TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort – Tides is a 15-story condo tower overlooking a gorgeous stretch of beach on Destin's resort-packed coast. This is the kind of hotel that's best for those seeking an independent stay with resort-style amenities that they can pick and choose, as there are fees associated with almost everything. Style here is reasonably modern, and public spaces have the sort of chunky, suburban-style furniture that are germane to so many mid-range properties in the area.

There is a good amount on offer for the many families that flock here, though. A poolside thatched-roof tiki bar serves food and drinks throughout the day, and there's a casual indoor dining area with ceiling fans for guests to escape the midday sun. From there, it’s just a short walk to the flat, sandy beach, which is clean and raked daily. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities including weekly “dive-in" movies during warmer months. The resort is part of a sprawling complex, and there’s a free shuttle available to get around the property. Reception is located in a separate building, and guest don’t have much interaction with staff after checking in. 

The beachfront Tides tower is located within the sprawling grounds of the TOPS’L Beach & Racquet Resort. The resort is on Highway 98, east of Destin and between the Gulf of Mexico and the Topsail Hill Preserve State Park, which has secluded beaches and 25-foot-tall sand dunes. The area is filled with other condo complexes and hotels, and there are several restaurants within a five- to 10-minute drive, including an Applebee’s and a P.F. Chang’s, as well as a Publix Super Market for stocking the kitchens. Panama City Beach will take about 45 minutes to reach by car. Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is a 40-minute drive from here, while Penascola International Airport is about an hour-and-a-half away.

The hotel offers two- and three- bedroom units with full kitchens, living rooms, and dining tables. Units are privately-owned, so decor can vary widely from chic and modern to breezy and beach-like. One unit we saw was particularly attractive, with gorgeous wood floors and stylish furnishings like glitzy pendant lighting and a faux animal rug. The Three-Bedroom Condo that we visited was a sophisticated take on an upscale home, with vibrant printed fabrics -- like damask bed runners -- complementing on-trend colors like mint and light gray. Keep in mind that some condos can be a bit more dated and humble. 

All apartments include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Some units have covered balconies offering picturesque gulf views. Kitchens are outfitted with refrigerators, ovens, dishwashers, coffeemakers, microwaves, and cookware/dinnerware, as well as paper towels, dish soap and detergent, and dish sponges. Bathrooms vary; some have shower/tub combos while others have separate showers and tubs. Some units also have washers/dryers. 

The hotel has a gorgeous beach with umbrella and lounge chair rentals available for a fee. There are also several pools on-site, including a children’s pool and a hot tub just outside of Tides tower. There’s a large fitness center with plenty of exercise machines, free weights, yoga and aerobics classes, and sauna and steam facilities. The impressive tennis complex has 12 clay courts including 10 lighted courts, a pro shop, and certified instructors. The hotel has an indoor racquetball court, a basketball court, and a free mini-golf course. Supervised children’s activities are offered several times a week. Note that some guests report needing to buy an amenity card to access some of the resort’s features. There’s a casual grill and tiki bar as well as a restaurant that's open for dinner and has occasional live music. No meals are included in the standard room rate. The hotel also has a gift shop, gas grills, and free guest laundry facilities for those who don't have in-unit washers and dryers. This gated property has 24-hour security. A free shuttle is provided around the property, and parking and Wi-Fi are both also free.