LOVE IT HERE 10/10We came here during our Spring Break & had an amazing experience with our family of 3. The rooftop is beautiful & open to the public for those who are not staying at the Hotel Eiffel. There is Valet Parking out front which was super convenient. I believe the fee is $35 but can be comped depending if you have a receipt from the rooftop. the experience was great, & I would definitely return regardless of the price point.We ordered the frozen strawberry daiquiri & tres amigos + a crab quesdillaa, all were great & flavorful. The drinks & food average around$20 per item which is average for the places in Destin.What made me inclined to leave this stellar review is the service we received. all the staff at the bar were friendly & so helpful!! After forgetting my hair clip in the car, I had asked for a rubber band & was given a hair tie, which was a lifesaver as I wanted to join my son in the pool without getting my hair wet. It was a small gesture but meant the world to me. Thank you!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Fernando O
Got there sat for around 10 minutes nobody came and ask me what kind of drink I wanted completely ignored! Got there at 8pm, horrible service.
Service: 1
HeatherK
We did the cocktail experience, which we learned was the first one they've held. It was so worth it! The food served with the cocktail class was delicious, and our host Kelly (who also works behind the bar at Ara) was a delight. If they offer this experience again I would highly recommend it!
Dee Wood
Absolutely stunning view! Heated Pool!The menu is reasonably priced and the portion sizes are fair. The only issue is that the food is prepared elsewhere and the staff brings it up to the pool area. I waited 20-30 minutes for cold fries and slightly cool burgers. Our food arrived with three additional parties orders so it’s a bulk order/bulk delivery service :/ very disappointed since I ordered at least 15 minutes prior to another party, however, our food was served at the same time. Went there once and did not return. Ara Rooftop has the potential to be the best food experience in Hotel Effie if they can either get a kitchen area upstairs or better manage how to get food quickly to guest.Vegetarian options: They have vegeburgers
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Cool atmosphere, description says able to fit four people but it's really just a lounge that fits two people at best. I figured for the price we would have had a waiter but instead we had to go up to the bar to order our drinks and food. We also had to return all of our drink glasses and food containers. The gratuity was included and I'm not really sure why since we did most of the work ourselves. The rooftop is great regardless and we will definitely come back but will just sit at the regular chairs as the cabana was definitely not worth an extra $200
Carol Khoury
Not happy I got charged 3 times when I closed the tab one time? I only ordered 2 drinks and a few shots for about $40 I thought not a $40, $25, and $73 separate charges?! Thought the bartender Joel was nice. Am very curious how my card got used that many times there? I did leave it at the counter unattended for a while. Nice pool. Love the view. Did not buy alcohol for myself.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
8um4ed3y36
For my first trip to Destin, FL I chose Hotel Effie. It was one of the most amazing hotels I've stayed in for quite some time. For facilities, location, and service, it was second to none. All without breaking the bank! Although not on the beach, you could see both the bay and the ocean from the rooftop pool area. If you want the beach, it's a free hotel shuttle ride away to the dedicated Hotel Effie section with umbrellas and chairs. Do yourself a favor. If you're planning a trip to Destin, FL, consider Hotel Effie before booking somewhere else. You will NOT regret it!
MaryahJJJ
Ive stayed at Hotel Effie several times. One of my favorite stay-cation places. I will say that it is very difficult before arrival to get a hold of staff. They seem a bit under staffed. And the food this time was okay, I prefer the Henderson’s dinning but Hotel Effie’s rooms and ambiance. But still a lovely time! Comfortable beds and pet friendly.
Dennis Q.
Nice big bar with good cocktails. We live part time next door at the Grand and come here for some cocktails and the view. Their apps are pretty good especially the navy bean hummus!
