7 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Where to Stay

Year after year, we hear the same complaints about how the choice of accommodation was the only bad thing about spring break.

This is supposed to be one of the greatest weeks of your life, certainly your year – so do yourself a favor… Spend a short 5 minutes reading through this list, and stay somewhere that gives you the best possible spring break experience. Or head straight on over to www.springbreakfunplace.com and see more there.

Mistake #1 – Staying Somewhere Just Because it’s Close to the Big Clubs Like LaVela 

Let’s start off by saying you’ve gotta go here at least once… Largest nightclub in the USA and all that stuff; you will have a great time! BUT – To think you’ll be here every single night, and picking your hotel just because it’s nearby is a bad start. With $50 cover charges + $25 parking fees before you even get to the bar to order your $8-10 drinks… You’d be broke by Tuesday… But hey, at least you’re staying right next door!

Mistake #2 – Assuming There Will be 24/7 Guest Service

Sometimes life happens. The odds of life happening also increase exponentially when there are intoxicated people around. So let’s say it’s 4am and suddenly the smoke alarm won’t stop going off / you realize you need more towels / you have no hot water etc… Does your condo / hotel / resort have around the clock guest service and maintenance? Don’t just assume it does, make sure it does… Aside from the peace of mind, you should be getting what you pay for!

Mistake #3 – Thinking That Everywhere is Directly on the Beach

Yes, these are all places to stay IN Panama City Beach, but that doesn’t mean they are all ON the beach. Many actually are not even close to the beach, but will be a bit sneaky about how they present that information. There maybe photos of the beach all over their website, they may even talk about how much fun it is to hang out on the beach all day. Just be smart, and know exactly what you’re getting.

Mistake #4 – Falling for the “We Have a Tiki Bar on Site” Trick

There are plenty of backyards all around the country with 2 Tiki Torches, 6 bamboo chairs, and some palm front roofing. In recent years, it seems like everyone wants to have a “Tiki Bar”. The truth is, the World Famous Tiki Bar at the Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort has become a rite of passage. Everybody wants to come and experience the Tiki Bar, and “Get Freaky at the Tiki”. Knowing that, lots of people have thrown up some 2×4’S and made a pinterest-esque “Tiki Hut” that they try to sell you as a Tiki Bar. Luckily you’re smarter than that…

Mistake #5 – Thinking That What You See is What You Pay

Sadly, it’s become common for some places who have nothing else to offer by way of entertainment, to use the only trick they have left; advertising a low price. Many places have (literally) too good to be true advertised rates – like $29/night. Sounds awesome, right? Sure – I’d click to see more about that deal in a heartbeat… But get a quote, and then take a look at the number left after they have added half a dozen fees and hidden charges. That initial $29/night is suddenly a lot closer to $129. Read the small print, and specifically ask about hidden fees.

Mistake #6 – Thinking That the Place is a Spring Break Hot Spot Because the Inside Looks Amazing

Panama City Beach is a vacation destination all year round. With that in mind, the people who rent individual condos out make more money throughout the year by renting to families. That’s why everything looks perfect in the photos, and understandably, looks like somewhere you would wanna stay! Check out the rest of the property though… Is the entire place a Spring Break hot spot? There should be DJs / beach games / corporate sponsors and giveaways / pool parties / hot tubs / waterslides / hammocks / beach volleyball tournaments / bikini contests… Your Spring Break experience as a whole is way more important than how many starfish your bathroom has on the walls.

Mistake #7 – Staying Somewhere You Know Has Nothing Going on Because You’ll be Hitting up a Different Spot Each Day Anyway

Sure, that looks great on paper, and sounds good when you’re talking about it, but trust us when we say that the reality is gonna be different. You’re gonna be waking up around noon, and won’t want to do much of anything all day but lounge around the pool / on the beach, pre-gaming for the night ahead. You may explore a few spots in the first couple of days, but that fades fast. Then you’ll wish you had stayed somewhere that also has stuff going on right there all day, as well as hundreds of people coming there to do it with you… All because their hotel has nothing going on. See above: DJs / beach games / corporate sponsors and giveaways / pool parties / hot tubs / waterslides / hammocks / beach volleyball tournaments / bikini contests…

The Solution: It’s this simple: Do your homework. If you’re the person your group has delegated to book the rooms, do everyone a favor and make sure your place to stay checks all these boxes, and then you’re biggest worry will be counting down the days to the most amazing Spring Break experience ever!