The Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort is proud to be the winter home to “snowbirds” each year.
During the months of November through early March, vacationers living in the much colder Northern states (and even Canada) make their way down to Florida.
This “migration” to the warmer climate has fondly earned these vacationers the name “snowbirds”.
Panama City Beach is one of many coastal Florida destinations that hosts snowbirds for extended stays. Some venture further south, going as far as Miami and even the Florida Keys.
So of the hundreds who decide to settle in Panama City Beach, why do so many of them choose to stay at the Sandpiper Beacon Beach Resort year after year?
There are plenty of accommodations to choose from. Many of these alternatives also host winter guests for extended stays. So what is it that makes the Sandpiper stand out?
We were curious about this, so we decided to ask! Here are the most common answers…
Price
This is an important factor for anybody, making any purchase.
So The Sandpiper strives to remain competitive all year round.
However, when you’re on a fixed income, a budget becomes even more important.
One of the most common responses from our Winter guests is simply that our value and rates are hard to beat.
Location
The West-end of Panama City Beach is a much quieter area of the beach.
It’s far less congested than the East-end, yet still within easy driving distance of any restaurant of attraction.
Our guests also liked that fact that the West end of the beach is closer to Pier Park, Frank Brown Park, Aaron Bessant Park.
As well as the tranquil and picturesque villages of 30A.
We discovered that just because they have time on their hands, doesn’t mean they want to be sat in their cars commuting for over an hour.
Pet Friendly
The winter guests we asked who had small dogs with them (their fur buddies) value the fact we are a pet friendly resort.
Surprisingly few hotels and condos in Panama City Beach have any type of pet friendly policy.
So those who do, like us, stand out.
When you take a vacation for an extended period of time (like snowbirds do) being away from your pet is difficult.
So anywhere that helps keep the family together is good!
Family Owned & Operated
Younger generations seem to place less value and significance on this point.
However, this was a frequent response we heard from our Winter guests.
The fact that the Sandpiper Beacon is locally owned and operated by a family, and not another faceless corporate chain matters.
“Authentic” and “genuine” are words mentioned a lot.
Apparently, that’s something that makes people feel more at home and at ease, which is precisely what a relaxing vacation should do.
24/7 Guest Service
It turns out you can never plan or predict the times you’re going to need something.
Or the times when something unexpected goes wrong.
From needing more beach towels to help connecting to WiFi, our guests like the fact there is always a team of people here to help 24/7.
“Peace of mind” is a phrase we hear a lot.
The Sandpiper Beacon’s staff are here at the property 24/7.
That includes housekeeping, guest services and even maintenance.
Just in case an appliance in the kitchen decides to stop working.
If you call other Hotels in Panama City Beach to see if they offer this too, you’ll quickly see how rare it is.
Community
It’s genuinely heartwarming hearing how fondly our Winter guests speak about the friends they have made here.
We hear lots of stories about guests keeping in touch throughout the year until everybody comes back again the following year.
Our snowbirds happily recite interesting stories of other guest’s children and grandchildren.
There’s typically a group activity or cookout planned. Even outside of our own weekly entertainment schedule.
Friendly Personal Service
It’s easy to get to know our guests who stay here year after year.
We get to know their hobbies, families and even favorite sports teams.
We even develop inside jokes together. So when we see “our snowbirds” again, it often feels like a family reunion.
We’re always here to cater to and serve our guests. It’s just difficult to not develop a deeper rapport with ones who stay for several months!
Apparently, our guests feel the same way.
It was great to hear the same sentiment cited as one of the reasons people love to stay here at the Sandpiper Beacon!
Things to do
One of the most common answers our guests give us about why they chose to stay here, is the amount of things there are to do.
We schedule weekly entertainment all year round. Including the Winter months.
From happy hour to beachside bingo. Pot luck dinners or something else, there’s often something to do for those who want it.
On top of that, there’s always the multiple heated pools, pool tables and shuffleboard etc.
But all the little extras go a long way to making sure “relaxing” doesn’t turn into “boring”.
Designated Smoking Areas
Very few of our Winter guests are smokers.
Those who do occasionally enjoy a cigar or cigarette still appreciate that the Resort is non-smoking.
With the exception of newly built designated smoking areas that have incredible views of the beach.
This way, we cater to everybody while being inclusive and considerate of everybody’s needs and preferences.
