I've never stayed there, but Emerald Beach is part of The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach. That group has the best resorts in the area (Edgewater, Majestic, En Soleil, Long Beach, Emerlad Beach). They have high standards, so I can only guess Emerald Beach is top-notch.

The Resort Collection of Panama City Beach

Emerald Beach is on Front Beach... close to Gulf World, Sharkey's etc.

Here's some info that was in an Edgewater newsletter recently:

Emerald Beach Joins the Resort Collection

Emerald Beach Resort and Spa is set to become the premier vacation and meeting spot in Northwest Florida. With the continued growth and ever changing face of Panama City Beach, Edgewater Beach Resort Management, Inc. announces the premiere of the $250 million Emerald Beach Resort and Spa. Emerald Beach Resort and Spa will feature 1,000 one-, two- and three-bedroom full service suites.

"Emerald Beach Resort and Spa offers the highest level of guest services, richest array of amenities and largest amount of meeting space in Northwest Florida," said Andy Phillips, General Manager for Edgewater Beach Resort Management, Inc. "It is destined to be 'the premier' resort on the Gulf Coast."

Emerald Beach Resort and Spa embodies sensible luxury including amenities such as a grand lagoon pool featuring "dive-in" movies, two beachfront pools, an intimate roof top pool, lazy river, 27 challenging holes of golf at Hombre Golf Club, 10,000 sq. ft. spa and fitness center, the largest sky bridge in Florida, "Kids' Krew" activity programs and a VIP check in and valet service.

Each of the specialty dining venues will offer an array of palate pleasing cuisine including an upscale Garden Market featuring a butler's pantry with wine and cheese section, a Sushi Bar in the sky bridge, Starbucks, Pizza Hut and a variety of indoor and outdoor dining options. Additionally, Emerald Beach Resort and Spa has obtained a license to house a Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse specializing in U.S. Prime for a "serious steak in a not so serious environment."

Appealing to the discerning business traveler, Emerald Beach Resort and Spa will eventually boast more than 60,000 sq. ft. of first class meeting space ideal for innovative events, corporate meetings and conventions. The expansive resort and residential community offers 260 oversized guest suites in each of the four towers. Tower one debuts Feb. 26, 2007 followed by tower three April 26, 2007. Upon completion in 2009, Emerald Beach Resort and Spa will add two additional towers, two and four, creating effortless seaside serenity with a splash of simple splendor in every suite.

For more information on Emerald Beach Resort and Spa, call toll free (800) 528-6174, local (850) 249-4444 or visit emeraldbeachresort.com.