They're friendly and patient. And that, my friends, is worth its weight in gold. Trust me, I've stayed in places where the staff would rather you not breathe near them. This place? Totally the opposite.
What About the Beach Shuttle? Is It a Myth?
Okay, this is where things get a little… *complex*. Yes, they *have* a beach shuttle. Key word: *have*. During my stay, it was, shall we say, unreliable. Sometimes it ran like clockwork. Other times... Well, let's just say I spent a lot of time waiting. And waiting. And wondering if I should just call an Uber with the kids.
My advice? Don't *rely* on the shuttle. If you get it, consider it a bonus! Have a backup plan. Uber is probably your friend here. Or, if you're feeling ambitious, walk. It's not *that* far, but it's a haul with kids and all the beach gear. And the heat. Oh, the heat! Seriously though, it's a toss-up. One day it was great, the next it was MIA. Check the schedule and be prepared to adjust. This is one thing keeping this from getting a "perfect" rating.
Any Downsides? Be Brutally Honest.
Alright, here we go. The downsides: The beach shuttle situation. As mentioned before. Seriously, it's the one thing that really dinged the experience.
And, okay, the hallways. They're a little… generic. Like, the kind of hallways you see in every single chain hotel. Don't expect a decorator's masterpiece. But, honestly, who cares? You're not living in the hallway.
And, finally, the noise. It's a hotel. You're going to hear some noise. Kids running down the hall. People talking in the pool. The occasional slamming door. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. I should have.
Okay, Overall… Would You Stay Here Again? And, More Importantly, Would You *Recommend* It?
Yes. Absolutely, yes. Despite the somewhat dodgyLuxury Stay Blog
