I am probably not the best person to recommend much because I don't live there but it is the best beach for sure!! Love it there.
Since you are 21 you might want to stay near Thomas Drive area by the big Club LeVela and Spinnaker.
Some places won't rent unless you are 25, but don't think you'll have a problem at the hotels/motels.
Here's a link to check out:
Panama City Beach Spring Break 2008, Spring Break Events, Hotels, Motels, Condos, Springbreak Specials

worst place i ever stayed was the holiday inn (not the sunspree the other one) had 10 people staying in a 2 person room. it was horrible even tho it was on the beach it was WAYYY far from everything. lame lame lame

Just curious...

Does anyone remember a small motel that was actually two motels in one? They were called the "Sand Dollar Inn" and the "Dolphin Inn". They were kinda pink on the outside, right on the beach, and run by very friendly people.

It's been years since I've been to PCB, and I'm assuming the worst - that they fell victim to either a d*mn hurricane or the condo boom.

I'm not sure if the Doplhin Inn is still there. Most of the older motels/hotels are gone, replaced by condos.

Xi Bowhunter, I think I remember the motel you're talking about. It was on the right heading down the Strip toward Burger King, Salty's (I think) was on the left right past it. It was right before some little cheap liquor store, if I remeber right. There was kinda like a half wall seperating the pool from the street. I remember because a girl went missing form there while we were on vacation one year (1991 or 1992) It was totally nasty and groos looking. It smelled moldy..even walking by.

Like I can talk..we used to stay at Stevenson Court/Beashside Motel, but my parents were so cheap we always stayed at Stevenson Court across the street form the beach. They wouldn't shell out the $10 a night for beach side
I remember getting in trouble when I was 17 because I strolled next door when I was supposed to be in the pool and my Dad caught me funneling beer with a group of college kids. He brought me back and locked me in the room....never caught me sneaking out at 1 am though....Such fun!!

I think we are talking about the same place. It was GROSS!!!!

Anyone know about this place? It looks like its across from the subird. I have a room lined up at the Summit, but the Summit has only 1 bedroom and 1.5 bathrooms. With 2 girls coming this year ( not the same as last year) I'm pretty sure I will need 2 bathrooms with 2 showers.

I haven't stayed there, but we stayed across the street at the Sunbird last year. I didn't seem to be crowded at all. I was actually suprised at how empty is was for June. It really does look nice (from across the street anyway). I'm a member of another message board and a poster on there( travel agent) booked it and was very happy after her stay. She said it was spacious, roomy and exceeded her expectations except it was not as much "fun" as other places she'd stayed due to the low occupance. It's right across the street form the beach and Pineapple Wille's so if you get a good rate, I's book it. Just my .02

Thanks for the info ksumn1. I havent made my mind up yet where to stay. Either the Summit that is very crazy and loud or Laketown Wharf that is bigger and more quite. I'm sure every place will be packed thou during spring break.

Beware of the Days Inn...we made a quick weekend getaway last fall for a little R and R. It was far from that. Maybe they have cleaned up there act I hope.