This will be my first Ironman and my first trip to Florida.
Any reccommendations on staying in Panama City Beach would be welcome and most appreciated. Likely looking for a condo, rather than a hotel room, but will consider all options. Race is 5Nov05 and I will likely head to Florida (from Toronto) the Sunday before the race.
Thanks,
mp
I stayed at the Sunbird in 2003. It is just down the beach from the start and was a nice place for around $85 US per night. The unit I stayed in was a 1-bedroom condo on the 10th floor looking out on the Gulf and it was great. I can’t remember the web site address that I used to book it but it was something along the lines off panamacitybeachhotels.com. Hope this helps.
I have stayed at the Sunbird as well. Very nice, cheap and right next to the race / expo. I have a contact with an open unit for that week. PM me if you’re interested and I can send along her contact info.
Hi there,
This will be my first Ironman too! I’m staying at the Edgwater resort which, I’ve heard, is a fairly decent place to stay. Only a mile away from the start. I got the 3 bedroom condo with kitchen and all since my Mom and two daughters are coming. (My mom is paying for 1/2 of it, SCORE!)
Good luck and hopefully we can meet up at a ST meeting or something.
Trae
PS. Did a 2.5 mile swim (pool) in 1:18 yesterday and got out and did an easy 90mins on the bike afterwards. It felt pretty easy. I’ve heard that the Gulf in November is pretty flat, sooo… I’m hoping that’s the case. 
Can’t wait to start doing some OW swims here when the danged water cools off.
Whispering Seas on Surf Drive.
About 1/3rd mile from race site.
Not expensive. Quiet. Right on beach.
Rental agent:
Sun South Center
850-234-7842
800-272-6370
rentals@sunsouth.com
www.sunsouth.com
The Boardwalk’s new condo’s will be open for Ironman Florida! You can walk out the door to the swim start and transition. Two and three bedroom, brand new condo’s. Z
I thought they were all booked up? That’s why I looked at other places.
Bummer as we’ve already gotten our rooms and such. Oh well.
See you cats there.
Trae
They might all be booked- I made my reservations right after last year’s race. Z
Try http://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/usa/florida/panhandle-panama-city-beach#2760. You might find something there.
I’ll be at Long Beach Resort about a 15 minute walk from the race site. Mapquest can be helpful in sorting out distances between prospective condos and the race site.
I heard there was a shuttle bus service on race day, but I don’t know how far it goes.
Cheers,
Rob
Excellent. Thanks everyone for all of your suggestions!
mp
Check with this owner of several condos at Edgewater Beach Resort. Much more reasonable $ than going through the rental office. We stayed there last year and the condo was huge with a great view and access to the pools and hot tubs.
http://edgewater-panama-city-beach.com/edgewater-windward/
Best of luck at the race.