I was lucky enough to grow up in a place where my dad describes as “Paradise.” He’s describing his actual house and its location more specifically, but really, the area casually known as the “Redneck Riviera” is paradise for vacationers in the South. (It’s a real fake name for the Emerald Coast in Northwest Florida. It’s on the Wikipedia page so that means it’s real, right?)

Why, pray tel, is Florida’s Panhandle referred to as the Redneck Riviera? Because most of the tourists to the area come from Alabama, Mississippi, and Georgia, naturally. (Hey, don’t blame me. I didn’t name it.) In order to accommodate the millions (yes, millions) of tourists from the southern states, the stretch of beach that extends from Pensacola through Destin and on to Panama City Beach have thousands (yes, thousands) of hotels available to visitors.

When visiting the beach, my number one preference is to stay ON THE BEACH. I might pay a few extra dollars a night, but location, location, location is what’s most important when taking a BEACH vacation.

Here are the top 5 best-rated beachfront hotels in the panhandle of Florida (ie. Redneck Riviera).

Hampton Inn Beachfront Hotel, Pensacola Beach, Florida

Hampton Inn, Pensacola Beach
Rating: 4-1/2 stars (source: TripAdvisor)

Not only is the beach at your back door, but there is are two on-site pools, free internet access (who can live without that?), on-site Tiki bar (again, who can live without that?), and beachfront balconies.
Rate: $201 (est)/night

Henderson Park Inn - Destin, FL

Henderson Park Inn, Destin
Ratings: nearly 5 stars (sources: TripAdvisor, Yahoo! Travel)

One of the highest rated hotels in all of the panhandle, the Henderson Park Inn has a history of great service. Officially a “bed & breakfast,” the Inn is operated like a hotel. The Inn overlooks the sandy white beaches and emerald green Gulf with rooms right over the dunes. From Henderson Inn website, “A spacious room featuring a queen size bed, integrated whirlpool tub and shower, balcony overlooking the coastline, TV with cable and DVD player, a kitchenette with mini refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker.” Pretty much perfection.
Rate: $219 – $379 COASTLINE SUITE (described above)

Legacy by the Sea Hotel, Panama City Beach, Florida

Legacy by the Sea, Panama City Beach
Ratings: nearly 5 stars (sources: TripAdvisor, Hotels.com, Yahoo! Travel)

Located in the heart of Panama City Beach’s shopping and entertainment attractions, Legacy by the Sea is one of the best options for staying right on the beach. Special prices and deals are available year-round, but if you are a family or couple visiting the Panama City Beach area during Spring Break season, I would suggest delaying your vacation a few weeks. The Legacy by the Sea has special Spring Break deals available for college-aged Spring Breakers. So unless you like spending your vacation with a thousand or so college kids stumbling through the halls, on the beach, and partying in your pool, check a different time to visit. (But if you are one of those college Spring Breakers, Legacy by the Sea has some of the best rates available for you. Party on.)
Rates: from $129/night

Water's Edge Hotel, Ft Walton Beach, Florida

Water’s Edge, Fort Walton Beach
Ratings: 4-1/2 stars (sources: TripAdvisor, Travelocity)

This mid-rise hotel on the Gulf of Mexico features 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom suites overlooking the beach, right on the dunes. Within walking distance to the Gulfarium, the Okaloosa Island Boardwalk, and a short drive to shopping, this hotel is is centrally located to all of the attractions of Fort Walton Beach. The resort-style pool is steps from the hotel, and just beyond it is the sugary white sand beaches on the Emerald Coast.
Rate: starting at $109/night (1 bedroom)

Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, Destin, Florida

Sandestin Beach Hilton, Destin
Ratings: 4+ stars (sources: MyTravelGuide, Travelocity, Hotels.com)

Arguably the most well-known hotel on the beach, the Sandestin Beach Hilton is located inside the pristine Sandestin Beach Resort. Deluxe Junior suites can be accommodated with bunk beds for the kids, a balcony overlooking the Gulf, and “the ultra-luxurious ‘The Bed by Hilton’ created by Serta.” Award-winning dining and entertainment are on-site as well as four championship Sandestin golf courses at the doorstep.
Rate: $119-348/night (seasonal rates)

Photos courtesy: Hampton Inn, Henderson Park Inn, Legacy by the Sea, Resort Quest, Sandestin Beach Hilton