We just got back from our fun and relaxing trip to Destin. We had a fabulous week at Grand Caribbean West! Each unit at Grand Caribbean is privately owned so each unit is different. We always rent directly through owners and don't bother with management companies since it's cheaper.
This year we stayed in a first floor, end unit that was spotless and had everything we needed and for only $135 a night . That's cheap! A gulf view isn't that important to us especially if we have to hike up down 3 flights of stairs with all our stuff every day. The pool and grounds are really nice and we especially liked sitting on the covered patio and eating dinner, playing cards and having drinks. Sunset from our patio was amazing! The unit we stayed in, #111, had new everything it seemed like and it was nice. It was super clean and the bed was firm but comfortable. The only thing I found wrong was one blind wouldn't rotate open but we just raised it... no biggie.
The location of Grand Caribbean West can't be beat. It's close to everything. We rented bikes, went deep sea fishing, rented jet skis, shopped, grilled out a few nights and layed on the beach alot. Beaches in Destin are gorgeous. It's like the Bahamas! My boys especially liked the pool and hot tub. I was really happy to find a washer/dryer in the unit so I could wash all our stuff half way through our stay.
I highly recommend staying at Grand Caribbean West. We are already planning our vacation next year and plan to stay at the same unit.

We were there for Spring Break (3/24 - 3/31) and stayed in the Grand Carribean West Condos. The condo had a beach theme decor but looked worn down. The place was pretty clean when we arrived but you could tell the carpet could use a good deep cleaning. The were little or no towels, washcloths, or pans to cook in. The dishes they had were unmatching and mostly fragile glass. This place is geared toward families so why everything was glass (dishes, dining and deck table etc.) I have no idea. The coffee maker did not work, but it was replaced the same day so we were happy. We did have in unit washer and dryer so that was an added plus. The "beach equipment" that was advertised was rusted and broken, so it was unusable. The beach toys were few and in bad shape so we bought our own.

The pool and whirlpool were good sized and kept very clean and good condition. We were very impressed with that area. The walk to the beach was easy, just across the street (scenic 98, easy to cross and most cars stop for you) and down the ramp on to the beach. We were on the 3rd floor and had a great view of the Gulf between the Crystal Sands condos. The spring break crown was there, but it was a quiet, respectful group in our area. We met some of the kids that stayed there and they were all nice and respectful. The rooms seem to be insulated well so noise is not a big problem.

For the price (just a bit over $100 a night for spring break) I would recommend to those on a budget, or have families and/or pets. If you can spare a couple of hundred more for a week, stay on the beach side at Crystal Sands. I toured the Crystal Sands out of curiosity while we were in Destin, and when we go back we will stay there. The rooms are bigger, nicer and right on the beack with beach service.