The Island Resort & Convention Center at Fort Walton Beach

Excellent 10/10

We have been coming to this area for decades, but this was our first time away as a couple here. It was also our first time to actually stay in the hotel, though we were very familiar with it as it changed ownership over the years.(We usually bring the whole family every 2 years or so and stay in bigger condos - specifically Destin West Beach and Bay Resort.) The BEST part of this hotel is the pool, the breakfast and the proximity to the ocean! It is also right next door to one of the nicest boardwalks which has shops and several eating areas (do NOT miss the gelato store for dessert!) We stayed in one of 2 buildings of the hotel which face to the side. The main building faces the ocean and offers ocean or courtside views. We had a courtside view. The main pool has been well taken care of as we have visited it over the years as part of our stay at the resort next door. It has a "mountain" in the center with a cascading waterfall you can stand under. Inside is a bar, so you can swim (or walk) under the waterfall and get a drink. There is also a large hot tub but we avoid those, in general. For the kiddos, there is a building they can play in or do crafts inside as well as their own splash pool and play area. The courtyard has additional pools, nice walkways with lush plants, palm trees, various water features, and especially friendly, tame squirrels who will eat nuts out of your hand! There are many places to lounge in either the sun, shade, or even to lie down in outside lounging beds! The restaurant inside is very clean, includes a bar and is kept neat. Windows were clear and almost spotless when we were there. The included buffet breakfast was really nice. The food was well prepared, and there was always something new each day, whether it was a diff choice of meats, oatmeal or grits, fruits or pastry options. All was kept clean and waiters came to offer coffee and drinks or to take care of any requests.

I cannot speak for the main building which faces the ocean. Our building, which was one of 2 facing to the side is a bit dated. The rooms are kept clean, and the shower head in the bathroom is huge (about a 1 1/2 foot square rainshower head.) Rhwre is no tub. Rhe rooms need a good update, in general. They feel a bit old, and the layout is a typical room. Ours had 2 full/queen beds, TV/chest of drawers/desk and a sink/mirror area before entering bathroom. Food is expensive. For instance, our included breakfast would be almost $30 per person/day so keep that in mind when you make your reservations. Make sure to include breakfast! The restaurants anywhere on Okaloosa and adjacent Destin are expensive. Think $30 to $60+ for full meal entrees. But, hubs and I DO eat well and do not eat much that is fried, nor do we eat fast foods. I will say the seafood and ribs we had were excellent, and we ate out most of the 4 nights we were there, so the food quality is very good and fresh. One night we had pizza at the hotel, which was ok, but we're pretty spoiled by the pizza choices (and prices!) from our home State of Ohio. Finally... being there when a HIRRICANE was coming in was NOT ideal!! We still had a few days with some sun.

Room and beach were great. When we had trouble with the TV and wifi, help came immediately. Give Charles a raise.

Food was excellent. The amount of food served was far more than a senior could eat. More a la carte at lower prices and smaller portions would keep me in house.

I liked the location of the resort and its proximity to the beach. I also liked that they provided ice for their patrons to fill their coolers to take to the beach. Breakfast was tasty but I’m not sure it was worth the value of the price paid. I think you could find a comparable/better breakfast for much cheaper in the area.

The pool was very very cold. Considering the temperatures were high outside, complaining that the pool was too cold should show just how cold it is. Drink prices at the on-site facilities were outrageous for the size of the drinks received.