WaterColor Inn & Resort
Traveller (102)
View from our Room
Room & Suite (10)
WaterColor Beach Access
Pool & Beach (2)
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

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Avg. RM 2,266 /night, 2/6 - 2/7
RM 4,124
per night
RM 3,016
per night
RM 1,907
per night

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About

#1 of 1 hotels in Seaside
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.4 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.9 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.8 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Overlooking the sugar sands of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, just a short distance from popular attractions including Seaside and Rosemary Beach, you will find WaterColor Inn, a warm family-friendly destination steeped in southern hospitality, history and charm.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Pool
Bar / lounge
Beach
Bicycles available
Children's playground
Valet parking
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Outdoor pool
Fence around pool
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast in the room
Complimentary Instant Coffee
Complimentary tea
Complimentary welcome drink
Happy hour
Outdoor dining area
Special diet menus
Wine / champagne
Poolside bar
Tennis court
Canoeing offsite
Tennis court offsite
Waterslide
Board games / puzzles
Children's television networks
Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
Kids pool
Highchairs available
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Outdoor furniture
Shops
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun umbrellas
ATM on site
First aid kit
Umbrella
24-hour check-in
24-hour front desk
Dry cleaning
Room features
Blackout curtains
Bathrobes
Air conditioning
Desk
Coffee / tea maker
Cable / satellite TV
Sofa bed
Walk-in shower
Housekeeping
Interconnected rooms available
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Seating area
Sofa
Telephone
VIP room facilities
Wardrobe / wardrobe
Bottled water
Iron
Laptop safe
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
iPod docking station
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Family rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
4.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Business
Languages Spoken
English
Hotel links

Location

34 Goldenrod Circle, Seaside, FL 32459
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 70 out of 100
70
Ft. Walton Beach Airport
41.2 km•
See all flights
Northwest Florida Beaches Intl Airport
33.5 km•
See all flights
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles353 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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The WaterColor Inn & Resort is celebrated by guests for its professional staff and spotless accommodations, with special commendation for its thorough housekeeping. Nestled in a prime location, the resort offers stunning beach views and is conveniently close to shopping and dining options. While the beachy vibe and tranquility of the rooms impress many, some travelers have noted the need for updates and booking challenges. Despite the array of amenities, guests warn of pricey chair rentals and question the overall value.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Inviting
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Pristine
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Top-notch

