17 Best Fort Walton Beach Hotels for Travelers in 2024

Fort Walton Beach hotels are a great alternative to the busy and crowded resort hotels in nearby Destin. Travelers who opt to stay in hotels in the Fort Walton Beach, FL area are able to enjoy the same beaches and water activities as those staying in flashier places but in an often more relaxed and quieter environment. 

We absolutely loved this part of the Florida Coast, especially the beautiful beaches in the area. We had so much fun playing and relaxing at the beach here. Come along as we countdown some of the best Fort Walton Beach hotels in Florida!

Quick Guide: Fort Walton Beach Hotels

Luxury Fort Walton Beach Hotels 

1. Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Walton Beach 

⭐️ Rating 9.2/10 | 📍Location: 540 Santa Rosa Blvd in Fort Walton Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

Fairfield Inn and Suites is one of the best hotels in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Located on beautiful Okaloosa Island, this hotel is clean, comfortable, and one of the most conveniently located hotels, right on the beach! There’s even a cute boardwalk out to the beach, making it easy to step out your door and play at the beach with your beach kite!

Great spot on the beach for a quick weekend getaway. Good location and clean hotel.

– Chad (Read More Reviews)

Staying rooms here are equipped with refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers. More expensive hotel rooms at this property feature beautiful oceanfront views. To top it all off, guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast each day. 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Walton Beach

2. Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach 

⭐️ Rating 8.8/10 | 📍Location: 1299 Miracle Strip Parkway SE in Fort Walton Beach | 🏩View on Expedia.com

Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach is one of the best hotels on Miracle Strip Parkway in Fort Walton Beach. This is saying a lot since there are quite a few hotels on that popular street. 

The bright and colorful guest rooms include standard-style rooms with comfortable queen or twin-size beds. The suites are complete with king-size beds and a separate living area. All rooms include air conditioning, free wifi, and flat-screen TVs. Free cribs are available upon request if you’re going to the beach with a baby. 

Great facility for a family vacation.

– Joshua (Read More Reviews)

This property is a family-friendly dream. The pool area features both indoor and outdoor pool options, as well as a lazy river and hot tub. Kids will love splashing the day away here!

Once it’s time to move the fun back inside, they can hang out in the arcade space or even attend the hotel’s kids club! 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach

3. Courtyard Fort Walton Beach 

⭐️ Rating 9/10 | 📍Location: 414 Santa Rosa Blvd in Fort Walton Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

Courtyard Fort Walton Beach is one of the most luxurious beachfront Ft Walton beach hotels. The modern and chic hotel features gorgeous views of the Gulf of Mexico. Not only does the property boast comfortable guest rooms, but it also has a great pool, restaurant, and convenience store. 

Hotel was right on the beach. Beautiful view, lovely room & food in the dining room was amazing.

– Cathy (Read More Reviews)

Travelers staying at this location have everything they could need, as this hotel provides excellent accommodations. It’s a perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty and fun of the Gulf Coast. 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Courtyard Fort Walton Beach 

4. Hilton Garden Inn Ft Walton Beach 

⭐️ Rating 9/10 | 📍Location: 1297 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE in Fort Walton Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

Hilton Garden Inn Ft Walton Beach is one of the best hotels in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, for families and a great hotel near Destin on the beach. This property features an impressive indoor and outdoor pool area as well as activities for kids. 

It’s such a convenience to have accommodations like this while on vacation. The pool area of this Fort Walton Beach area hotel even has a grill for guest use so that you can enjoy a fun family dinner outdoors. 

It was amazing. The hotel is very clean and well kept. The tiki bar outside was a wonderful feature. And we enjoyed renting the beach chairs and umbrella during our stay. The food was always delicious and fresh. Highly reminded l recommend staying here if you’re in the area!

– Julia (Read More Reviews)

Aside from beautifully decorated rooms with queen beds featuring patios with Gulf or pool views, this hotel also has laundry facilities and provides free breakfast daily.  

Best of all, given the beachside location and accommodations, this hotel really is reasonably priced. This is a big win for families hoping to enjoy a comfortable vacation while sticking to a budget. 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Hilton Garden Inn Ft Walton Beach 

Mid-Range Fort Walton Beach Hotels 

5. The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach

⭐️ Rating 8.2/10 | 📍Location: Miracle Strip Parkway Southeast in Fort Walton Beach | 🏩View on Expedia.com

Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach is one of the highest-rated Ft. Walton Beach, FL hotels. This gorgeous Okaloosa Island hotel features some of the most beautiful beachfront views in the city. 

