8109 Surf Dr, Panama City Beach, Florida, United States | (888) 399-9863
Family-run hotel that draws many repeat guests
Direct access to flat,
sandy beach
Some rooms have gulf view
balconies and kitchens
Two outdoor heated pools
Wood deck with grills and
seating area
Coin-operated laundry facilities
Free parking and Wi-Fi
Dated furnishings and decor
Some complaints about firm beds
Some rooms don’t have
balconies
Sunset Inn is a family-run value hotel located directly on the sandy beach in Panama City and within a short walk of restaurants and nightlife. There are two heated outdoor pools and a small wood deck for grilling. The 90 rooms are somewhat dated with tube-style TVs in some as well as outdated wallpaper and furnishings, but many rooms have full kitchens or kitchenettes as well as gulf-view balconies. Overall, it’s a good pick for the price and earns a lot of return guests. For something with more amenities, travelers might want to consider the nearby Summit Condominium Resort, which has a fitness center, tiki bar, tennis courts, and two pools.
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Scene
Beachfront value hotel popular with couples and families
The Sunset Inn occupies a light-colored, two-story building with exterior hallways and cheery turquoise doors. Palm trees dot the property and there's a lovely wooden deck with potted plants, umbrella-shaded tables, and a fountain where guests can relax on lounge chairs or use the grills and dine alfresco. Another wooden deck with lounge chairs faces the gulf and the beautiful sandy beach directly behind the hotel, while two pools provide additional outdoor recreation space. Interiors are simple; the small, functional lobby has a bit of a cluttered rental-car reception feel with shelves of travel brochures, a gum ball machine, and a coffeemaker. Most find that this family-run hotel has a friendly atmosphere, and many guests, most of which are families and couples, return year after year; some have been coming for decades.
Location
Beachfront location in residential area
The hotel is located directly on the beach in an area that’s a bit more residential and quieter than the core bustling area of Panama City Beach. Directly behind the hotel is a lounge chair and sailboat rental shack on the beach. Plenty of restaurants and bars are within walking distance, and there is a grocery store within a five-minute walk. Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is around a half-hour drive.
Rooms
Dated rooms, some with gulf-view balconies
There are a variety of room types at Sunset Inn that range in size from smaller Efficiency Rooms to one- and two-bedroom condos to townhouses. Most rooms have either full kitchens with ovens or small kitchenettes with mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffee machines. Decor is dated, however, with cheap, floral patterned bedspreads and older furnishings that may include tube-style TVs and outdated wallpaper in bathrooms. Guests complain the beds are too firm and rooms can be humid. Some rooms have gulf-view balconies furnished with chairs, and all rooms have TVs with cable channels including HBO and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are small and simple, with shower/tub combos, wall-mounted hairdryers, and soap.
Features
Beach access, two heated outdoor pools, and grilling areas
Sunset Inn has a friendly staff and direct access to a lovely stretch of sandy beach. There are two heated outdoor pools surrounded by sundecks lined with lounge chairs. Wood decks with gas grills provide a spot to cook out, and shaded tables and chairs are available for eating outside. The hotel has free parking and Wi-Fi, plus there are coin-operated laundry machines on-site.
