Located in the heart of Okaloosa Island, with the same beaches as nearby Destin but a much quieter, more pedestrian-friendly environment.
This Hilton-branded hotel was formerly a pastel Best Western with a popular small bar, the Swizzle Stick. That bar is now The Remedy, a combo restaurant bar. Breakfast (extra cost) was excellent except for the hash browns.
The hotel has been nicely redone with a light and nostalgic beachfront feel, with lots of old photos (none of which are the local area, as I grew up on Okaloosa Island).
The room was spotless as were the common areas. The keyless checkin is a great irritation-saver which allows you go to straight to your preselected room (with the Hilton app).
Some of the rooms are directly gulf-front and some have eastern or western views but no gulf views to speak of. If a view is important to you, choose the gulf-front rooms.
The staff in the restaurant were very friendly; the front desk staff were not as outgoing: no smiles or unsolicited greetings, but they were friendlier on the app.
I consider this a better choice than some of the newer “box” hotels on the island which do not have balconies or exterior entrances; they might as well be at an interstate exchange.
I spent a 2-night getaway here, I live about an hour away and it was nice to spend a couple winter days at the beach. I plan to make staying here a regular thing.
The only negative is that I didn’t receive the food and beverage credit I had preselected when I made my reservation.
A recommended, small-scale hotel on quiet(er) Okaloosa Island, with several restaurants and bars within easy walking distance.