As someone who loves the sun, sand, and sea, we can confidently say that Panama City, Florida is a great place for a beach vacation. Like most people, we came to this coastal city to immerse ourselves in its beautiful beaches that are adorned with crystal clear waters and soft, white sand. What’s more, we found that the beachfront hotel in Panama City isn’t like any other in the country. Most of them offer the fun that comes with Panama City, and all of them have stunning ocean views and easy access to the beach.
But Panama City isn’t just about the beach. There are also plenty of interesting attractions and sites to visit. We went to several classic tourist go-to places, including the Gulf World Marine Park, where we saw dolphins and other marine animals up close. And, of course, we couldn’t miss up on shopping at Pier Park and get ourselves a piece of Panama City to bring home. That said, you can always explore the vibrant marine life with a Guided Snorkeling Adventure, as we did, embark on a sunset cruise, or simply bask in the sun while savoring the panoramic ocean views. But first, let us help you find the perfect beachfront hotel to stay at in Panama City.
Table of contents
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Panama City Beach
- Casa Loma
- Days Inn by Wyndham PCB
- Bikini Beach Resort
- Beachside Resort Panama City Beach
- Beach Tower Beachfront Hotel, a By The Sea Resort
- Sugar Sands Beachfront Hotel
- Bluegreen’s Bayside Resort and Spa at Panama City Beach
- Radisson Hotel PCB
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott Panama City Beach Beachfront
- Hyatt Place Panama City Beach
- Our Verdict!
- The Best Beaches in Panama City, FL
- What part of Panama City is best to stay in?
- What is the best time of the year to visit Panama City?
- How long should I spend in Panama City?
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Panama City Beach
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Holiday Inn Express & Suites Panama City Beach has everything we could ever want from a beachfront hotel. Even you can look forward to the famous quintessential Panama City beach vacation by staying here. Our days were filled with lounging by the oceanfront swimming pool, relaxing by the bar, and more. Plus, since there are beach cabanas and other beach utilities, all you need to do is be here to immerse yourself in all the tropical glory of Panama City.
Furthermore, as a top beachfront hotel in Panama City, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites also provide top-notch hospitality and services. They have facilities ranging from a fitness center, restaurants, a snack bar, and even a laundromat. As for the guestrooms, they range from studio rooms to suites big enough for eight people. With that said, we recommend getting one with a balcony so you can always enjoy the fantastic ocean view from your room.
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Casa Loma
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Casa Loma is famous for many reasons, one for being among the best cheap hotels in Panama City, FL. Now, even though Casa Loma proves to be affordable, we still had the best of times here and get top-notch services.
For starters, we found the hotel’s direct access to the beach as a great advantage. And there’s also beach stuff like chairs and beach umbrellas, so we were able to enjoy the beach hassle-free. Furthermore, we also had a relaxing time just chilling at the hotel, swimming, and lounging by the oceanfront pool. The hotel’s also amazing for its guestrooms, which all come with a fully-equipped kitchen and a balcony. We personally love enjoying the view from the privacy of our room, so this arrangement suited us perfectly.
That said, since the hotel is also located in one of the best locations in Panama City, we had the luxury of being nearby many of the city’s attractions. If you feel like exploring the area, we recommend checking out the famous Pier Park, which is conveniently just five minutes from the hotel. All in all, if you’re looking for cheap beach hotels in Panama City, Fl, why not give Casa Loma a try?
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Days Inn by Wyndham PCB
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Best hotel for families. The Days Inn by Wyndham PCB is the beachfront hotel in Panama City that you want to stay at to have the perfect family getaway. It has all the amazing qualities that made our vacation memorable. Staying here, we got direct access to the beach, a great location, and, most importantly, impeccable services.
Additionally, with the hotel having neat facilities like beach chairs and umbrellas, not to mention water sports equipment, our family settled here perfectly. That said, we got to spend our days playing around the sandy-white beach to our heart’s content. Our kids loved the fun and interactive pool, with its waterfalls and shipwreck model. While they were at it, we adults enjoyed nice sips of cocktails under the waterfall nooks. As you will, too, if you choose to stay at Days Inn Wyndham PCB.