The clean and well-kept rooms offer a wonderful place to take a rest after enjoying a long day at the beach or the hotel’s exceptional pool. There’s always something to do here as the property keeps up with a lively entertainment calendar featuring live music and other family-friendly activities. 

The service was awesome! Great beach bar (full service right to your chair), awesome pools with swim up bar. Plenty of room— no congested. Close to everything, Will definitely be back!

– Nick (Read More Reviews)

We love this hotel’s convenient location too. It’s only a walk away from some of the best Fort Walton Beach restaurants and charming shops!

Plus, it is just a few steps away from the beach! Make sure to bring your beach chair with an umbrella and your boogie board to enjoy this beautiful part of the Gulf Coast.  

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach 

6. Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach 

⭐️ Rating 7.6/10 | 📍Location: 573 Santa Rosa Blvd in Fort Walton Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach Destin is one of the oldest Fort Walton, Florida hotel recommendations on our list. Though it has been around for a long time, the property still features some amazing amenities, including a fun pool and some limited dining options. 

The rooms here are outdated and pretty basic, but they are well taken care of. Most offer nice balconies where you can sit and enjoy a sunrise or sunset right from the comfort of your room. 

Room was a little small but with the view and the fact there was a balcony with a view of the beach it didn’t really matter. Also has a kitchen/kitchenette and we were able to do everything we needed to heat up our leftovers and keep our fruit and drinks cool.

– Teresa (Read More Reviews)

Our favorite thing about this location is the charming and convenient boardwalk that connects the hotel property to the private beach. Having easy access to the beach directly from your hotel relieves so much hassle and stress when enjoying a beach vacation. 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach Destin

7. Hampton Inn Ft Walton Beach 

⭐️ Rating 8.2/10 | 📍Location: 1112 Santa Rosa Blvd in Fort Walton Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

Hampton Inn Ft Walton Beach is another comfortable but not overly impressive Ft Walton hotel. Simplicity is the name of the game here. This location offers different room configurations to accommodate anywhere from 2 to 6 guests, each equipped with a mini fridge and microwave. 

If you want to walk on the beach or just plain enjoy it, this is the place to be. Just out the back and you are there. There are also a couple of good restaurants that are easily walkable for dinner. The facility is kept clean and I found it to be a quiet and friendly, with a staff at the front desk who were more than pleasant. I’d stay here again.

– Diane Rose (Read More Reviews)

Most of the hotel rooms here feature a partial or full ocean view from a furnished patio. We love having the option to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine while spending time in our hotel room. 

This property does have a pool, but it’s nothing to write home about. It is nice to have as an option to cool down. The beach is also accessible from the hotel too, which is always a welcomed convenience when traveling with kids! 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Hampton Inn Ft Walton Beach 

8. Four Points by Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach 

⭐️ Rating 8/10 | 📍Location: 1325 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE in Fort Walton Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

Once you’ve stayed at Four Points by Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach, you won’t want to stay anywhere else. This hotel takes exceptional care of its customers. Guests rave about the hotel’s convenient location and how much they love the complimentary body wash, shampoo, and coffee.

I have been coming here for 10 years and just the property. Beach and pools are great, as well as the service we have been provided. East to walk to shop and good eating places.

– Terri (Read More Reviews)

This 3-star waterfront beach hotel boasts premium bedding and air-conditioned rooms. You can be sure your family will rest easy at this spot. They also offer a comprehensive breakfast for guests each day that runs $16 for adults and $8 for children.

We love the option of eating alongside views of the beach, and the poolside bar is a nice convenience too. You won’t be disappointed with a stay at Four Points! 

It is also a short drive from the fun things to do in Destin, like Henderson Beach State Park as well as the amazing beaches along the 30A highway.

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Four Points by Sheraton Destin-Fort Walton Beach 

9. Candlewood Suites Fort Walton Beach 

⭐️ Rating 8.6/10 | 📍Location: 407 Miracle Strip Parkway in Fort Walton Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

Candlewood Suites Fort Walton Beach is one of the few choice hotels with kitchens in Fort Walton Beach. Having a portion of the hotel room dedicated to food preparation makes a massive difference in the experience of traveling as a family. 

