Lodging around Vortex?

[Me]

I'm taking my niece to Vortex and PCB diving sometime this summer as a grad gift.

Can anyone recommend safe, quiet, clean and reasonable accomodations?

TIA!

[DeWayne]

Vortex has some nice rooms on site, but come summer you can kiss the quiet goodbye. I think that there is a Motel 6 (one of those chain types like that anyway) in Ponce de Leon(9 miles from Vortex.) I know a few instructors who prefer paying to stay there, despite being offered a free room at Vortex, just to be away from the summer time partying. The next best bet going toward PCB would likely be over in Bonifay, maybe a 20-30 mile drive from Vortex? Unless you are a true masochist and have already booked a room there, I would not even consider staying in PCB. If you want to get a room near the beach, then check out the Destin area, much quieter atmosphere there. Hope you enjoy your trip.

[Kelly Jessop]

I'm taking my niece to Vortex and PCB diving sometime this summer as a grad gift.

Can anyone recommend safe, quiet, clean and reasonable accomodations?

TIA!

When I've been around Vortex I have normally stayed at Bonifay due to the variety of motels and restaurants. When I do my one salt water dive of the year in Panama City I will stay at the Hojos on 98-great rate,over looks the bay,and not a far drive from the dive boats.

[Genesis]

I'd stay around Niceville/Destin, dive there instead of PCB, and drive up to Vortex. Its about an hour from here by car if you insist on diving there

If 'ya pick a day that's nice I'll almost certainly be out on the water out of Destin - friends are always welcome to tag along and blow bubbles.

This is what I'm usually driving and diving off of...



(BTW I do NOT charter nor am I in any way a "professional" - just a guy with a boat who loves to get wet.... You get to see more that way, rather than the "inshore" stuff everyone goes to, if you want to bring some deco bottles or even a scooter its ok, etc.)

[CaptainSpeleo]

My wife and I haven't dived at Vortex Springs since 1991 - 1992, but we remember the swim back to the steel grating very well. There were more eels in there than you could even think of counting. That'll be something for your niece to see.

[wingman]

there are also some ok motels along I10 in defuniak springs about 10 miles or so west of vortex. bill

[HappyHacker]

Hotel Defuniak is a nice bed & breakfast in Defuniak. 850-892-4383. They have a restaurant and wireless access also.

[CaveDivingCop]

We go there once a month doing cert dives for openwater students...Best Western Motel In Defuniak is only 11 miles WEST on I-10 ( which is the next exit past Vortex )....They love divers and cater to em pretty well.....plus breakfast is free when you stay there ( standard breakfast of bacon, eggs, grits, toast and coffee or tea )....also at that same exit you have all kinds of restaurants....McClains family Steakhouse ( Buffet with seafood, vegtables, steak...etc ).....a Sonic...Pizza Hut....McDonalds...Hardee's.....Waffle House....even a super Walmart

[DeWayne]

We go there once a month doing cert dives for openwater students...Best Western Motel In Defuniak is only 11 miles WEST on I-10 ( which is the next exit past Vortex )....They love divers and cater to em pretty well.....plus breakfast is free when you stay there ( standard breakfast of bacon, eggs, grits, toast and coffee or tea )....also at that same exit you have all kinds of restaurants....McClains family Steakhouse ( Buffet with seafood, vegtables, steak...etc ).....a Sonic...Pizza Hut....McDonalds...Hardee's.....Waffle House....even a super Walmart

I have eaten at McClains, very good buffet at reasonable prices. Much better than anything to be found in Ponce de Leon. I used to live about 45 minutes away so all I know about the accomodations are what I have heard from others who drive down for the weekends. The number one recomendation is do not stay on Vortex property unless you enjoy listening to loud partying each night.

[CaveDivingCop]

DeWayne....I figured you would like a good all night whoop it up party.
Ain't no use coming to the anti-social unles it's gonna be whoop it up fun !!!

But yeah I hear ya.....If ya stay at Vortex...it might help if you're a heavy sleeper.