Picking a resort to stay in the Destin area can be very overwheling but when you want a lazy river your choices are limited. Thats why we decided on Destin West. Within Destin West you have to choose between Gulfside or Bayside. Both are beautiful, both have a great view. One Gulfside has a HUGE pool and super simple almost immidiate access to the breathtaking beach. One bayside has the lazy river and fun tropical feel. Not to mention penthouses with "private" hot tubs.

We decided to stay Gulfside on a friends recomindation, you are coming to the Gulf to see the Gulf not the bay. After arriving we knew we made the right choice. It was simple and easy to go to the beach for a bit and then go swimming in the pool. But there is another convience to Gulfside when going into Destin you turn right on 98 out of the parking garage. 98 is so busy sometimes turning right is hard I could not imagine how difficult turning left would be.

We use VRBO.com when staying in condos Including this one. Most of the units I found use a managment company and chage tax so keep that in mind. The keyless entry was great and easy to use.

My extended family and I went to Destin West Beachside Resort and had a blast. Everyone from ages 7 to 70 in my family enjoyed the trip. The pool was very nice, rooms were very accommodating, and we couldn't have had more fun on the beach right next to the hotel. There was always something to do; we played beach volleyball a lot, we rented jet skis right across the road in the bay, we had fun exploring the city, we went golfing, some went deep sea fishing, etc. There were some great restaurants nearby as well, along with a grocery store in close distance. Cooking was no problem, although all 25 of us weren't able to always eat together in one room. The exercise room wasn't as big as I had hoped, but I was honestly having so much fun doing everything else I only used it once.
All in all, the Destin West Beach and Bay Resort is a great vacation spot for anyone, any age, any group. It is in a great location as well, as the places nearby have a lot to offer. After a week there, we still didn't get to experience everything, so we are planning on going again next year!

We had a gulf front condo at Destin West and loved it. Very spacious, very clean, plenty of room even though we have three boys. Beach was very close, very clean, plenty of room. Beach attendant will set you up with umbrellas and chairs. Close to everything, very easy to find, great pool areas and lazy river. Well kept and clean landscaping, we highly recommend the place. Great for family vacation.

MS

We stayed at Destin West on the bayside in Sept 2007. We loved the lazy river, looking for crabs in the bay, and the beautiful beach. The walk across the bridge to the beach was not bad at all. We had so much fun that our kids, 14 & 11, wanted to go back this May. We are heading back this spring and are going to stay on the beach side this time. www.vrbo.com was easy to use. We have found a treasure at Destin West and a new family favorite!! Okaloosa Island is also a lot more laid back than Destin, and there are no high rises.