Took a week long trip to Pensacola with 4 girlfriends. One owns a condo timeshare at Soundside and takes a group of ladies each year. The condo was fabulous! It was more like an apartment than a vacation condo. It was spacious, could easily sleep 6 or more, had a great shower in the Master bath, and even had a washer & dryer which was super convenient. The condos are on the Sound side and you have a decent view of the water and parasailers. You do have to cross the street and walk a short distance to get to the beach, but it didnt bother us a bit. The beach has sugar white sand and the water was very clear. The condo has a great location. We walked to the bar right next door. (And even sat on our balcony to just enjoy their live music.) We walked to shops and to restaurants. We were able to walk pretty much everywhere. Did have to drive to go to the grocery store and to the Fishing Pier, but everything else was within walking distance.

My family loves Florida. Once a year we pick a new location in Florida. This year we picked Pensacola Beach, Soundside Holiday Beach Resort. I was never too sure about the location, but was I in for a surprise. The vacation rental was amazing, as close to being comfortable to home, as possible. Amenities were fantastic, gave my bunch (all mid 20s) a truck load of things to do. Chasing dolphins, dolphins chasing the boat, what a rememberable trip. We love this place and made an immediate reservation for "same time next year." ...and hopefully years to come. Don't miss it, don't cheat yourself, visit Pensacola.

BEST THINGS: Condo was very comfortable and attractive inside and new like. Everything clean worked well. Excellent facilities. Liked on-site pier and complimentary Tuesday breakfast. Did not get approached for sales talk. Daily newspaper provided. No oil problem on beaches.
NOT AS GOOD: Staff service after 5:00 inconvenient to find. Had to cross 4 lane road and walk behind a hotel to gulf beach. Kitchen tools adequate but sparse. Some night music next door until 10 :30. One dollar bridge toll fee per round trip from mainland inconvenient.
TIPS: Have bargain pricing after labor day. Very hot midday in August - Sept or Oct would be better. Bring your favorite frying pan, large drink glasses, and spatula. Wal-Mart 5 mi east of Gulf Breeze on 98. New Naverre Pier worth the drive (19 mi). PegLeg Pete's has moderate cost sandwich baskets. National Seashore park areas $8 for car but good for 7 days entry (no fishing license required). IMAX's "Hubble" at Naval Museum very good. Best gas value south of Hattiesburg, Ms or around Mobil, Al -- higher priced in Florida. "Good Times" tour company offers low cost day trips to Biloxi casino (Thursday only $1). Look up on google maps and see satellite view of resort.

We were able to stay during spring break season. Nothing to worry about though as far as noise and partying. The nights were quiet and peaceful. The rooms were clean and nicely outfitted. Being on the sound side, we were able to walk over to the ocean side and enjoy the beach during the day and then return to our quiet room in the evening. Brenda's brunch on Tuesday morning was outstanding!! My family and I would love to make this a yearly outing at Soundside.