A lively seaport on Pensacola Bay, Pensacola is protected by the Santa Rosa barrier island. The region was originally inhabited by the Muskogean tribe, although the Pensacola and Creek people lived there during the first European contact. Spanish explorations led to a short-lived settlement here in 1559, but the city didn't start to develop until the late 1600s.
Today, Pensacola is home to numerous landmarks, historic tours, annual festivals, museums, and parks, all of which make it a great city to visit. Whatever your reason for planning a trip to Pensacola, it's important that you book the right hotel that allows you to experience everything this wonderful city has to offer.
When to Visit Pensacola, FL
Pensacola is a great destination year-round, but peak tourist season hits during the summer. Beginning in the middle of April and lasting through the end of August, hotel rates tend to go up as travelers start to crowd in. Hitting the summer season early or late can help you avoid crowds and pricey accommodations. If you do come in the middle of summer, however, you won't be disappointed.
Fall is often considered the best time to explore Pensacola. The crowds have died down and hotel rates are among some of the year's best, but the weather is perfect for outdoor excursions. October and November are the perfect months to go biking, kayaking, and hiking around the Pensacola Bay. You also won't encounter the stifling heat and humidity that you normally experience during the summer.
Winters are mild with temperatures averaging around 50 degrees. Rain is common during the winter, which tends to keep travelers away. During the winter months, it's usually too chilly to go to the beach, and it's not unusual for the city to experience a frost. Many winter days can actually be quite warm, so don't let that deter you.
Spring is similar to fall in that it's warm and dry, but tropical showers are common. These storms aren't as violent as summer storms, though, but you should expect plenty of rainfall. Hotel rates tend to be decent this time of year, so don't be afraid to plan your trip in March or early April.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Pensacola, FL:
Pensacola by Star Rating
Below we've posted 3 graphs demonstrating mean nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Pensacola, FL. You can use these illustrations to evaluate the most cost effective months to make a reservation in Pensacola for upcoming travels.
Luxury Hotel Options in Pensacola, FL
4 Star Average Prices: $199.02
If you're looking for upscale hotel options in Pensacola, there are several unique choices. Portofino Island Resort is situated on 28 acres of beach between the Santa Rose Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Located 12 miles from downtown, it offers the perfect getaway with world-class amenities.
A stay at Portofino Island Resort entitles you to private balconies, water views, full kitchens, in-room laundry facilities, Wi-Fi access, five tennis courts, seven outdoor pools, three on-site restaurants, and a full-service spa and gym. You can also take advantage of the resort's tram service and watersports equipment rentals.
Margaritaville Beach Hotel is also located on the Gulf front, offering simple rooms with work desks, flat screen HDTVs, and free Wi-Fi. Upgrading to an executive room will get you a wraparound balcony to better enjoy the breathtaking views. This four-stay hotel also offers a 24-hour fitness center, beachside pavilion, an outdoor pool with tiki bar, beach bar and café, live entertainment, free parking, and valet parking.
Purple Parrot Village Resort is a gated four-star accommodation offering one- to three-bedroom villas. Enjoy your own spacious condo with washer and dryer, extended cable, Internet access, and screened-in balconies. You'll also love the heated indoor pool, fitness center, saunas, and a secluded five-mile stretch of beach.
Those preferring a high-rise accommodation should consider the Beach Club Resort & Spa. This four-star hotel is surrounded by palm trees and offers three- and four-bedroom apartments that are ideal for extended family stays. Rooms feature separate living and dining areas, breakfast bars, whirlpool tubs, oceanview balconies, four-poster beds, and free Wi-Fi. There's even a Zen-inspired spa with steam room, sun loungers, and indoor and outdoor pools.
Affordable Hotel Options in Pensacola, FL
3 Star Average Prices: $133.91
Finding an affordable hotel option in Pensacola is easy if you know where to look. Super 6 Inn & Suites on Plantation Road is a low-rise roadside accommodation just off I-10. With its close proximity to the University of West Florida and Pensacola State College, Super 6 offers easy access to area attractions, so long as you aren't disappointed by the lack of water views. Guests can enjoy straightforward rooms with cable channels, free Wi-Fi, mini fridges, and microwaves. Amenities include free coffee, free parking, a picnic area, guest laundry facilities, and an outdoor pool.
Quality Inn N.A.S. – Corry is an unassuming accommodation less than five miles from the Pensacola Civic Center. Rooms feature microwaves, mini fridges, coffeemakers, cable TV, and free Wi-Fi. Guests can also take advantage of the free continental breakfast, seasonal outdoor pool, lounge, and free parking.
Baymont Inn & Suites Pensacola is a laid-back hotel off I-10 that provides easy access to Five Flags Speedway, the Pensacola Bay Center arena, and Sam's Fun City amusement park. Enjoy basic amenities like flat screen TVs, work desks, free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, an on-site business center, and exercise room. Pets are also allowed to stay for a fee.
Located five miles from the Pensacola International Airport, Quality Inn & Suites Pensacola Bayview is a great budget hotel offering free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and upgraded rooms with work desks, ergonomic chairs, and pull-out sofas. Guests can enjoy a free hot breakfast, parking for RVs and trucks, a lovely courtyard, an outdoor pool, piano bar, and business center.
