Econo Lodge Crestview South

Econo Lodge Crestview South is on South Ferdon Boulevard (State Road 85) about a mile north of Interstate 10, directly beside the Crestview Commons shopping center. The two-story motel has 84 rooms with exterior corridors, 43-inch televisions and hydromassage shower heads.

A continental breakfast is included each morning. There is no pool, but the property has guest laundry, a business center with a computer station, and fax and copy service. Wi-Fi and parking are free, and the lot has room for trucks and RVs. A limited number of rooms are pet friendly, for a nightly fee, and service animals stay at no charge.

The location is the draw: Crestview Commons is about a two-minute walk, with McDonald’s, Chick-fil-A, Chili’s and other restaurants nearby. Twin Hills Park is a few miles away, Duke Field is to the south, and Blackwater River State Park is within easy driving distance for paddling and hiking. Fort Walton Beach and the Gulf are about 45 minutes south.

It suits budget travelers and drivers with trailers who want to walk to shopping and dinner, and families passing through on I-10. Check-in begins at 2 p.m., earlier than most hotels at the exit, and children 18 and under stay free with an adult. Business rates are available for work travelers, and guests must be at least 21 to check in. Point Washington State Forest and the Gulf Islands National Seashore are reachable as day trips.