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Detailed Reviews
Sblock903 wrote a review Aug 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This place is a dream for families and a top place on the 30a. The people are so nice and accommodations and the recent renovations are gorgeous. The beach is pristine. Only thing I would say is the beach chair rental isn’t worth it. You can bring your own umbrella and lay towels down for free, instead of paying $45/person/day.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2024
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shelby Carrico, General Manager at WaterColor Inn & Resort
Responded 24 Aug 2024
Hello, we appreciate you taking the time to leave us this feedback. Please don't hesitate to reach out if there's anything additional we can do for you.
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kaitlin519 wrote a review May 2024
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
+1
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Hotel staff was wonderful, beautiful property with the renovations. Always felt welcomed.
However I feel the beach attendants with the chair service was lacking. Paying 72$ for 2 chairs and an umbrella with sand all over the chairs with no help getting them cleaned off and set up was unexpected. We were pointed in the direction to look for our reserved chairs. This could be improved as well as the dried up seaweed between chairs and rows could be raked and cleaned up in the mornings. Would make the beach a more pleasant experience.
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shelby Carrico, General Manager at WaterColor Inn & Resort
Responded 15 May 2024
Hey Kaitlin519, we are so glad that you enjoyed your stay with us! Thank you for your feedback on our beach service, we will bring this feedback up to our team. We hope to see you again in the future!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
A lot to digest? Read an AI-generated summary of recent traveller reviews.
Patti M wrote a review Oct 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
My husband and I stayed at the resort for 2 nights while we were in town for our friend's daughter's wedding which was at Watercolor. We loved the convenience of stying at the Watercolor Inn, as her wedding was just steps away in Cerulean Park. It was also an easy 5-minute stroll to Seaside for more shopping and dining. We have rented property along 30A for family vacations in years past, and though we had walked around Watercolor, we had not stayed in this beautiful area before. The Inn is super convenient to the beach and we loved our comfortable, spacious guest room on the 4th floor overlooking the beach. Treat suites with cold beverages and snacks just down the hall from guest rooms are such a perfect touch. We loved The Fish Out of Water restaurant with its delicious offerings and easy tranquil ambiance. Check in and out was a breeze and we really appreciated that the staff allowed us to check in early once we notified them that we would be arriving to the resort before check in time. We had such a wonderful two-day stay and I would recommend the resort to anyone looking to stay on 30A.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shelby Carrico, General Manager at WaterColor Inn & Resort
Responded 30 Oct 2024
Hello Patti, thank you; we appreciate your feedback! Thanks again for the recommendation, and have an amazing day!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bill A wrote a review Aug 2024
St. Petersburg, Florida
5.0 of 5 bubbles
I won't have enough words to describe our visit to this extraordinary resort...the service team is incredible starting with those who greet you upon arrival, the restaurant and pool staff, the team that cleans the rooms, and the beach team. It is a small resort that takes incredible care to make you feel welcomed and comfortable...the 4th floor rooms have beautiful views that seem to fill the entire room, and due the size of the building, getting everywhere is very easy. The food on site is excellent, and having a choice between the pool at the resort or the Beach Club gave us many options when we weren't on the beach. My wife and I felt as though we were the only people there despite the fact that they were nearly full during one of the slower times of year for them. I cannot say it enough...the location is perfect, the resort is incredibly clean and beautiful (and constantly somehow smells amazing all day every day), and above all else, the staff is AMAZING! My wife and I will be back soon!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shelby Carrico, General Manager at WaterColor Inn & Resort
Responded 2 Sept 2024
Hello, we are so happy to read such a great review about WaterColor Inn! Please let us know if there is anything else we can do for you; we are more than happy to help!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sherri M wrote a review Sept 2024
5.0 of 5 bubbles
This trip was a mother/daughter getaway. My daughter and I both agree this was the most perfect vacation we've ever had. The hotel is newly redecorated, clean and laid out perfectly. Our room was amazing, the pools (all 4 f them plus the club pools) were pristine, and I was so pleased to find out the Fish Out of Water restaurant is totally gluten free. We loved the beach chairs and umbrellas available for rent each day and couldn't get over how sparkling clean and soft the Florida beach sand is. We are from California and have never seen anything like it. We enjoyed walking each day along the numerous walking/bike trails and we even used the hotel bikes one day and did a 4 mile bike ride along the trail and over to the Camp where we floated on the lazy river after grabbing a smoothie in Seaside. This is definitely a vacation we won't forget!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2024
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shelby Carrico, General Manager at WaterColor Inn & Resort
Responded 29 Sept 2024
Hi, thank you for your kind words and this wonderful review! We hope you have a great day!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jesscams2022 wrote a review Jun 2024
Miami Beach, Florida
4.0 of 5 bubbles
We love the Watercolor Inn. The hotel is well done and the rooms are great. The brunch on Saturday and Sunday's at Fish out of Water is awesome. The pools, the beach, the staff are all wonderful. The only problem with this hotel is the beach chair situation. Beach Chairs are not included in your reservation, so if you don't know that, it is extremely disappointing. Be prepared to pay $70/day for 2 chairs and umbrella. We are a party of 3 people, so we would be forced to pay for 4 chairs. Additionally, because the hotel and beach are part of the Watercolor Community beach club, all of the chairs are reserved online for months before your arrival. So good luck booking one online. That basically means you are winging it on the day of, and you should expect to be placed in the very back row if you get a chair at all. They do sell out. This is the type of mess I hate when dealing with hotels and/or cruises. I don't like stressing over chairs. It really ruins my vacation. This was no exception. To avoid the ridiculous fee of $70 and having my son on a towel anyway, we opted for the pool....but it's not the same. We were there for the beach. They really need to create some sort of small hotel guest area seperate from the rest of the community club. You'd expect something more for rooms that cost $700+ /night.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: June 2024
4.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shelby Carrico, General Manager at WaterColor Inn & Resort
Responded 9 Jun 2024
Hello, thank you; we appreciate your feedback! We would like the opportunity to address your concerns. Please reach out to us directly at (850) 534-5000 when you have a chance. Thank you, and we look forward to hearing from you.
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elishafuller wrote a review Aug 2024
Windermere, Florida
4.0 of 5 bubbles
We enjoyed our stay. Rooms are very nice and clean. Location is beautiful, with easy walking distance to Seaside. Would love to see the level of service elevated a bit at the pool. Towels were frequently out and rarely did we see a server offering drinks and or food. Trolly service was sparse and didn’t seem to follow the routes which left us stranded some times.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2024
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shelby Carrico, General Manager at WaterColor Inn & Resort
Responded 7 Aug 2024
Hi, we truly appreciate your honest feedback. Please reach out to us at (850) 534-5000 so we may identify ways to improve your experience.
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Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Global645611 wrote a review Jun 2024
Gunter, Texas
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Beds are hard, shower has windows all around, not good for friends trip. The place is locked down, and if you’re elderly or not in tip top shape, you will be worn out from climbing stairs to and from beach. Also, the beach chair situation is the absolute biggest ripoff I’ve ever experienced. We had 3 people, forced to pay for 4 chairs, at $197 (that’s with an 18 percent tip) for a day. It rained one day, and we couldn’t utilize chairs until 11, but still forced out of our our overpriced , uncomfortable chairs at 5. With no discount offered. Ridiculous! Everything is overpriced here. $700 for a room a night. Save your money, go to South Florida. Food at resort was not worth the price, and they advertise multiple onsite venues, but they all have same weird food. Drinks are $20 a pop. Even getting a towel is an ordeal. I will never return. If you do come, bring your own towels and chairs.
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Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Bring your own towels and chairs and expect to climb multiple stairs to and from the beach. There...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Esther Spears, Guest Services / Front Office at WaterColor Inn & Resort
Responded 1 Jul 2024
Dear Global645611 , Thank you for choosing the WaterColor Inn and for taking time to complete a review for us. We are so sorry for your frustrations experienced during your stay. Very sorry your peace and comfort was affected. Thank you for your feedback, we will ensure to improve overall quality guest experience. Warm regards, Watercolor Team
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Stephanie J wrote a review Aug 2024
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Great resort! Curb appeal is excellent, suite is very nice. Fish Out Of Water restaurant is "so-so". My food was extremely cold and I wasn't offered to order anything else.