Dylan-schol
The food in the restaurant is great, the view from the rooftop pool and everything is beautiful and relaxed to be there. Great location in a secluded community with neighborhood pools to use as guest. The private beach chairs are oke. The warf with the shops is nice for a day visit but nothing special. Extra thanks to the staff: Nick S, Sophie and Oliver for the kindness and help
Refreshing. Stay Longer. Modern. Staff was excellent and you will enjoy your stay. If you are looking for something off beach and where you can just relax and have quiet relaxing time, then this is your place.
carolinepowell96
I visited the Hotel Effie for the first time this week for my birthday. Everything about my stay was above and beyond my expectations. The front desk staff (Fernanda and Elizabeth) had complimentary bottles of champagne sent to my room with personalized birthday cards. The amenities were fantastic (beach shuttle, beach service, etc) and the hotel itself is stunning. I had breakfast at Ovide twice and my waitress, Ashley, was amazing! She was so friendly and prompt with service. I cannot recommend this hotel more! I will be back often!
qeocrndtj3
Hotel is beautiful, great bars, food, cleaning, valet and pool staff were great. Don’t have an opinion about getting a new room key or waiting 30mins in a wet bathing suit in a cold hotel lobby or you will get the cops called on you! Ive stayed in hundreds of hotels around the world… Jo, the front desk manger comes in second as rudest, most poorly trained unprofessional manager I have ever encountered. Come on Effie… you guys have way better staff and can do better. I was in bed asleep when your front desk manager called the police on me. I asked the officer why there were at my door…she said she wasn’t sure other than “management” asked her to explain their eviction process! If I was a disturbance…why was I asleep in my room. Look at the hotel footage Effie… never raised my voice, never, called a name, never even cussed and your “manager” called the police on a “guest” while asleep in my room. Disgusting
EmpressEshRN
Hotel Effie has an essence of luxury as soon as you reach the entrance. The service was superb. From valet, to baggage service, to check-in, everything was outstanding. Tanesha at reception was so friendly and helpful with all our check-in needs. Dining at Ovide, drinks at Ara Rooftop Lounge, & massages at Spa Lilliana were top tier! We cannot wait to come back!
SandyWeiner
We had a great dining experience at Ovide. We loved the snapper entree and steak. The ambiance was outstanding and our server, Sophee was very attentive. We will be back! We live fresh seafood and prime meat, they definitely were five star with both!
LOVE IT HERE 10/10We came here during our Spring Break & had an amazing experience with our family of 3. The rooftop is beautiful & open to the public for those who are not staying at the Hotel Eiffel. There is Valet Parking out front which was super convenient. I believe the fee is $35 but can be comped depending if you have a receipt from the rooftop. the experience was great, & I would definitely return regardless of the price point.We ordered the frozen strawberry daiquiri & tres amigos + a crab quesdillaa, all were great & flavorful. The drinks & food average around$20 per item which is average for the places in Destin.What made me inclined to leave this stellar review is the service we received. all the staff at the bar were friendly & so helpful!! After forgetting my hair clip in the car, I had asked for a rubber band & was given a hair tie, which was a lifesaver as I wanted to join my son in the pool without getting my hair wet. It was a small gesture but meant the world to me. Thank you!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Got there sat for around 10 minutes nobody came and ask me what kind of drink I wanted completely ignored! Got there at 8pm, horrible service.
Service: 1
We did the cocktail experience, which we learned was the first one they've held. It was so worth it! The food served with the cocktail class was delicious, and our host Kelly (who also works behind the bar at Ara) was a delight. If they offer this experience again I would highly recommend it!
