Home of the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels squadron, Pensacola is an exciting cornucopia of pristine beaches, charming historic sites, and recreational venues. Travelers flock to Pensacola Beach to immerse themselves in emerald green waters and powdery white beaches, ideal for swimming, kayaking, parasailing, and dolphin-spotting.
The region is brimming with unspoiled stretches of wilderness, nature trails, and lavish destination resorts with world-class amenities. The secret to having a well-rounded and unforgettable Pensacola Beach vacation lies in finding an ideally located accommodation, and we’re here to help.
From boutique hotels and full-service resorts to holiday homes and much more here are the best cool and unusual hotels in Pensacola Beach, Florida (in no particular order)…
1. Margaritaville Beach Hotel – a fun and popular beachfront resort hotel where guests can enjoy a one-of-a-kind tropical experience
A luxurious gulf-front property, the Margaritaville Beach Hotel tempts nature enthusiasts with unobstructed views of Pensacola Beach and Bay. Travelers can explore lavish accommodations featuring panoramic gulf views or settle with an executive room with a garden tub and a wrap-around balcony overlooking the Bayside Waterway.
Margaritaville is home to 162 guest rooms and suites, featuring an eclectic blend of oceanic colors, fine furniture, and indulgent amenities like plush duvets, in-room appliances, and complimentary beverages.
The soothing interiors recreate the serenity of a tropical island, while the poolside tiki bar provides an endless supply of crafty cocktails. Guests can splash around in the outdoor pool, book in-house massages, and sign up for guided adventures.
- To book, check prices or availability for Margaritaville Beach Hotel
2. Surf & Sand Hotel – a colorful, kitsch, and fun party hotel to stay in Pensacola Beach perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs
Vacationers seeking affordability without cramping their comfort will find their ideal match in the Surf & Sand Hotel – a whimsical property located on Pensacola Beach. This free-spirited venue is a 100-room beach hotel that combines affordability with convenient amenities, complimentary breakfast spreads, and home-like comforts.
Guests are spoiled with a multitude of complimentary services, such as free beach cruisers, paddleboards, kayaks, floats, and games. Travelers who want to lounge around and work on their tan can request furniture or float the day away at the pool and bar dubbed the Little Sabine Bay.
One simply has to step outside the hotel to find the hippest bars and finest restaurants on the island.
- To book, check prices or availability for Surf & Sand Hotel
3. Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach – an upbeat contemporary beachfront hotel where pets are also welcome
Situated along the scenic Pensacola Beach Trail, the Hampton Inn is ideal for travelers eager to wake up to stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. This centrally-located venue allows vacationers to avoid exhausting commutes by offering proximity to the action-packed downtown district and Highway 98.
Hampton Inn offers 181 rooms and suites, many of which come with private balconies overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Since the Inn is located right on the beach, guests can begin their days with beach runs or enjoy hot breakfast with their toes dipped in powdery white sand.
Families traveling with children can explore a wealth of kid-friendly activities, while adults can book spa treatments or embark on a parasailing adventure.
- To book, check prices or availability for Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach
4. Oceanfront at Sabine Yacht and Racquet Club – a chic and relaxed oceanfront boutique aparthotel ideal for large groups
A popular choice for water sports enthusiasts and island adventurers, the Oceanfront at Sabine Yacht and Racquet Club enriches beachside vacations with luxurious amenities and convenient access. Travelers enjoy ski-to-door access and close proximity to Pensacola Beach and the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier.
The air-conditioned units feature enchanting sea views from expansive windows, creating the perfect setting to catch magical sunrises and sunsets without leaving the rental. The units offer stainless steel kitchens, cozy dining spaces, seating areas, and comfortable bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms.
Guests have everything they need to feel right at home, from flat-screen T.V.s and refrigerators to complimentary toiletries and fine linens.
- To book, check prices or availability for Oceanfront at Sabine Yacht and Racquet Club
5. Portofino Island Resort – a relaxing but fun upscale hotel overlooking Pensacola Beach
Sprawling on 28 acres of beachfront serenity, the Portofino Island Resort is stretched between the Gulf of Mexico and Santa Rosa Sound. This upscale resort tempts nature lovers with the promise of unspoiled wilderness and panoramic views with over 300 luxury accommodations.
The resort’s extensive lineup includes guest rooms, junior suites, executive suites, one and two-bedroom beachfront condos, and mind-boggling Sky Homes featuring stunning water views. The sky homes are indeed the crown jewel in Portofino Island’s treasure trove of indulgences, offering sweeping views and modern amenities in every room.
Guests staying at this idyllic retreat enjoy access to a world-class spa, 8 heated pools, waterfront dining, sports facilities, and a 40,000-square-foot Lifestyle Center.
- To book, check prices or availability for Portofino Island Resort
6. Bayview Beach Escape – a cute and charming boutique hotel that is the perfect home away from home
Situated 1.6 miles from Gulf Islands, the Bayview Beach Escape is located on Pensacola Beach, within proximity to the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier. This elegantly furnished 2-bedroom unit offers a comfortable setting for romantic getaways and family-friendly beach vacations.
The unit comes with a functional kitchen equipped with smart appliances, gadgets, and cookware to prepare homemade meals. It also features a flat-screen T.V., a private bathroom, a dining area, and a furnished living room. The living space and furniture can accommodate 6 guests without cramping anyone’s comfort or crowding up the unit.
