Image via Flickr by Ray Devlin
No, you don’t have to bribe your travel agent or use telepathy to find discount deals on Panama City Beach, Florida, hotels. Arguably one of the Sunshine State’s most popular vacation destinations, Panama City Beach has charming hotels and resorts, such as The Reef at Seahaven Beach Resorts, that make any stay here unforgettable. Here are some tips and tricks for scoring dynamite discount hotel deals.
Book Your Stay in the Off Season
Vacationers naturally associate Panama City Beach, Florida, with spring break and summer. No surprise that the college crowd ranks it among their top five spring break sojourns.
The off-season months, typically September through October and April through May, offer some of the best rates for thrifty travelers. Demand for rooms is usually low after school begins and before school ends.
Naturally, families with children can’t always plan vacations around those time periods, making spring break and summer the next best options. In this case, think carefully about the days of the week that you’ll be traveling. Rates tend to be less mid-week compared to weekends.
Check the Chain Hotel Websites
Panama City Beach is home to privately owned hotels and resorts, such as the Nautical Watch Condominiums, and chain hotel establishments, such as Sleep Inn & Suites Panama City Beach.
While the private accommodations certainly have their share of deals and discounts, the national chains will often have a greater range of special offers available. The Hampton Inn & Suites Panama City Beach-Pier Park Area lists several deals for travelers in categories ranging from AARP members to military families.
Many accommodations’ websites usually feature a section devoted to discounts and rates; but if you can’t find them online, call the hotel directly, and make your request.
Maximize the Value for Your Room
Panama City Beach doesn’t lack for things to do involving shopping, dining, and exploring. In fact, with the unlimited choice of shops, restaurants, waterparks, and dozens of other attractions, you’ll want to think carefully about your trip budget before you ultimately book your room.
Research what’s actually included in the cost of your room. What, if any, on-site amenities or attractions are complimentary to guests? La Quinta Inn & Suites Panama City Beach Pier Park offers complimentary on-site breakfast, plus guest access to its outdoor swimming pool and spa.
Don’t forget to check whether full kitchens are available at the lodging establishment that attracts you. The Sunswept Condominiums, for example, feature full kitchens with microwaves. Being able to shop for groceries locally and cook a few meals in your room or suite can certainly cut down on the number of meals (and the expenses) of eating out three times a day.
Head to Hipmunk.com for more travel planning tips to make the most of your Panama City Beach, Florida, adventure.
Author Bio: Michael Vyskocil is a travel writer who enjoys writing about unique people, places, and things to do in locales across the country. His tourism and travel industry marketing experience includes writing for Hipmunk. Michael’s tourism career spans more than seven years in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, at visitor destinations such as the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, and the Gettysburg Seminary Ridge Museum.