Furthermore, when it comes to the guestrooms, we got a nice and comfortable room, spacious enough for our family. And each room here also has a balcony and amenities, including a fridge and microwave. Other bigger rooms even come with a kitchen. On top of that, there are also other fantastic facilities at the hotel. There’s a restaurant, a fitness center, and even free parking. Additionally, we also love that the hotel is just across from the famous Shipwreck Island Waterfall. All the more reasons why this hotel is so great for families.
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Bikini Beach Resort
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The Bikini Beach Resort may be a smaller property compared to the other cheap beach hotels in Panama City Beach, FL, but that only means we got the personalized service we deserved. For starters, the direct access to the beach was also a big plus for us. And with the hotel providing beach equipment rents and beachside tiki bars, we got to enjoy the beach and the relaxing ocean breeze properly.
Other notable things that we love are the facilities provided here. There’s an oceanfront pool, an on-site laundromat, and free parking spaces! Furthermore, our stay was made even better by how comfy the rooms are. All rooms here come with pristine and modern decor, and some have private balconies and kitchens. To top it all up, the hotel’s also located in one of the best areas in PCB. We had an amazing time checking out attractions like Gulf World Marine Park and Ripley’s Believe It or Not, just minutes away. And to think that the Bikini Beach Resort is so affordable is reason enough for us to secure this hotel on our list for you to check out!
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Beachside Resort Panama City Beach
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Best location. We find that one of the best features of Beach Resort Panama City Beach is its ideal location on the quieter western side of PCB. And like many other cheap beach hotels in Panama City, FL, this hotel comes with a smaller property but bigger benefits. From the fantastic direct access to the beach, the seaside pool, and exceptional services, the hotel got them all. For the utmost relaxation, we enjoyed sunbathing at the poolside chairs and cabanas and taking a dip in the hotel’s outdoor hot tub. While at it, we recommend ordering some nice drinks from the bar to complete the ultimate beach hotel experience.
Furthermore, the on-site restaurant and fitness center made our stay even more convenient. And to our comfort, the guestrooms here are equipped with plush bedding and all the necessary amenities. That said, we recommend getting a suite with an oceanfront balcony so you can get the best view and extra amenities like a kitchen. Overall, we immensely enjoyed our time staying here. This is why you should also give Beachside Resort PCB a try for your next PCB vacation.
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Beach Tower Beachfront Hotel, a By The Sea Resort
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Beach Tower Beachfront Hotel is quite the quintessential beachfront hotel in Panama City. It checks out all the qualities and facilities we need to have a laid-back beach vacation. It has direct access to the beach and all the standard beach stuff, from beach chairs, umbrellas, beachside bars, and even a beach volleyball area. When we wanted to chill by the hotel, we found lounging by the seaside pool with our stylish floppy sun hats was the way to go. Location-wise, it’s right on Front Beach Road, where the hustle and bustle of PCB at. So, for us getting around was so much easier from the hotel.
As for the hotel’s guestrooms, they’re as comfortable as they come. With most of them featuring a balcony and a kitchenette, we had the convenience of a home with stunning views to pair with it. All in all, if our stay was comfortable enough for us, it would undoubtedly be comfortable for you as well.
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Sugar Sands Beachfront Hotel
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Best value for money. Sugar Sands Beachfront Hotel is one of the cheap beach hotels in Panama City Beach, FL that guaranteed us a fantastic and hassle-free stay. The hotel’s proximity to the beach alone is already a great benefit. We reckon that the hotel suits everyone best. Our activities here ranged from sunbathing, making sand castles, sipping cocktails, and the all-around fun beach activities. Plus, with the hotel offering us the necessary beach equipment like a beach lounge, umbrellas, and various watersports packages, all we needed to do was be there to immerse ourselves in this tropical haven.
