Wonderful stay — depending on what the guest is looking for. To start, this motel is a step back in time. Late 1950s, early 1960s vibe. This would be OG Panama City Beach, folks. From the parking lot, this is straight out of a movie set from mid century America. The “front desk” is in a round building separate from the motel — the way they used to be when folks hit the road for long vacations and drove up to their room area. Free coffee in the check in area and the absolutely nicest front desk staff you will ever meet. Friendly, attentive staff is a hallmark of this place. Lots of staff on hand to help out. I have stayed in $500/night hotels on NYC’s prime areas and not had staff this attentive and friendly. The room was large (especially by modern standards), bed comfy and balcony overlooked pool and the Gulf. Refrigerator was larger than the standard hotel mini-fridge and can hold quite a bit of food. Microwave is standard hotel size. The pool was hopping. Lots of families, retirees and young adults. Teenagers took over at night and had a great time. A huge checkers and chess board was fun for the kids to clown around with. There are steps to the beach, and you can get umbrella and chairs set up down there. Lots of people just seemed to picnic by the pool or sun deck, and had drinks at pool bar. Plenty of towels available for the pool chairs. Again, staff is amazing. They are even patient when a dozen children (age 10 or so and under) from lots of different families pile into the bar chairs and ask for glasses of water that are served with a smile and as if those soaking wet kids are the most important guests they have. Now, for why this place isn’t for everybody: building design is vintage, no-nonsense concrete and brick. It is not a modern high-rise. There is no elevator. If you need help, tell staff in advance, and they will put you on the parking lot level so you can drive to your door. There are ice machines on the east side of each level. It is not fancy, and if you want modern, this is not it. Remember, one person’s “dated” is another person’s time-travel fun. This is a step back to mid century US vacation heyday. The biggest difference from that era: The mix of guests is delightfully diverse. In short: I found it to be a fun place, clean, comfortable, had all the amenities we needed and was a good value. Would not hesitate to stay here again and would recommend to folks who would appreciate the vibe. I hope someone doesn’t come in and “update it” beyond its historic roots.
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