Pensacola, Florida, lies in the southeastern corner of the Panhandle area. Although there are accommodations in the city, tourists seeking resort-type lodging flock to Pensacola Beach, which fronts Santa Rosa Island, across the bay. The shoreline of this barrier island, one of the longest on the planet, is covered with powdery white sand and attracts beach lovers of all ages. Anglers try their luck on the Pensacola Beach Pier, which stretches 1,471 feet into the Gulf of Mexico and offers off-shore fishing. Resort hotels can be found on both the sound and the Gulf sides of the island.
This low-keyed resort with boldly decorated rooms and a mid-island location on Pensacola Beach offers a nostalgic and fun Florida vacation at affordable rates. Paradise Inn features an outdoor pool, access to a private beach, complimentary wireless high-speed Internet, and an on-site restaurant called the Bar and Grill, where you can dine alfresco and mingle with the locals. The resort has a private pier that can be used for swimming, fishing, boating or windsurfing.
Guest rooms are air conditioned and offer cable TV, mini-fridge, microwave and direct dial phones. The property will accept pets in some rooms (for a fee). Weekly rates are offered except during holiday periods.
Nearby eateries include the Native Café (an old-fashioned diner), Paddy’s Irish Pub and Florida Pizza Kitchen. Paradise Inn is located on the sound side of the island, less than two blocks from the Gulf of Mexico.
Paradise Inn
21 Via De Luna Drive
Pensacola, FL 32561
800-301-5925
850-932-2319
paradiseinn-pb.com
Fronting a sugar-white sand beach on the Gulf of Mexico, the Days Inn Pensacola Beachfront lets you stay in a prime location at moderate rates. The resort offers two swimming pools, beach equipment rentals, sand volleyball court and a guest laundry. The 1,000-square foot Seascape Room, with its enviable views of the Gulf of Mexico, is available for meetings or special events.
Rooms are available with one or two queen beds, cable TV, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access, mini-fridge, microwave and coffee maker. The continental DayBreak breakfast is included in the rate. Some rooms offer ocean views.
Guests will find that they are in the heart of the action. The property is less than a quarter mile from Funny Cars LLC, where you can drive mini race cars around a looped track, and from Tiki Island Miniature Golf. Nearby restaurants include Lillo’s Tuscan Café, Crabs We Got Em and the Sidelines Sports Bar.
Days Inn Pensacola Beachfront
16 Via de Luna
Pensacola Beach, FL 32561
850-934-3300
daysinn.com
This is the resort for those who want to get away from it all and be pampered at the same time. Located inside the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Portofino Island Resort offers eight miles of natural white sand beaches to wander through. Other options for your commune with nature are kayaking, biking, hiking, snorkeling and dolphin-watching cruises. Join in a beach volleyball game or a fitness class.
There are five towers in the Portofino Island Resort offering two- and three-bedroom condominium style suites with fully equipped kitchens, in-suite washer/dryers and private balconies. The property’s Premier Club option offers a Chef-to-You service--one of the hotel's chefs will cook a private meal in your suite. The Spa-to-You service brings a masseur or masseuse to your suite for a private massage.
On-site restaurants include the Terracotta, serving steak and seafood, and the Terrazzo Grill, offering pizza, burgers, salads and deli sandwiches. The Market, an on-site grocery store, offers ingredients to make your own meals or special Gourmet-to-You dishes you can serve at your leisure. The Market also has a Smoothie Bar located near the fitness center that serves fresh fruit smoothies, juices, natural teas and snacks.
Portofino Island Resort & Spa
10 Portofino Drive
Gulf Breeze, FL 32561
866-976-8507
portofinoisland.com
