My apologies for forgetting to report on our stay last summer. All in all, we had a good time. But, we don't plan to return, partly because the hotel and beach weren't as nice as we were hoping. Here are some details:

Our first night we arrived later in the day after traveling and found that we were on the 2nd floor in a garden view room section. We had 2 rooms, but they weren't connected so my spouse and I had to split up. In addition, that section does not have an elevator. As a result, at that late hour we had to schlep bags for 6 people up the flight of stairs. In addition, I don't think I'm much of a hotel snob (I've stayed at some amazing places, but on a family vacation I can be happy in your standard Courtyard, Fairfield, and the equivalents). But, these rooms were very old and not very nice at all. They are made out of concrete that has been painted and pictures hung on it at least in some spots. To make matters worse, we found two caterpillars in the room.

The next morning we begged for an upgrade to the ocean front rooms or at least adjoining rooms. They said they could do adjoining rooms in the garden view section. The poor bellman had to move all of our bags without the aid of an elevator. The rooms were still the same, but at least we could put the parents in one room and the kids in the other.

While the bellman moved our bags, we hit the beach. Ugh. What a disappointment. The water near the beach was filled with thick algae. In addition, the beach and close in water were filled with dead fish. Yuck. We learned later that the fish were from a trawler that dumped its bait fish prior to heading into shore and that the fisherman had been fined. But, the algae remained for most of the week, although it thinned some toward the end of the week.

At that point, we considered packing up and heading to New Orleans or even heading home. But, my spouse wanted to stay to visit her brother. So, I begged some more for an upgrade to the ocean view rooms.

Finally, after 3 days, we were moved to the ocean front rooms. Talk about a huge difference. They are new and actually very nice. They have a beautiful view of the gulf and are convenient to the parking and pool. We thoroughly enjoyed these rooms. My wife and I frequently just sat outside on the balcony enjoying the beautiful view of the water.

My kids enjoyed the breakfast buffett. But, I thought it was only OK. Lots of fried food and very little fresh fruit or "healthier" breakfast food. But, the price was right . . . .

As for Ft. Walton Beach, we are glad to say that we've been there. But, we don't plan to return. The water is warm and the beaches are a beautiful white. But, we like to visit beach locations where we can either snorkel or boogie board. The waves here are much to small to boogie board and the algae at that time was pretty gross to swim anyway. We did snorkel on this beach, but there was literally nothing to see but sand. We tried snorkeling near the jetty and we saw some fish. But, it was the sort of place where you felt like you were walking through broken glass to get to the water and then the boats are constantly going in and out of the bay a few yards from where you are snorkeling.

In short, the ocean view rooms are well worth the price/points and offer a nice view of a beautiful beach. We did jet ski and we rented a boat in the bay which were fun. But, this beach is not for boogie boarding or snorkeling which are our favorites. As a result, I doubt we'll return to Ft. Walton Beach.

SDFLYER