Residence Inn by Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard

This hotel is highly regarded for its prime location within Grand Boulevard, offering convenient walking access to a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Its spacious rooms, often featuring kitchenettes, provide a comfortable and home-like atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for families seeking extended stays or couples on a relaxing getaway. Many guests appreciate the hotel's commitment to being pet-friendly, though this aspect receives mixed feedback. While the hotel has undergone recent renovations, some guests note lingering issues with strong odors and cleanliness in certain areas. To enhance your stay, consider utilizing the in-room kitchen facilities to save on dining expenses and explore the vibrant local area on foot.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of amenities designed to enhance guest comfort and convenience. Guests frequently praise the inviting pool and hot tub areas, which provide a relaxing escape, though some wish the pool were heated year-round. A well-equipped fitness center and a business center cater to both leisure and work needs. For added convenience, the hotel provides on-site laundry facilities and a poolside wash station, particularly useful after beach outings. The presence of a basketball court is a popular feature, adding recreational value. Guests also benefit from free Wi-Fi throughout the property and complimentary EV charging stations. However, some guests have reported issues with a frequently broken elevator and occasional non-functional ice machines in rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is varied. Many guests describe their rooms as spotless, spacious, and comfortable, highlighting the king-sized beds and well-equipped kitchenettes as significant advantages. The full kitchens, complete with refrigerators, stovetops, and utensils, are particularly appreciated for longer stays. However, a notable number of reviews mention persistent unpleasant odors in hallways and some rooms, ranging from chemical to pet-related or musty smells. Some guests also reported issues with dirty hallway carpets, worn towels, and occasional sightings of bugs or stains on bedding and furniture, indicating inconsistencies in deep cleaning. Noise from loud AC units and refrigerators was also a concern for some.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's complimentary breakfast consistently receives high praise from most guests. It is frequently described as excellent, delicious, and offering a good variety of fresh, hot options, including oatmeal with toppings and waffles. Many appreciate the quality and selection, noting it as one of the better hotel breakfasts they have experienced. The staff managing the breakfast area are often commended for their attentiveness and efficiency in replenishing items. While the overall sentiment for breakfast is positive, a few guests found the selection to be somewhat limited or described the quality as mediocre on certain days, particularly when served in a temporary location during renovations.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is a major highlight for guests, providing exceptional convenience. It is ideally situated within walking distance of the Grand Boulevard shopping center, which features numerous shops, restaurants, a movie theater, and a grocery store. While not directly on the beach, the hotel offers easy access, being just a short drive of 5-7 minutes to Miramar Beach and 20-30 minutes to Destin, depending on traffic. Guests also appreciate the proximity to state parks like Topsail and Henderson Beach. The area is generally considered safe, and the hotel provides free parking, which is ample and well-lit. Some guests noted occasional traffic noise due to its proximity to a main highway.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff generally receives high commendation for their friendliness, helpfulness, and professionalism. Many guests highlight specific individuals for their exceptional service, noting their attentiveness and willingness to go the extra mile to assist with requests. The check-in process is often described as quick and hassle-free. Staff are frequently praised for being prompt in addressing guest needs, such as providing extra towels or resolving room issues. However, some guests reported instances of staff being less welcoming or perceived as understaffed, leading to delays in service or unaddressed concerns. A few isolated incidents of unprofessional conduct or issues with reservation handling were also mentioned.

Additional Information
The hotel's pet-friendly policy is a significant aspect of its offering, allowing guests to travel with their animals, and dedicated green areas are available for pets. However, this policy also leads to mixed feedback, with some guests reporting issues with constant dog barking and strong pet odors, particularly on carpets, suggesting a need for designated pet-free zones. The hotel has been undergoing renovations, which, while aiming to modernize the property, have caused some disruption with noise from construction during the day and temporary changes to facilities like the breakfast area. Guests who stayed during hurricanes praised the staff's compassion and accommodating nature, with some pet fees even being waived during these times.