My husband I first intended to just stay one night. But when we got here and saw what the resort, inclusive of the hotel, had to offer, we immediately booked another night. The studios are quiet and well equipped and clean! We headed straight to the beach and ate at the Hilton, which is all part of the golf resort complex. The location and value are excellent. The golf resorts hosts a village of restaurants and night life as well as a bit of shopping. The hotel is located just a few short miles to the outlet shopping as well. There are tons of restaurants nearby so variety isn't an issue.

My wife and I stopped here for a couple of nights on our way back from a trip to New Orleans, and we absolutely loved it.

The rate we booked was very reasonable, and made this hotel an outstanding value. Our suite was clean, spacious, and nicely decorated. Noise from the interior hall did filter in, however, so we kept our bedroom door closed at night to ensure quiet.

The pool was modest and crowded, so we didn't make too much use of it. However, the hotel provides free transportation around the Sandestin Resort area, and there's a much larger pool right by the beach. Bring your own chairs if you want to sit out by the beach, though; the resort charges for the use of theirs.

This hotel serves enough free food to keep your stomach and your wallet full. The breakfast buffet had much more variety than most hotels offer, including hot choices like eggs and sausage. They also serve a snack and drinks in the evenings.

All in all, we loved this hotel and would absolutely return again. Low rates, spacious accomodations, free transportation, and free food make for a great combination.

Although we are from Tampa we have never been to the Destin area. We loved it. This hotel is brand new and has the best location. Check in was smooth and the staff super friendly. We had a pet with us and this hotel MUST be the nicest place you can stay with a dog in hand. Rooms are beautiful with stainless steal appliances in kitchen, upgraded floors, a sitting room, and a seperate shower/toilet and sink area. We couldn't believe the room when we walked in! Two special perks: One, they have a restaurant quality FREE breakfast buffet each morning that is wonderful and a great start to the day. Two, they have a FREE shuttle that picks you up and takes you a short distance away to the beach OR a great night out called Baytowne Wharf. This place is super child friendly and has lots of restaurants, shops, night life and live music. Great shopping just around the corner. Weather was 80's during the day and a little cooler at night. Perfect Florida fall weather! Destin was great and this hotel made it perfect! I couldn't name one thing I would change.

I stayed at the Sandestin Residence Inn while working for the week at Eglin AFB (gov per diem rate = $109/night). I was working nights, so I was able to enjoy the resorts amenities during the day.

I thoroughly enjoyed everything about the Sandestin resort - particularly the beaches, golf courses, and dining in the Village area. The resort shuttle was quick and efficient - an excellent benefit.

Overall, my stay was excellent, though I noted two problems. The first was that the hotel doors were unsecured because the electronic locks were inoperable. The second was that one of the two elevators was inoperable from Sunday the 12th through Saturday the 18th. It looked like they finally got it working as I was leaving. Those two issues aside, the hotel was clean, the room was nicely furnished and comfortable, and the free breakfast was excellent.

The laundry room was nicely equiped with high efficiency washers and dryers.

As far as the resort is concerned: The Baytowne golf course was fantastic. They were offering reduced rates ($55 vs. regular $95+) because they had aerated the course the previous week. The beach was equipped with lots of chairs and umbrellas. I think I was supposed to pay to use them, but I wasn't sure and nobody told me differently. I had heard that it is normally very busy and dificult to find a spot. I didn't find it to be that way - I think school started in FL that week.

I sampled four of the restaurants in the Village area. The Creole place was good though the creamy pasta with crawfish was a bit bland. Poppy's was excellent - I had the red snapper platter. The BBQ place was OK (the ribs were disappointing), and the cajon place was forgetable (the jambalaya was overcooked and not very good). A band was playing at the bar near Poppy's the night I arrived - that was a really nice touch.

The Sandestin resort is someplace I would very much like to return to in the future for an actual vacation with the family. If I do, I will definitely seriously consider another stay at the Residence Inn.