With extended-stay guests in mind, this modern chain outpost -- part of the Marriott brand -- has a lot to like, though rates are higher than most local properties in the two-and-a-half-pearl category. TownePlace Suites Fort Walton Beach - Eglin AFB is a four-story building with red shutters and colorful green and blue accents. Inside, the lobby is spacious, with a modern seating area furnished with contemporary home-style yellow chairs on a patterned rug. Next to the front desk is a large map of the area marked to inform guests -- a mix of business and leisure travelers -- of nearby points of interest. The buffet breakfast is served in a room with bay view windows, and outdoor seating is available, though snagging a seat when it’s busy may be a challenge. Fire pits surrounded by couches and chairs offer an outdoor place for guests to take in the bay views. Business guests and families visiting relatives at the nearby Air Force base make up the bulk of guests here.

The hotel is located on the bay, a five-minute drive from Eglin Air Force Base and Air Force Armament Museum. Destin - Fort Walton Beach Airport is within a 10-minute drive. The road leading to the hotel can be busy, and nearby businesses and restaurants all look fairly typically suburban -- in other words, the immediate area isn't all that appealing. It’s around a 15-minute drive to the nearest beach, and Pensacola Beach is within an hour’s drive. Big Kahuna’s Water Park is less than a 20-minute drive away.  

Rooms at the hotel are clean and well-maintained, with modern decor that's pleasant enough, if a bit generic. Expect to see blue accent walls, white bedding, and streamlined wooden headboards. Wooden desks with overhead shelves, drawers, and bulletin boards are a nice addition. Bright yellow walls and accents are used to nice effect, and work with ocean-themed wall art to keep things bright. Kitchens are sleek, with dark wooden cabinets, electric stovetops, coffeemakers, and stainless-steel appliances including refrigerators, microwaves, and dishwashers. Cookware and serving ware is provided, as is dish soap and detergent. All rooms have flat-screen TVs and some have furnished, bay-view balconies. Bathrooms have walk-in showers or shower/tub combos. Families and groups may want to opt for a two-bedroom suite, which have two bedrooms plus living rooms with sleeper sofas.

The hotel provides a free breakfast buffet with items such as bagels and cereals, plus hot items on weekdays. No other meals are served on-site and the breakfast area can get crowded. The outdoor pool is small given the size of the hotel, and it's surrounded by lounge chairs and has bay views; additionally, there's an outdoor patio with couches, gas grills, and fire pits. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center with a small selection of modern cardio and weight machines plus free weights. There are coin-operated washers and dryers, and a pantry with snacks for sale. A business center includes two computers and a printer plus a meeting room. Both Wi-Fi and parking are free, and pets are allowed for a fee.