For check-in/check-out-- you can only check in around 4PM so don't come any earlier or you will be waiting. Check-out is at 11AM, and if you don't check out at the time the staff will remove your bags from the room.

I would stay at this hotel again, but I'll be better prepared.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: August 2024
1.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
4.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shelby Carrico, General Manager at WaterColor Inn & Resort
Responded 7 Aug 2024
Good morning, my name is Steve Adams, and I am the assistant General Manager at the Watercolor Resort. First of all, thank you for your feedback. We pride ourselves on our food and service but clearly, we missed the mark on your experience. I would love to speak with you further about your experience and invite you back as my guest. I can be reached at 850-231-7122 or steve.adams@stjoe.com. I look forward to speaking with you soon. Best regards, Steve
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jdaka83 wrote a review Jun 2023
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Watercolor Inn is superb. The hospitality, amenities, location and housekeeping are unmatched down to the smallest details. The hotel staff are the shining stars! The ocean view rooms, heavenly pool options, convenience of fine dining options like Gather, FOOW and Scratch Kitchen allow for never needing to leave the resort to eat. We loved the convenience of being able to walk to Seaside. Quaint and family friendly...there's nowhere else we will ever stay.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: June 2023
5.0 of 5 bubblesValue
5.0 of 5 bubblesRooms
5.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
5.0 of 5 bubblesCleanliness
5.0 of 5 bubblesService
5.0 of 5 bubblesSleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
…
Answer from David J
6 contributions
December is a beautiful time of year on the Gulf coast, but not warm enough to swim for most of us! Most stores and restaurants in the Seaside are are open and the pace is much slower than spring or summer.
Ruthie F wrote a tip Jan 2025
26 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"I self parked which was easy and right across where I checked in. Use your room key to get in. Auto gate to come and go."
Read full review
travelertrish wrote a tip Oct 2024
Minneapolis, Minnesota40 contributions12 helpful votes
4.0 of 5 bubbles
"Walk to the boat house. It is a beautiful walk! Explore the town squarez tons of food trucks and shops. Kids loved ice cream from the "treat suite" daily + nightly cookies"
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Mark H wrote a tip Jul 2024
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"Just book the resort & enjoy every minute!"
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Global645611 wrote a tip Jun 2024
Gunter, Texas54 contributions6 helpful votes
2.0 of 5 bubbles
"Bring your own towels and chairs and expect to climb multiple stairs to and from the beach. There are no chairs available at pool"
Read full review
Meander827159 wrote a tip Jun 2024
Wichita Falls, Texas8 contributions1 helpful vote
1.0 of 5 bubbles
"Go somewhere else"
Read full review
Not the right property for you?
There are more places to choose from in the Seaside area.
PRICE RANGE
RM 2,221 - RM 3,819 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
watercolor hotel santa rosa beach, water color hotel
LOCATION
United StatesFloridaFlorida PanhandleSeaside
NUMBER OF ROOMS
67
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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WATERCOLOR INN & RESORT: UPDATED 2025 Hotel Reviews, Price Comparison and 123 Photos (Seaside, FL) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about WaterColor Inn & Resort
Which popular attractions are close to WaterColor Inn & Resort?
Nearby attractions include Sundog Books (0.8 km), Fusion Art Glass & Fine Jewelry Gallery (0.7 km), and Seaside Beach (0.4 km).
What are some of the property amenities at WaterColor Inn & Resort?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at WaterColor Inn & Resort?
Top room amenities include air conditioning, a flat screen TV, and a refrigerator.
What food & drink options are available at WaterColor Inn & Resort?
Guests can enjoy an on-site restaurant, a lounge, and a poolside bar during their stay.
Is parking available at WaterColor Inn & Resort?
Yes, free parking and valet parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to WaterColor Inn & Resort?
Conveniently located restaurants include Modica Market, The Meltdown on 30A, and Great Southern Cafe.
Are there opportunities to exercise at WaterColor Inn & Resort?
Yes, guests have access to a pool and a fitness centre during their stay.
Does WaterColor Inn & Resort offer any business services?
Yes, guests have access to a banquet room and conference facilities during their stay.
Are there any historical sites close to WaterColor Inn & Resort?
Many travellers enjoy visiting Eden Gardens State Park (5.9 km).
Does WaterColor Inn & Resort have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the ocean view available here.
Is WaterColor Inn & Resort accessible?
Yes, it offers wheelchair access, reduced mobility rooms, and facilities for disabled guests. For specific enquiries, we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
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