My family stayed at the Laketown Wharf Resort for the annual Ironman Florida race. The Laketown Wharf far exceeded my expectations. The rooms were clean, spacious, and well appointed, we had a beautiful water view, and were conveniently located near all of the race activities as well as the beach (across the street) and shopping venues we needed (e.g., Wal-Mart). For the price, I don't know why anyone would stay anywhere else for Ironman Florida. The one downside is the size. This place is gigantic, on a scale I haven't seen outside of Las Vegas. When I forgot to bring towels to the pool (they ask that you not bring the room towels to the pool but don't actually provide towels at the pool - go figure), it took me over 15 minutes to go back to the room, get the towels and make it back to the pool. When we needed a new code for the door to our room, I had to make a 15 minute trek to the front desk to get the code. Most of the delay is caused by the elevators (there aren't enough of them and they go slowly) and the fact that the hotel was overwhelmed with Ironman athletes (they all need to go to the same places at the same times). Overall, it was a great place to stay and we had a wonderful time.

Johnny Budding and his crew absolutely spoiled us. Beautiful room with incredible support ... I'm sure I'll forget someone but ... From the help Tammy and Kayla offered to Mike and the crew at the front desk, to Dennis, Chris, Danny and Sam at the Cabana, we could not have asked for a nicer stay with a nicer bunch of folks ... now friends. If you're looking for a getaway, look no farther ... We can't wait to get back there. Dave & Linda Kendall

We stayed in a one bedroom condo with a separate area for bunk bed and two bathrooms,full kitchen and washer dryer. Everything was nice about the condo; even nice view of the ocean and plenty of restaurants/stores within walking distance. However, we stayed 4 nights and there is no maid service. Not even to bring clean towels. The condo even had a "not very fresh and clean smell" when we arrived and while nothing was visibly dirty , it has to be difficult to really keep a place clean without daily service and relying on on the renter to clean. . The rates were exceptionally good, though, so I suppose they figure you can do your own cleaning to make up for it. The elevator situation is a problem . Several times we waited so long for an elevator that never came, that we took the stairs 14 flights of stairs to our condo! Panama City is a difficult city to fly into , so I doubt we'll be back. The beach is gorgeous ,though.

The price was extremely reasonable for the size of the apartment. We had a one bedroom and the living room was enormous- lots of room for 2 yoga mats and still open space. Huge hallway, lots of room for our bikes. Lots of room to spread out our wetsuits and other equipment. It was clean and we found everything we needed. Being across the street from the beach wasn't an issue. We were on the 18th floor, so could see over the buildings in front of us. (only one tall one- others are only one or 2 story's) We paid about $100 a night. Having a code to open our door was nice- didn't have to worry about keys for during race and swimming. There was a bit of a back up at the end elevator, but we discovered no line at the middle set. If we get in to the race again, we will definitely stay here again. (they also send us a %10 off coupon for our next stay) Staff in the lobby were very helpful as well.