Marina Bay Resort

We stayed in October of 2007 in a 1 br/studio lockout. The best way to put the room is it served its purpose--a place to sleep. I've been to several resorts in FL now and this one was by far the worst. I read the maintenance fees are in excess of 800 dollars but I have no idea where it goes. Certainly not into renovating the rooms. They were clean and everything was functional but just old small and outdated. They have not replaced the furniture or carpet in many a years. My husband is used to our 50in plasma with surround sound so it about killed him to watch movies on the small 20in that was dark with poor coloring. We had to switch it out with the tv in the br. The kitchen and the bathroom had vitually no counter space. What I guessed was the studio portion had a uncomfortable pull out sofa and a rickety set of bunk beds. The king in the mbr was comfy enough. Nice balconys. There was no housekeeping service or even linen exchange. You had to go to the linen room to exchange it yourself during limited days and hours. If you stay here its definately for what the Destin area offers as opposed to the resort itself.

As for the area you'll love it for the beaches which are clean with sand like snow. We happened to be there during "red tide" which I had no idea of at first and thought it was an alien invasion or something. It's an excess of dead algae in the ocean water that causes respiratory irritation. I'm used to the dirty beaches in Virginia Beach where I live so their beaches are like being in the carribean.

There are lots of restaurants to choose from and a couple of nice shopping options nearby-- Destin Commons and the outlet stores. So try the nicer resorts in Destin 1st (Marina Bay is in Fort Walton Beach) but this one will do if you really want to visit this area.

stayed march of 2005. unit was clean, great view of the bay. nice balconies and bedrooms. friendly staff. worst thing was kitchen is very small but everything worked fine. beautiful area with lots to do.