Rooms here feature a full-size refrigerator and freezer, as well as a microwave, sink, and counter area. The room is stocked with dishes and a dishwasher for guest convenience. 

This was a pretty good hotel for the price. It was clean, safe and quiet. We didn’t get exceptional service but again for the price, we didn’t expect that we would. We just wanted everything to work, not have problems and this hotel delivers.

– Joseph (Read More Reviews)

We love the fun outdoor pool here. It’s a great way to relax or unwind after a long day. The convenience store and vending machines are both helpful and dangerous to have around when snack time hits! The 24-hour fitness center and laundry facilities are an added bonus too!

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Candlewood Suites Fort Walton Beach 

10. TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort Walton Beach

⭐️ Rating 8.8/10 | 📍Location: 843 Eglin Parkway, Fort Walton Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort Walton Beach is one of our favorite mid-range family-friendly hotels in Fort Walton Beach. Staying in a suite versus a hotel room is a completely different experience, especially when traveling with children. 

We love that the suites here feature the standard sleeping area you come to expect in hotel rooms, but with the added bonus of a kitchen and separate dining area as well. A suite configuration like this is super helpful for families on an extended visit. 

Nice location, peaceful environment by the water. Well maintained facilities.

– Hyunsoo (Read More Reviews)

The pool here is simple but fun. We love that you can barbecue your own meals and enjoy the food as a family in the picnic area.

This hotel also offers bicycle rentals which is another fun family activity to consider when visiting this area. And to top it all off, you can’t beat a free breakfast! 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Fort Walton Beach

Budget Fort Walton Beach Hotels 

11. Beal House Fort Walton Beach 

⭐️ Rating 8.8/10 | 📍Location: 380 Santa Rosa Blvd in Fort Walton Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

If you’re planning to work remotely while vacationing in Fort Walton, Beal House Fort Walton Beach could be a great fit for you. Their high-speed internet performance is one of the best when it comes to cheap hotels near Fort Walton Beach, FL.

This budget hotel offers some decent modern rooms. The rooms are nice and comfortable, and cribs are available at no additional charge. 

Excellent staff. Great views and access to beach. Would stay again.

– Richard (Read More Reviews)

The price point of this hotel may seem high for some, especially when categorized as a budget hotel. But, when considering the beachfront hotel location, this is one of the best prices you are going to get in this area.

Travelers will be able to find less expensive hotels, but not with the stellar on-the-beach location. 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Beal House Fort Walton Beach, Tapestry Collection by Hilton 

12. Super 8 by Wyndham Ft Walton Beach

⭐️ Rating 7.6/10 | 📍Location: 333 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW in Fort Walton Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

Super 8 by Wyndham Ft Walton Beach is one of the highest-rated Ft Walton motels. Though aged, the property boasts comfortable and cared-for rooms. 

We stayed 2 days here. It was clean for the most part. The lady that worked the counter was really sweet and attentive.

– Melissa (Read More Reviews)

The outdoor pool is a nice option to have on hot Florida days. This motel does not feature any stellar amenities, and it won’t provide the same type of experience as staying on the beach will.

That said, this is a great option for family vacation time or a romantic getaway to visit Fort Walton Beach on a budget. 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Super 8 by Wyndham Ft Walton Beach

13. Comfort Inn And Suites

⭐️ Rating 7.6/10 | 📍Location: 137 Miracle Strip Pkwy in Fort Walton Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

Comfort Inn And Suites is a budget-friendly hotel that still offers some amazing amenities at a discounted rate. We love the sofa beds in the suites here. They offer a separate space to sit and hang out during the day while also offering an additional sleeping space at night. 

Staff is very helpful and pleasant. Location is convenient and safe. Recommend for a short weekend trip.

– Tiffany (Read More Reviews)

Though the weather is typically nice in this area, it’s awesome to have an indoor pool at this hotel. If you’re visiting during the rainy season or if anything comes up weather-wise, it’s great to know your kids can enjoy the pool inside. 

The added bonus of complimentary breakfast and the 24-hour fitness center makes this place a steal in terms of this price range! 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Comfort Inn And Suites

14. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Walton Beach

⭐️ Rating 8.6/10 | 📍Location: 522 Mary Esther Blvd in Fort Walton Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Walton Beach offers some of the most comfortable staying rooms in the budget category. Aside from the beds, the rooms offer microwaves and refrigerators. 

Keep in mind that cribs are available at no extra cost for those traveling with babies. Rollaway beds can be requested for an extra fee. 

