As a family, we have been vacationing on the Gulf for over 10 years at upscale to moderately…read moreexpensive resorts. Silver Beach Towers has been an incredible experience.
Due to recent VRBO scams, we rented directly through Compass Resorts. Their process is very easy and reliable and we found the sales staff very helpful. Check in was flawless and the fastest I have ever experienced at any resort. In less than 15 minutes, from the time we pulled into the resort, we were stepping into our condo. The condo is centrally located with a stop light right at the road into the complex. This is important because the road is very busy and you want to be able to easily make a right or left out of the complex. Parking at the condo is assigned, so that is not an issue. There is also ample additional parking.
The complex itself is very well laid out. We did a lot of vacationing at, for example, places like the Beach Club in Gulf Shores, and the elevator situation was an absolute nightmare by comparison. During our entire stay thus far (we are halfway through our stay), we never had to wait on an elevator. In fact, it was a rare experience to even have to share the elevator. Total time from our condo to stepping on the beach? Less than five minutes. About three minutes to the pool and two minutes to the parking garage.
Our condo itself was immaculate. Note, the condo we stayed in was managed by Compass Resorts. However, it was very clear to us that the owner took great pride of ownership. All electronics worked perfectly, there was surround sound throughout condo and on balcony, three flat screen TV's, modern new furniture, excess quality bath towels, a fully equipped kitchen, bottled water, etc.... I am a fanatic about cleanliness and look at a number of items to assess cleanliness, including baseboards. The boards were spotless, even in the corners. It is clear to me the cleaning /servicing company they use takes their job seriously. Even after a military type inspection, I could find no fault with the condo.
A note on security: This condo does not mess around with security. It is clear they do not want to become another Panama City Beach, which I will never go back to again. There are security cameras throughout the resort including inside elevators and at the pool. Compass Resorts also staff's the facility 24 hours a day and the staff subtly patrols the grounds and take their job seriously. They inspect balconies regularly (from the ground), are constantly cleaning, help guide visitors, and ensure rules are followed (such as pool closing at 10pm and smoking is only done in designated areas). The resort uses an RFID key Fob system and wristband for access to parking, garage, building, pool, and even the private beach. If you do not belong in the resort, you will have a hard time getting in. I appreciate this level of security. However, if you want to drink and get rowdy or have kids that you choose not to control, this is probably not the place for you.
The resort has two of the cleanest pools and hot tubs I have ever used. There was never any garbage in the pool area. The pool and beach entrance are equipped with showering areas and everything always worked perfectly. A common grilling area with gas fired outdoor grills is provided and pretty good, with a seating area.
Bottom line, Destin Florida is now our favorite Gulf Destination stop and we will be back to Silver Beach Towers. This location, perhaps due to price, seems to attract a different type of crowd than Panama City Beach. Once again, if you are the type of crowd that intends to get rowdy, not follow rules, or otherwise intends on tearing the place up, this place is not for you. Also, if there is any underage drinking, they will evict your group immediately.