Spark by Hilton Destin

Spark by Hilton Destin is the former Best Western Sugar Sands Inn and Suites, rebranded into Hilton’s newest budget-friendly brand. It sits on Commons Drive East, just south of US 98 and about half a mile from Destin Commons. The three-story hotel has 137 rooms, including king studios and double-queen rooms.

Breakfast is included each morning, and the lobby has a snack shop, rocking chairs and picnic tables. There is an outdoor pool, a fitness center and guest laundry. Parking is free, with electric vehicle charging on site. Medium-size pets are welcome for a per-stay fee, connecting rooms are available, and Hilton Honors members can use a digital key.

Henderson Beach State Park is about a mile and a half west, Big Kahuna’s Water and Adventure Park about three miles, and the Destin Harbor Boardwalk and the Destin History and Fishing Museum about five miles. The shops and restaurants of Destin Commons and the Emerald Coast Centre are close by, and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport is roughly 18 miles away.

It suits families and couples who want a simple, well-located base with breakfast included, travelers with pets, and anyone who wants to be near shopping and a short drive from several public beach accesses. Check-in is at 3 p.m. and checkout at noon, later than many hotels in the area, which gives beach-goers an extra hour on departure day. The hotel is non-smoking throughout.