Holiday Inn or Sandpiper?

Question

Hi all

For our summer vacation, our family of 10 --two 7 years and two 5 years -- are looking at either the Holiday Inn or Sandpiper. Any suggestions for which one is more kid friendly and accommodating? Thank you. Tony C

Answer

When deciding between the Holiday Inn and Sandpiper in Panama City Beach for a family of 10 with young children, both resorts offer family-friendly accommodations, but there are some differences that may help guide your choice.

Holiday Inn: The Holiday Inn Beach Resort is known for its family-oriented amenities. Rooms are typically spacious, and suites are available to accommodate larger families. The resort offers direct beach access, multiple pools including a kids’ pool, and on-site dining options. It is also convenient for families looking for structured activities and kid-friendly services.

Sandpiper Resort: Sandpiper Beach Resort focuses more on spacious condos or suite-style accommodations, which can be ideal for larger families needing separate bedrooms and kitchen facilities. The resort offers pools, direct beach access, and is known for being accommodating to families who want more flexibility for meals and self-catering. It tends to have a more relaxed, vacation-home feel.

Holiday Inn: Best for families wanting full-service amenities, on-site dining, and kid-focused activities.
Sandpiper: Best for families wanting more space, kitchen facilities, and the flexibility to cook meals or spread out in larger accommodations.
Both: Both resorts provide direct beach access, pools, and are suitable for young children.

Additional considerations:

Sandpiper may be slightly better for a large group like yours, as condos with multiple bedrooms allow everyone to stay under one roof while having private sleeping spaces.
Holiday Inn’s kid programs and structured activities may be a benefit if your children enjoy on-site entertainment.
Check availability for specific room types and amenities during the summer season, as both resorts can get busy, especially with larger family bookings.

In summary, if your priority is spacious accommodations and self-catering for a family of 10, Sandpiper might be more convenient. If you prefer resort-style amenities with pools, organized activities, and on-site dining, the Holiday Inn could be a better fit. Both are very family-friendly and provide excellent access to the beach and local attractions.