Choosing hotel

Question

Hi - we are coming for 4 nights at the end of the month as part of a wider trip. We chose Destin / Sandestin as a base to explore the beaches including 30A.

I’m trying to choose the best hotel for us - we won’t be lying on the beach all day as will likely be exploring the area most days but it would be nice into be able to walk along the beach. We also do like to walk to dinner etc in the evening but don’t mind a short drive.

My current choice is between the Embassy Suites and Hotel Effie. I like the look of Hotel Effie but put off by the resort fee and parking costs. Which would you recommend and why? Also I have seen there are a few hotels at Grand Boulevard- would that be a good option to stay? And we definitely want a hotel not an apartment.

Thanks so much in advance!

Answer

Great question — picking a hotel in the Destin / Sandestin area depends a lot on what kind of vibe you want, how much you're ok paying for “resort-style” extras, and how much you’ll rely on your car vs walking or using the resort shuttle. Here’s a breakdown of Embassy Suites vs Hotel Effie, plus thoughts on staying near Grand Boulevard, and my recommendation.

Option 1: Embassy Suites by Hilton Destin / Miramar Beach

Location & Access: This hotel is located at 570 Scenic Gulf Drive, Miramar Beach, which is very close to the beach (across the street).
Parking: Self-parking is free, which is a big plus if you’ll be driving around.
Amenities & Value: As a typical Embassy Suites, you get two-room suites, free made-to-order breakfast, and a complimentary evening reception.
Walkability / Evenings Out: You’re fairly close to shopping and dining — Silver Sands Premium Outlets is nearby, and plenty of local restaurants are within a short drive or walk.
Downsides: It’s not right on the sand (you have to cross the road), so while beach-access is good, it’s not the same as staying in a true beachfront resort.

Option 2: Hotel Effie (Sandestin)

Luxury / Resort Feel: Hotel Effie is a higher-end “resort-hotel” within Sandestin, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection.
Resort Fee: There is a daily resort fee of $45.
What the Resort Fee Covers: According to their FAQ, the resort fee includes: bike rentals, kayak rental, boogie board, shuttle around the resort, tennis court access, and more.
Parking Costs:
• Self-parking is $25/day
• Valet is $32/day.
Beach Access: Hotel Effie’s “beach” is not immediately beachfront — they provide a shuttle to their beach area.
Amenities & Ambience: Rooftop pool/lounge, very well designed rooms, on-site high-end dining, spa — this is more “resort getaway” than just a base camp.
Trade-Offs: Because of the resort fee + parking, your effective nightly cost goes up. But in return, you get a more luxurious, amenity-rich stay.

Option 3: Staying at / near Grand Boulevard (Sandestin)

Grand Boulevard Neighborhood: Grand Boulevard at Sandestin is a walkable “town center” with shops, restaurants, theatre, and evening activity.
Hotel Options: There *are* hotels around Grand Boulevard (e.g., Marriott brands), but you mentioned wanting a hotel (not a condo) — check properties like Courtyard / Residence Inn, though quality and cost will vary. The Sandestin resort map shows hotel-style rooms among its accommodations.
Pros of Grand Boulevard Location: – Great walkability for dining and shopping – More of a “local / village” feel rather than pure beach resort – Easy access to resort tram or golf carts to go to beachside.
Cons: – May not feel as upscale as Hotel Effie – Depending on the hotel, beach access might not be “right there” – Potentially parking or resort-style fees, depending on which hotel you pick.

My Recommendation & Why

Given your travel style — “you won’t lie on the beach all day, but want walkability, some beach time, and exploring” — I lean toward Embassy Suites:

You keep your budget more predictable (no resort fee, free parking).
You have a very comfortable suite, which is great for relaxing after a day of exploring.
You are close enough to the beach to enjoy it, but also very well positioned for shopping, dining, and driving around to 30A / other beaches.

If you want a more upscale, resort-style experience and don’t mind paying for the extras, Hotel Effie is a gorgeous option — but make sure you run the numbers (room rate + resort fee + parking) vs. Embassy Suites to see if the “resort premium” is worth it for you.

Regarding Grand Boulevard: Staying in or around Grand Boulevard is a very good third option if you want a walkable, “lively / village” feel, and don’t need a full luxury resort. It’s convenient for evening dining and shopping, and gives you flexibility.

If I were in your shoes, I’d probably pick Embassy Suites — but I would also check a few Grand Boulevard hotels just to compare their rates + amenities for your specific dates.