Resort Quest at Seychelles Condominiums Florida Hotel Review

June 2010

Going to Florida on a vacation or for business, you'll find there are tons of hotels in Panama City Beach, but they're not always the hotel that you want to stay at, whether you're with friends, family, or you're going by yourself. There are a good number of raunchy hotels and old, dilapidated motels that are just waiting to be bulldozed over, yet they still are packed during the peek tourist seasons.

If you're looking for a nice condo to spend your vacation time in, relaxing, and soaking up the sun, Resort Quest is that condominium.

When I found my reservation for five adults, Resort Quest had the best prices and the best features for what we were looking for. Compared to Holiday Inn Resort, the prices were relatively the same and the amenities were 5 times as good, which is why the condo got out business.

At first, everyone was leery that I had found a roach motel. No one had ever heard of the condo (it's a newer condominium) and the price was better than anyone else found. Let's say everyone was surprised that this 'roach motel' was as nice as it was.

The condo unit was exquisitely clean, facing the beach, and the overall complex amenities were wonderful. Plus, the hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of St. Andrews State Park, a short driving distance from the Marina, and a short boat ride to Shell Island. The hotel is located near front beach, which is where you'll find most of your main attraction, whether it be entertainment, dining, or shopping.

The condominiums were built in 2006,and includes 22 floors with 189 rooms and conference rooms. There are different size rooms varying from one bedroom and one bath to two bedroom and two baths. Depending on what size room and how many people you plan on accommodating during your stay, the price will vary. You'll even find that there are rooms of different square foot sizes and overall layouts.

The condominiums include two pools and one hot tub that are both outside. There is a small fitness facility and a small children's clubhouse that contains a few arcade games.

Check in time is 3PM, and check out time is 10AM (which is a little early when you're with a larger group of people or with younger children; definitely try to pack up the night before).

There are no pets allowed in the condo units, so if you are trying to find accommodations for you and your pet, you will have to continue looking, as Resort Quest is not going to be for you.

All of the rooms are non-smoking, so bare this in mind. There is a $200 minimum charge for smoking in the rooms.

• Air conditioning
• Balcony
• Bunk beds
  
• Clock radio
• Coffee/tea maker
• Complimentary toiletries
• Cookware, dishware, and utensils
• High-speed Internet access (complimentary)
• Phone
• Television
• Sofa bed
• Washing machine/Dryer (not all rooms contain this amenity)

While staying at Resort Quest, you can get free DVD rentals, renting one DVD at a time.

You also receive a Passport to Fun pack, which includes various seasonal activities, such as charter fishing, boating adventures/cruises, marine park and a recreation center.

Upon checking out, the condo staff requests the following:

• Place all dirty towels in bath tubs.
• Throw out any food in the refrigerator that is in dishes that need to be washed.
• Run the dishwasher upon departure.
• Empty all trash- trash chute is located on the east end of the building.
• If departing early, place all keys, DVD's, and pool bands in the drop box next to the rental office doors in the parking garage.

As I mentioned, some of the individuals in my party were leery about the reservations, thinking I'd found us a 'roach motel,' but everyone was pleasantly surprised as to the overall experience that we had at the condo.

Because everything is new, it's all clean and well kept. Not saying that in a few years, the place will be run down, but being just 4 years old, everything was still near brand new.

Location

Some of the party wasn't thrilled that the condominium was so far down the street away from the main road, but most of the party loved how Resort Quest was down the road. It made us get out and drive around, versus just stay right around the hotel.

The Unit

Personally, the colors in the bathrooms and overall condo unit, were pretty bright for my tastes. With lime green paint in the bathroom, and pastel yellow in the bedroom, it was a little much, but the spring colors were chosen for a reason... To set the beach tones.

I did have a problem, sleeping in the bedroom, as there was a vent on the wall directly across from the bed that went outside. The vent was open and let the light from the motion sensor sign right through.

Another concern I had was the teeny, tiny TV screen in the bedroom. I realize that when on vacation, TV isn't as big of a concern, but it would have been nice not to have to squint while watching TV at night before bed.

The TV in the living room area was much larger, but the reception wasn't always the best. We had to fiddle with the cords in order to get a clear screen; after that it was fine, but it was the initial fiddling that was a pain, getting the cords just right.

The bed and bunk beds was pretty comfortable; the bathroom was an appropriate size (not too small); the hallway was a little cramped; and the deck was well furnished.

Parking

I hate parking in garages, but this was the only means of parking available for the condo. It wasn't too bad, but going the right way was definitely something to keep in mind. If you went the wrong way, you'd run into another vacationer.

The Service

When checking out, the people at the desk were a little short. I don't know if they were busy or what, but in a way it was poor customer service.

Then, when I got a call that some of my party left clothes in the closet, we had to turn around. At first, when I called about the clothes, I was informed they would mail them, and made it out as that was the only choice. I called back, and asked if we could come pick up the clothes. We could. When I ran into the main office to grab the items of clothes, I had to weight for nearly 45 minutes for the manager to walk across the parking garage from the building to the lobby in the bottom floor of the garage. When the manager got there, she was rude. It was completely uncalled for, and I just wanted to apologize for making her walk across the way just to give me the clothes left behind. I didn't because that's her job- satisfy the customer.

Anyway, although the condo unit was great, the service was rude, it's still a great place to stay.

Although, the service wasn't the most friendly, if you're in Panama City Beach, FL, I would recommend trying to get reservations at Resort Quest Condominiums at Seychelles. The units are clean, and the beaches right below are family friendly.

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