Absolutely stunning view! Heated Pool!The menu is reasonably priced and the portion sizes are fair. The only issue is that the food is prepared elsewhere and the staff brings it up to the pool area. I waited 20-30 minutes for cold fries and slightly cool burgers. Our food arrived with three additional parties orders so it’s a bulk order/bulk delivery service :/ very disappointed since I ordered at least 15 minutes prior to another party, however, our food was served at the same time. Went there once and did not return. Ara Rooftop has the potential to be the best food experience in Hotel Effie if they can either get a kitchen area upstairs or better manage how to get food quickly to guest.Vegetarian options: They have vegeburgers
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Cool atmosphere, description says able to fit four people but it's really just a lounge that fits two people at best. I figured for the price we would have had a waiter but instead we had to go up to the bar to order our drinks and food. We also had to return all of our drink glasses and food containers. The gratuity was included and I'm not really sure why since we did most of the work ourselves. The rooftop is great regardless and we will definitely come back but will just sit at the regular chairs as the cabana was definitely not worth an extra $200
Not happy I got charged 3 times when I closed the tab one time? I only ordered 2 drinks and a few shots for about $40 I thought not a $40, $25, and $73 separate charges?! Thought the bartender Joel was nice. Am very curious how my card got used that many times there? I did leave it at the counter unattended for a while. Nice pool. Love the view. Did not buy alcohol for myself.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
For my first trip to Destin, FL I chose Hotel Effie. It was one of the most amazing hotels I've stayed in for quite some time. For facilities, location, and service, it was second to none. All without breaking the bank! Although not on the beach, you could see both the bay and the ocean from the rooftop pool area. If you want the beach, it's a free hotel shuttle ride away to the dedicated Hotel Effie section with umbrellas and chairs. Do yourself a favor. If you're planning a trip to Destin, FL, consider Hotel Effie before booking somewhere else. You will NOT regret it!
Ive stayed at Hotel Effie several times. One of my favorite stay-cation places. I will say that it is very difficult before arrival to get a hold of staff. They seem a bit under staffed. And the food this time was okay, I prefer the Henderson’s dinning but Hotel Effie’s rooms and ambiance. But still a lovely time! Comfortable beds and pet friendly.
Nice big bar with good cocktails. We live part time next door at the Grand and come here for some cocktails and the view. Their apps are pretty good especially the navy bean hummus!
The food in the restaurant is great, the view from the rooftop pool and everything is beautiful and relaxed to be there. Great location in a secluded community with neighborhood pools to use as guest. The private beach chairs are oke. The warf with the shops is nice for a day visit but nothing special. Extra thanks to the staff: Nick S, Sophie and Oliver for the kindness and help
Restaurantji Recommends
Refreshing. Stay Longer. Modern. Staff was excellent and you will enjoy your stay. If you are looking for something off beach and where you can just relax and have quiet relaxing time, then this is your place.
I visited the Hotel Effie for the first time this week for my birthday. Everything about my stay was above and beyond my expectations. The front desk staff (Fernanda and Elizabeth) had complimentary bottles of champagne sent to my room with personalized birthday cards. The amenities were fantastic (beach shuttle, beach service, etc) and the hotel itself is stunning. I had breakfast at Ovide twice and my waitress, Ashley, was amazing! She was so friendly and prompt with service. I cannot recommend this hotel more! I will be back often!
Hotel is beautiful, great bars, food, cleaning, valet and pool staff were great. Don’t have an opinion about getting a new room key or waiting 30mins in a wet bathing suit in a cold hotel lobby or you will get the cops called on you! Ive stayed in hundreds of hotels around the world… Jo, the front desk manger comes in second as rudest, most poorly trained unprofessional manager I have ever encountered. Come on Effie… you guys have way better staff and can do better. I was in bed asleep when your front desk manager called the police on me. I asked the officer why there were at my door…she said she wasn’t sure other than “management” asked her to explain their eviction process! If I was a disturbance…why was I asleep in my room. Look at the hotel footage Effie… never raised my voice, never, called a name, never even cussed and your “manager” called the police on a “guest” while asleep in my room. Disgusting
Hotel Effie has an essence of luxury as soon as you reach the entrance. The service was superb. From valet, to baggage service, to check-in, everything was outstanding. Tanesha at reception was so friendly and helpful with all our check-in needs. Dining at Ovide, drinks at Ara Rooftop Lounge, & massages at Spa Lilliana were top tier! We cannot wait to come back!
We had a great dining experience at Ovide. We loved the snapper entree and steak. The ambiance was outstanding and our server, Sophee was very attentive. We will be back! We live fresh seafood and prime meat, they definitely were five star with both!