Great place to stay. Convenient to many restaurants of various types. Convenient to beaches and the base.

– William (Read More Reviews)

There is a convenience store in the lobby too, which is always helpful to have if any needs arise. This property also includes a laundry facility and a 24-hour business center. 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Walton Beach

Pet-Friendly Hotels in Fort Walton Beach  

15. Residence Inn by Marriott Fort Walton Beach

⭐️ Rating 9.4/10 | 📍Location: 2 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE in Fort Walton Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

Residence Inn by Marriott Fort Walton Beach is one of the best pet-friendly hotels in Fort Walton Beach. It’s a beautiful 3-star hotel where your furry four-legged pet can live its best life as well! 

Up to two pets per room are welcome at this location. The pets much be 50 lbs or under and require a $100 non-refundable fee for the stay. 

Very nice and pet friendly, I enjoyed our stay and would come back and stay again when in the area.

– Sharon (Read More Reviews)

Luxurious studios here include comfortable beds as well as a full-fledged kitchen area equipped with a fridge, microwave, and stovetop, including dishes and cutlery essentials as well. 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at Residence Inn by Marriott Fort Walton Beach

16. La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Walton Beach

⭐️ Rating 8.6/10 | 📍Location: 3 SW Miracle Strip Pkwy in Fort Walton Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Walton Beach is one of the highest-rated pet-friendly hotels in Fort Walton Beach. This property allows guests to bring up to two pets with no size limits for $25 per night but not to exceed $75 for the stay. 

Great place to stay with our dogs.

– Maribel (Read More Reviews)

This really is a great place to stay if you plan to travel with your dog! 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Fort Walton Beach

17. TRU by Hilton Fort Walton Beach

⭐️ Rating 8.8/10 | 📍Location: 207 Miracle Strip Parkway in Fort Walton Beach | 🏩 View on Expedia.com

TRU by Hilton Fort Walton Beach is a colorful and fun place to stay while exploring downtown Fort Walton Beach with your four-legged best friend! 

Clean and very quick check in and they allow my fur babies to stay, perfect accommodation. 🙂

– Sandy (Read More Reviews)

The pet policy here states that a maximum of two pets can accompany their owners in the rooms here. The pets (dogs or cats) must be 75 lbs or under. The additional pet fee is $50 for a 1-4 night stay and $75 for five days or longer.

This is another reasonable place to stay when traveling with your dog or cat. 

▶️ Check Rates & Availability at TRU by Hilton Fort Walton Beach

FAQ: Fort Walton Beach Hotels 

Is It Better to Stay in Destin or Fort Walton Beach? 

Both Destin and Fort Walton Beach are amazing vacation destinations, but they offer slightly different experiences. Destin is busier, mostly due to its flashy appeal and numerous activities and attractions. There are so many fun things to do with kids in Destin.

Fort Walton Beach is more laid-back and isn’t as much of a commercialized destination. Because it’s less busy, Fort Walton Beach offers more economical choices than Destin does too. 

How Far Apart Is Fort Walton Beach From Destin? 

Fort Walton Beach and Destin aren’t very far apart at all. It’s a short 9-mile drive between the two towns. 

Can You Walk On Fort Walton Beach At Night? 

Fort Walton Beach is open 24 hours, so yes, visitors can take a short walk on the beach at night. That said, there is very little light, so it’s important to keep a lookout for nesting sea turtles and other wildlife. 

What Are the Nicest Neighborhoods in Fort Walton Beach?

There are some great neighborhoods in Okaloosa County where Fort Walton Beach is located. Seabreeze, Ferry Park, and Kenwood are some of the best spots. 

Which Hotels in Fort Walton Beach Are Good For Families? 

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach is one of the very best family-friendly hotels in this area. The pool and boardwalk to the beach at Wyndham Garden Fort Walton Beach location is another family favorite in the area. 

What Are the Best Hotels on the Beach in Fort Walton Beach?  

The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach makes the cut again, this time as one of the best hotels on the beach. This location and the amenities make it hard to beat! Beal House Fort Walton and Hilton Garden Inn are also excellent choices when it comes to beachfront hotels in Fort Walton Beach.  

Conclusion

We hope these Fort Walton Beach hotel suggestions will help you as you plan your own family vacations. No matter where you end up staying, we hope you enjoy the sunshine, white-sand beach, and stunning beauty of Fort Walton Beach!