Additionally, the hotel also has other neat facilities that made our stay even more convenient. There’s a seaside pool, a kid’s playground, a fitness center, a restaurant, and even a snack bar. If you’re traveling by car, like we did, the hotel offers free parking, too. Now, the hotel’s guestroom is also another feature that made the hotel stand out for us. Like most top cheap beach hotels, the guestrooms here come with stylish and modern decor, a kitchen, and some even have a private balcony. All in all, we couldn’t recommend you enough to stay at the Sugar Sand Beachfront Hotel.
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Bluegreen’s Bayside Resort and Spa at Panama City Beach
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The Bluegreen’s Bayside Resort and Spa is the fanciest beachfront hotel in Panama City, Florida. Located by the bay near St. Andrews State Park, we fancy the hotel as the ultimate destination for a luxurious stay. While here, we got plenty of sun, sand, and balmy breezes, plus a variety of activities and amenities that were sure to please. So, whether you’re here for a refreshing spa retreat or to discover the festivities that come with PCB, the resort has everything in store for you.
If you’re like us, you can start your days here by working out at their world-class fitness center, practicing yoga at the gardens, or going straight to the pool or beach. Or if you feel like trying any adrenaline-infusing activities, then the hotel’s watersports packages will give you just that. We ourselves created tons of exciting memories when riding the banana boat. You should definitely check it out, too. On the contrary, if you prefer to have a relaxing afternoon, then we couldn’t recommend you enough to book the hotel’s spa treatment. You can get so many amazing benefits by staying at The Bluegreen’s Bayside Resort and Spa.
“We were so excited to check out the Serenity Spa at The Blugreen’s Bayside Resort and Spa, and honestly our anticipation were paid off. The masseuse did such an incridible job in making sure we were thorougly pampered and relaxed.”
WOWTravel
On that note, we also would like to point out that their guestrooms are just as amazing as the rest of the hotel. Offering sleek and luxurious rooms, complete with fancy decor and amenities, you’re for sure getting your money’s worth. We could go on and on about how amazing this hotel is, but you just have to experience it firsthand yourself. So, wait no more and book yourself a room here ASAP!
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Radisson Hotel PCB
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Best hotel for couples. The Radisson Hotel PCB is an amazing beachfront hotel in Panama City, Florida, for everyone, but especially for couples. We find the hotel’s romantic ocean view as the perfect backdrop to enjoy an intimate getaway with our partner. Plus, the hotel’s private access gave us the opportunity to enjoy the ultimate beach vacation. Just imagine days of romantic beach walks and catching sunsets with your loved ones. We even took it up a notch and had a romantic beachside dinner. And conveniently, the hotel was the one who set it up for us. You too can enjoy all of these if you decide to stay here.
Furthermore, there are various available on-site activities that you and your partner can both check out at the hotel. For us, we thoroughly enjoyed having spa treatments together and nice lazy days by the pool and hot tub. If you prefer to stroll around the area, Pier Park and Gulf World Marine Park are just within walking distance. Now, after a day of enjoying the best of PCB, you can retreat to your comfy guestroom at the hotel. For couples, we recommend getting the room with its own whirlpool so you can relax better in your own comfort and privacy.
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SpringHill Suites by Marriott Panama City Beach Beachfront
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Experience the ultimate luxurious beachfront getaway at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Panama City Beach. With its unrivaled location and exceptional amenities, this beachfront hotel in Panama City, Florida, is the perfect choice for your deluxe PCB vacation. Believe us when we say that one of the best parts of staying here is you get to wake up to the soothing sounds of crashing waves, as the beach is just steps away from your room. Not to mention since most rooms have balconies, your morning will be filled with breathtaking ocean views while you sip on your coffee.
We like to start our days here by taking advantage of the hotel’s excellent continental breakfast spread before anything else. Then unto the impressive lagoon-style pool we go. That said, you could always go to the hotel’s private beach and breathe in the ocean breeze. Whether you’re lounging on the white sandy shores or enjoying thrilling water sports, the beach becomes your playground.
