We have stayed at the Sandestin Hilton on several occasions. Always during the peak July season. It is a very nice hotel. The rooms are a little dated or at least they were when we stayed there 2 years ago, but they are spacious junior suites. The pool area is very nice. The beach is gorgeous. There are always a lot of conventions there so sometimes you can feel a little like an "outsider" since they really cater to the convention guests and many people seem to know each other from prevoius conventions. We have also noticed that a lot of the teenagers and pre-teens are kind of left to their own devices in the evenings when their parents are attending convention functions and things can get a little out of hand with packs of teenagers roaming the resort. One year we were there on the 4th of July and they had a wonderful fireworks show out over the ocean. The shopping is really good at the Silver Sands Outlet Mall as another poster stated. The breakfast buffet is fabulous. It really rivals those of the Hyatt Regency Maui and Kauai. My son and husband REALLY enjoy this! If you have any other questions please feel free to ask. It is really a wonderful resort and we have thoroughly enjoyed it the numerous times we have stayed there over the years.