Our extended family has lived in central Florida for 4 generations and have had a "few" favorite hotels over those years. We seen the cycle of "new --> wonderful --> decline" of many hotels. We found this hotel in the "wonderful" stage, and it has just stayed that way. It appeals to ALL ages due to many factors:
-- Value for the Price. Where else can you get a lving room + bedroom + kitchen, many units comfortably sleeping 5 for less than $150 a night directly on the beach? For family retreats, Grandma & Grandpa get the one room (plus separate kitchen) efficiency. It connects to a hotel like unit with 2 double beds where the brother with his young family stay. These units are next door to one of the larger units that house my family of 5 with the large living area where we can gather for common meals. There are several such combinations... and as the family changes (e.g. the oldest child grows up and gets married, they move into a hotel like room (it's less expensive), while the young families move into the larger units as they need more space.
-- It only has 20 units, which makes it calm, quieter, less busy, less noisy (even when there are kids), more intimate, etc. We can always get the common outdoor grill, picnic area at least once over the busy weekend, or the ping pong table, or the shuffle board. Both these games can be played by the very young to very old, in a "family" or "friendly" way. There are "private" areas and "common" areas to be found.
-- The beach, over the years beaches also come and go through buildup and erosion, some naturally and others unnaturally (through building of high rises, etc). Sea Chest's beach is one of the widest beaches on the west coast. You can see sea and shore life here. If you're a middle school science teacher, like my mom was, it's heaven. I can't list the number of times we've found live sand dollars, squid, sea anamoes, crabs, sea oats, etc. We always return them to the gulf so that this wonder can be preserved. On the other hand, the beach is large enough to play football, fly kites, etc, without getting each other's way or interrupting those who don't like that activity.
-- The owners are also very "real" people. This quality has been passed down from the last owner to "new" owner We've been coming over the last 20 years, not just for the family reunion but when we need to get "away". Ownership has only changed hands once. Its like the owners want to preserve this jewel as much as the customers who go here.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Great pool scene, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Beach / Sun