CHATEAU BEACHFRONT HOTEL, A BY THE SEA RESORT, Panama City Beach

Situated directly on the white sands of Panama City Beach, the hotel provides Gulf-front access and views. The location places you within walking distance of multiple restaurants (including Starbucks next door), and the Shipwreck Island Waterpark is 1 km away. Pier Park's shopping and dining is about 6 km east. The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) is 17 km (approximately 16 minutes) from the hotel. Parking is free on site but a reservation is needed. The area can be reached by car, as there is no airport shuttle.

Room types range from double rooms to suites sleeping up to 8 people. Suites offer separate living areas, kitchenettes, and private bedrooms. Some rooms have full kitchens. All rooms include air conditioning, a private bathroom with a hairdryer, a flat-screen TV, and a tea/coffee maker. 97% of rooms face the Gulf; rooms labeled "roadside" do not. Most rooms above the first floor have balconies; first-floor rooms are beachfront walkouts with patios. Standard queens do not have a kitchenette, but deluxe queen rooms do. There is no elevator, so upper-floor rooms require climbing stairs - this can be a challenge for those with mobility issues or heavy luggage. Windows do not open, and some rooms have reported temperature control issues. Bed comfort varies by room.

The Tiki Bar is located poolside with Gulf views and offers the full Barefoot Restaurants menu for lunch and dinner, including Southern comfort foods and fresh seafood. It is open year-round except in inclement weather; December-March it operates Friday-Sunday only. Breakfast is available for purchase at the Tiki Bar. Hotel guests receive a 10% discount at all Barefoot Restaurants and The Shrimp Boat (included in the daily resort fee). A Starbucks is located next door, and several other restaurants (Hooters, Shrimp Basket, Waffle House) are within a 0.5 km walk.

The hotel features a Gulf-front outdoor pool, open year-round and heated, with pool towels provided. The pool area includes sun loungers, umbrellas, a shallow end, and a pool bar. A large outdoor game area with giant chess/checkers is on the tanning deck. Direct beach access is via stairs from the pool area or from ground-floor walkout rooms. The hotel does not have a spa or fitness center.

Wi-Fi is free in all areas. On-site parking is free but requires a reservation; an overflow lot is available across the street. The front desk is staffed 24/7. Guest laundry facilities are available on site for free. Accessible rooms are available (contact property to reserve), but there is no elevator and no ADA-compliant beach access - there is a chair lift at the pool. The property is smoke-free, including balconies and public areas. No pets are allowed (ADA service animals welcome). Accepted payment methods include American Express, Visa, Diners Club, JCB, Discover, Carte Blanche, and MasterCard.