As a motorized wheelchair user, my one goal when selecting a beachfront hotel is the availability of a view. Springhill Suites Panama City Beach exceeded my expectations.

When my husband and I stepped out of the elevator into the fourth-floor lobby, I gasped with delight. The afternoon sun was bright and the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico were simply dazzling. Upholstered chairs placed in front of floor-to-ceiling windows provided an unobstructed view of the sugar-white beach dotted with umbrellas, the hotel’s pool, and a 1,500-foot-long fishing pier.

© Jim Twardowski

After chatting with the friendly desk clerk, we rode the elevator to the hotel’s top floor. Our accessible king suite included a sofa sleeper and a long balcony with an oceanfront view. Being on the 14^th floor, we could almost pet the flock of pelicans flying overhead. The spacious room with a ceiling that must be at least 10 feet high provided magnificent views when we were inside. Additional amenities included a desk, flat-screen television, free WiFi, microwave, mini fridge and coffee/tea maker. The large bathroom with a roll-in shower was well designed and offered ample space to maneuver a wheelchair.

Open 24 hours a day, the fitness center’s windows face the beach. The outdoor swimming pool and lazy river feature a self-operating chair lift and a sloped entry so wheelchair users can easily access the resort-style amenity. A whirlpool is tucked beside the pool and also has a chairlift. One of our favorite spots to relax was the covered outdoor patio bar and grill which features — you guessed it — gorgeous Gulf Coast views. Located beside the pool with indoor and outdoor seating, Jelly’s is the place to find the requisite vacation ice cream cone.

© Jim Twardowski

On the fourth floor of the lobby, a market is stocked with an eclectic collection of convenience items, from sunscreen and frozen dinners to impulse buy items such as Toblerone chocolate. The Compass Lounge serves libations, with seating facing a bank of windows framing the coastal view. In the morning, this is where a bountiful free breakfast is served. Throughout the day, guests can help themselves to complimentary coffee and teas.

Just steps from the water, Springhill Suites at Panama City Beach was designed to showcase the destination’s incredible scenery. Throughout the hotel, there’s plenty of vantage points to sit and soak in the beauty. Our stay was too short — a mere three days. Next time, we will book a week.

Springhill Suites Panama City Beach

12512 Front Beach Road
Panama City Beach, FL 32407
tel 850 230 6004