The location is fabulous for exploring popular attractions, such as the Park West Sound Side Beach, Quietwater Beach, Langdon Beach, Shoreline Park, and Villa Venyce Park.
- To book, check prices or availability for Bayview Beach Escape
7. Treehouse Townhome – a sleek and cute hotel close to popular points of interest
Treehouse Townhome recreates the privacy of a treehouse with resort-like amenities and picturesque views that melt the heart. Located on Pensacola Beach, this delightful retreat welcomes travelers to experience island life with a home-like setting.
Imagine sipping your morning coffee while enjoying stunning views from the kitchen balcony. The master bedroom offers sweeping views, and one can spot dolphins on the horizon from the cozy confines of the plush king-size bed. The treehouse offers brightly decorated living spaces, a seating area, a dining space, a well-equipped kitchen, and manicured lawns to enjoy starry nights.
This stylish accommodation is perfect for entertaining guests with amazing indoor and outdoor spaces overlooking the ocean.
- To book, check prices or availability for Treehouse Townhome
8. Bluetopia Blue Wahoos – a modern and bright holiday home perfect for families
Bluetopia Blue Wahoos is a charming 3-bedroom holiday home nestled 300 meters from Pensacola Beach and within proximity to the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier and the Gulf Islands.
The rental offers 3 beautifully adorned bedrooms, 2 ensuite bathrooms, a stainless steel kitchen, a dining nook, and a patio overlooking the sea.
Bluetopia is the ultimate beach getaway with home-like amenities and plenty of outdoor space to soak up the sunshine and stunning gulf views. The home offers several furnished decks and two balconies, and guests can also enjoy water views while grilling in the backyard.
The Pensacola Beach Boardwalk is only three miles away with its rip-roaring nightlife and an endless variety of cuisines.
- To book, check prices or availability for Bluetopia Blue Wahoos
9. GetAways at Soundside Holiday Beach Resort – a cool low-key aparthotel that offers great amenities
GetAways at Soundside Holiday allows ocean lovers to carve out an independent beachfront sanctuary with an outdoor swimming pool, a sprawling balcony, and furnished living spaces. This apart-style resort offers air-conditioned condos with fully-equipped kitchens, spacious bedrooms, dining rooms, and ambient seating areas.
The beautifully furnished rooms are equipped with smart appliances and plush bedding. The floor plans open onto the furnished balcony, a lovely spot to soak up the Florida sun. Guests enjoy access to a lovely garden, flat-screen T.V.s, grilling equipment, dry cleaning facilities, and a picnic area.
The resort is 600 meters from Pensacola beach and 500 meters from Quietwater Beach, while the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier is 850 meters away.
- To book, check prices or availability for GetAways at Soundside Holiday Beach Resort
10. Beachy Beaut at Emerald Isle – cool and bright accommodation perfect for families or longer stays
Situated near Pensacola Beach, Beachy Beaut at Emerald Isle positions travelers near the Pensacola Beach Gulf Pier, Jolly Sailing, and the Gulf Islands. This comfortable vacation rental features two spacious bedrooms, a functional kitchen, a seating area, and a sprawling balcony.
Guests enjoy access to innumerable smart appliances, including a dishwasher, a microwave, an oven, and a coffee machine. The property features a hot tub and sauna, and guests enjoy flat-screen T.V.s in all rooms. The expansive windows offer unobstructed sea views, and the bathrooms are equipped with fine linens and toiletries.
The Dolphin Square Shopping Mall is located at a 10-minute drive, while the Quietwater Beach Boardwalk Shopping Mall is also nearby.
- To book, check prices or availability for Beachy Beaut at Emerald Isle
11. White Sands Bay Front Pensacola Condo – a stylish and casual hotel perfect for a romantic getaway
A romantic bayfront accommodation adorned with modern amenities, the White Sands condo offers a luxurious setting for an unforgettable tropical adventure.
Culinary enthusiasts will fall in love with the stainless steel kitchen, well-equipped with appliances and gadgets to whip up delicious treats using locally-grown produce.
The two-bedroom units are designed to accommodate up to six guests with ample space and furniture to maximize comfort. Guests can begin their days with a luxuriating dip in the emerald green waters or roll around on the sugary sand beach lying right outside the gates.
The brightly-lit living spaces have a soothing coastal energy, and the outdoor deck offers comfortable furniture for a relaxing evening by the beach.
- To book, check prices or availability for White Sands Bay Front Pensacola Condo
We also have posts on…
- Cool boutique hotels in Gulf Shores
- Cool boutique hotels in Biloxi
- Cool boutique hotels in Tallahassee
- Cool boutique hotels in Birmingham AL
- Cool boutique hotels in New Orleans
- Cool boutique hotels in Jacksonville
- Cool boutique hotels in St Augstine
Ever since he was knee-high to a grasshopper Michael has always been a sucker for an adventure. Growing up he was lucky enough to live in a handful of exotic far flung locations including Hong Kong, Pakistan, Kenya and Tanzania and since then he’s continued his taste for seeking out new cultures. So much in fact he now travels the world as a trading digital nomad, exploring everything from the sizzling street markets in Bangkok to random back alleys in Sri Lanka and everything in between! He also has a special fondness for Cohibas, street food, playing carrom, and fine wine and knows his clarets from his chiantis. He counts Cuba, Amsterdam, Indonesia, Cambodia and Italy as his favourite destinations.