The snow-white beaches of Florida’s Emerald Coast are one of our favorite destinations. The area is chock-full with condominiums, but most are not designed to accommodate a wheelchair user. Needing an accessible guestroom, we were pleased to discover a newly opened Courtyard on Okaloosa Island west of Destin, Fla.

© Barbara & Jim Twardowski

Complimentary covered parking is conveniently located beside two enclosed elevators that take guests to the hotel lobby. I checked in and was given a corner, king wheelchair-accessible room with a roll-in shower. The oversized room featured a long, curved movable desk with a 42-inch television hanging above. A comfy chair was tucked in a corner beside a tripod floor lamp. The raised bed was the focal point with wallpaper depicting an abstract image of a tree. The bedside lamps with extra outlets were handy for charging a variety of devices. A mini fridge and microwave were discretely hidden behind a triangle-shaped closet. Additional amenities included a coffeemaker/tea service, free WiFi and a complimentary newspaper. The bathroom with plenty of space for maneuvering a wheelchair was well-lit and stocked with Paul Mitchell bath products.

Guests can reach the hotel’s small outdoor heated pool with views of the beach by using a skywalk located on the first floor. Wheelchair users will appreciate the chair lift, which allows those who cannot climb steps to access the pool. In addition to swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, guests can stay active using the hotel’s fitness center or rent bicycles through the front desk.

Additional services at the Courtyard include an on-site laundry, business center and a sundry store. The Bistro, open in the morning and evening hours, serves breakfast, Starbucks coffee, dinner and cocktails. The large lounging area contains tables for board games, a television and books.

The Emerald Coast Convention Center, the Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park and the Destin Harbor Boardwalk are all about a mile from the hotel — making the location excellent for the business traveler or a weekend getaway.

Courtyard Fort Walton Beach-West Destin

414 Sanata Rosa Blvd.
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
tel 850 244 2222