1180 Scenic Highway 98, Florida, United States | (888) 273-7116
Seaside location and wide white-sand beach lined with free loungers
Near many restaurants, supermarkets, and attractions
All condos have furnished balconies with ocean views
Well-stocked kitchens, laundry facilities, and living rooms are standard
Rooms can sleep up to eight, making them suitable for families
Well-maintained outdoor pool with small slide for the kids
Small, modern gym overlooking the pool and ocean
Free Wi-Fi throughout and free parking
Decor across condos is inconsistent and some are dated
No restaurant on-site
Pool is small
The three-pearl Destin Gulfgate's condos are the closest thing travelers can get to an apartment steps away from the ocean. Restaurants and shops are within shopping distance, while family and nature attractions are a 10-minute (or fewer) drive away. The 45 condos sleep up to eight and have laundry facilities, plus self-catering is easy thanks to well-stocked kitchens and nearby grocery stores. While all have balconies with ocean views, some are more old-fashioned than others. The property is light on features, but there are a small outdoor pool, free beachfront loungers, and a modern gym. This is an excellent options for families, but couples may prefer the adult-only Henderson Park Inn, which comes with free meals and an on-site restaurant.
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Scene
Excellent beachfront condo property for families and groups
One of the top-rated condo properties in Destin, the Destin Gulfgate functions like an apartment building rather than a hotel. For that reason, public spaces are limited to a small outdoor pool with ocean views and a beachy lobby with a blue, white, and beige color scheme. The property caters toward families and groups more interested in a beachfront setting and self-catering rooms than typical hotel amenities. Interiors are largely modern and well-maintained, though some units are old-fashioned and in need of an update.
Location
Beachfront location conveniently near restaurants and attractions
If beach time takes priority, it doesn't get much better than the Destin Gulfgate: Despite being within short walking distance of most tourist destinations and along a line of tourist condos, the beachfront location still gives it a feeling of separation from the tourist drag. Steps from the water, the hotel and its rooms catch the sounds of the waves, and dolphins are often in sight. Popular restaurants and Big Kahuna's water park are within a short walk (five to 15 minutes) or quick drives. It's a six-minute drive to a main shopping area that includes a Walmart, and multiple grocery stores are a five-minute drive away. Farther afield, guests can jump in the car to get to Henderson Beach State Park (four minutes) and the Destin Harbor Boardwalk (10 minutes). Destin-Ft. Walton Airport is 30 minutes by car. Parking is free on-site, either in a garage or in an outdoor lot.
Rooms
Ocean-view condos with kitchens and laundry facilities
Arguably the best feature of the condos are that all have large ocean-view balconies furnished with chaise lounges and a table and chairs. Condos vary in size and decor -- some are quite dated with floral upholstery, while others look straight out of a modern catalog. Fortunately, guests can choose their specific room to ensure the style suits their taste. Large kitchens are well-stocked, and there are also washer/dryers, living rooms, and dining tables. Condos sleep between four and eight, most with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Wi-Fi is free.
Features
Light on features, but the ocean just steps away is the main draw
As a condo-style accommodation, the property doesn't have a ton of features, but who needs them when there's a beautiful white-sand beach? Except in the winter, lounge chairs and umbrellas are free on the beach. The well-maintained pool is a bit small but sufficient, and overlooks the ocean. There are loungers in the sun and under the broad expanse of umbrellas, plus a shallow end with a tiny slide for the kids. There's also a large activity room with plenty of tables and chairs for gatherings, as well as a compact gym with modern equipment and floor-to-ceiling windows offering lovely views. There's no restaurant on-site. Wi-Fi is free throughout.