After an exciting day, we love getting a taste of the hotel’s on-site ice cream parlor, Jelly’s, while watching the sun sets from the cozy terrace. And then, before retreating to the comfort of the hotel’s suites, you can make a pit stop at the hotel’s exceptional restaurants for your dinner. Although, if you prefer to eat out, the tourist-fave Shrimp Bucket is just right across the street. Also, read about the most luxurious hotels in Panama City Beach.
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Hyatt Place Panama City Beach
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The Hyatt Place Panama City Beach is definitely on the luxurious side when it comes to beachfront hotels in Panama City, Florida. We love how you can already feel the exclusivity of staying here just by stepping into the lobby. The hotel is adorned with sleek and modern furniture and fancy decor extending to each guestroom.
While staying here, this brilliant hotel gave us the trifecta of a quality beachfront hotel anyone would ever want. For starters, it’s located directly on PCB’s shores and in the downtown area of PCB. That way, we could leisurely spend our days by the beach, check out nearby restaurants, and enjoy PCB’s exciting nightlife. Secondly, the staff here are so lovely, and they ensured all our needs and comfort were taken care of. And thirdly, we just can’t let you miss out on the facilities available here. When you’re not sunbathing by the beach’s cabanas, you must check out the hotel’s rooftop bar, where the coastal view is simply mesmerizing. Other than that, we also love the lagoon/lazy river-style pool here.
Now, guestroom-wise, you already know that each room will be just as amazing as the rest of the hotel. We particularly like how there are various rooms to choose from. So if you’re traveling solo, with your family, or even pets, the hotel got you! And most importantly, there are also rooms with balconies, which we highly recommend you get, so that you can always enjoy the view from the privacy of your room.
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Our Verdict!
So we’ve listed all the best 11 beachfront hotels in Panama City, Florida, for you to browse. But to make that process easier for you, here are some highlights of the hotels that have a significant feature that you might look for in your search:
- Best value for money: Sugar Sands Beachfront Hotel
- Best location: Beach Resort Panama City Beach
- Best hotel for families: Days Inn by Wyndham PCB
- Best hotel for couples: Radisson Hotel PCB
The Best Beaches in Panama City, FL
Panama City Beach, FL, is a popular destination for beachgoers, with miles of white sandy beaches and clear emerald waters. Personally, we find the best beaches in Panama City to be St. Andrews State Park, Shell Island, and Panama City Beach (PCB).
What we love most about St. Andrews State Park is its pristine and clean beach, spacious leisure area, beautiful scenery, and the many amenities the beach provides. There are restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and a playground. That way, you can enjoy your beach day without having to worry about logistic issues and whatnot. On top of that, the scenery at St. Andrew State Park is a feast for the eyes in itself. While we were here, we enjoyed so much swimming, fishing, kayaking, and hiking. If you’re a fan of nature, then we recommend camping here for a few days.
As for Shell Island, it’s really a bit of an adventure getting here. Our journey to the island started with driving to St. Andrews State Park and then taking a shuttle boat to the island for a fee of $25/person. Since it’s accessible only by boat, it offers a more secluded beach experience with pristine waters and stunning views. The island has no facilities, so you should pack food and water. That way, you can enjoy the island as much as we did!
Last but not least is Panama City Beach. We love the long miles of white-sandy beaches and the various restaurants strewn along the coast. Conveniently, there are numerous public access points to the beach. We recommend the ones at Front Beach Road, where most of PCB’s famous attractions are located. It’s no surprise that most of the beachfront hotel in Panama City on this list is located at PCB.
What part of Panama City is best to stay in?
Casco Viejo, Obarrio & El Cangrejo, Marbella, San Francisco, Bella Vista, and Calidonia are the best places to stay in Panama City for first-time visitors. These are beautiful and popular tourist neighborhoods with a wide range of attractions and amenities.
What is the best time of the year to visit Panama City?
The dry season, which lasts from late December to April, is the best time to visit Panama.
How long should I spend in Panama City?
Seven days in Panama City is a good amount of time to see most of the best things to do in Panama City. You’ll have a few day trips to the beach and plenty of nights to check out the amazing restaurants hidden throughout the city.