HOLIDAY INN CLUB VACATIONS PANAMA CITY BEACH RESORT, Panama City Beach

Each of the 37 villas at this property is a one- or two-bedroom apartment with a fully equipped kitchen, a private balcony, and a washing machine and tumble dryer. All units face the beach and offer direct views of the Gulf of Mexico from the private balcony. The two-bedroom villa has a six-chair kitchen table, a pull-out couch in the living room, and a separate bathroom for each bedroom.

The hotel sits directly on the sand with no road between the building and the beach, and guests reach the shore through a gate at the back of the pool area. A heated outdoor pool and a separate hot tub are located behind the building, next to the picnic and barbecue area. The beach in front of the resort is one of the widest stretches of fine white sand along the Gulf Coast.

An activity center on the fifth floor offers table tennis, billiards, and an Xbox console for guest use. The same floor also houses a fitness center with an ice machine and a small gym. Outside, guests can use two gas fire pits, two propane grills, and games such as cornhole and giant Connect Four.

The resort has a fence around the pool area and an activity center with board games and puzzles, making it suited for families with young children. The property has only 37 villas, so the pool and beach areas do not feel crowded even during peak season. Groups planning reunions or events can book multiple villas and use the on-site barbecue grills for communal meals.

Pier Park, with shopping, dining, and entertainment, is 1 mile from the hotel. Shipwreck Island Waterpark is a 10-minute drive away, and Gulf World Marine Park is also within easy reach. The resort is close to restaurants including McDonald's across the road, but the building itself sits in a quiet area away from the main tourist crowds.

Villas: 37 one- and two-bedroom units with full kitchens and washers

Beach: Direct beach access with no road between hotel and sand

Pool: Heated outdoor pool and hot tub with beachfront gate

Activities: Table tennis, billiards, Xbox, cornhole, gas fire pits

Location: 1 mile from Pier Park, 10 min from Shipwreck Island Waterpark

Family: Activity center with board games and fenced pool