When people book a beach trip, often they think
of a condo over a hotel or motel. Over the past years, Panama City has been
taken over by large condos causing some of the small treasures of the beach to
be overlooked. We would like to break down the
real differences between the new condos and traditional hotels and motels.
The
first difference is obvious, size. Condos are normally large, high rise
buildings that house hundreds of rooms while motels are your average size
building that cannot house as many people. This difference can actually be a
pro for a motel. With a smaller capacity comes less wait times
at elevators, less noise and more room on the beach. Although
condo's buildings are larger, most private beach areas are about the same size,
resulting for a very crowded beach. The pool area is often another problem at
condos. The small area cannot accommodate the amount of people
staying in the large condo rooms. Offering three to four bedroom condos can
often mean you have 10+ people staying in one room. Since motels are so much
smaller, you can expect a much smaller crowd.
The
next difference may be a deal breaker for most, price. Motels are significantly
less expensive than condos in many ways. Not only are their rates lower, but
they are also more likely to run specials. Another great thing about motels is
you don't have to worry about all of those added fees you run into while
renting a condo. With a condo you can expect to pay a large security deposit
upfront as well as a hefty cleaning fee when you check out. Although these security
deposits are normally refundable, it usually takes weeks for you to
actually receive your refund. With a motel, not only do you not have
to worry about security deposits and cleaning fees, you get your room cleaned
daily. Motels offer a maid service for their guests that condos do not. When
you stay at a motel, you can expect your made beds, fresh
towels, vacuumed carpet and replaced toiletries daily. You are on
vacation, the last thing you want to do is clean. In condos, you are supplied with
a washer and dryer to wash your own towels daily and you may or may not be
supplied with a vacuum cleaner. With all the sand tracking in and
out, you don't want your vacation to be a chore. 
Hotel
and Motels can also be safer and more convenient with families
traveling with kids. It always seems as soon as you get down to the beach, one
of the kids are hungry or forgot something. At condos a trip back to the room
could consist of a long walk, an elevator wait and traveling up fifteen plus
floors. That is not a trip you want your child to make by themselves. Staying
at a motel, you have a smaller distance to travel back to your room and a far
less elevator time, often just using the stairs.
Another
problem some people run into when renting a condo is the amount of nights
required to rent. Often in the summer, condos will have a minimum amount
of nights you can stay. Motels understand that you may not be able to stay for
a week and are far more flexible for their guests.
If
you are looking for a fun, affordable trip to the beach, a motel may be the
right choice for you. With a smaller crowd, less fees and clean rooms you are
sure to have a wonderful, stress-free vacation.
If you are looking for a fun… family… value….
Filled vacation try the Flamingo Motel. View our current specials and rates at www.flamingomotel.com
