On the Porch at The Court
The people and places that make the boutique hotel feel like home.
At The Court, the porch is part of the guest experience, bringing families and friends together.
The boutique hotel sits in the heart of Seaside. The location might feel familiar, as the former Motorcourt was transformed into an intimate property built around a lush garden courtyard. The private porches give guests a place to settle in and connect while getting cozy on locally made teak hanging beds. The private decks offer garden views, and if that’s not enough, the beach is just a short walk away.
For Dan Buggs, who is a Concierge & Guest Services Coordinator at The Court, those outdoor spaces stand out as one of the property’s defining details. “One of my favorite things about The Court is the porches,” Buggs told The Seaside Times. “They really give the property that relaxed, coastal feel that people come to Seaside for.”
Each room has its own private porch with curtains, giving vacationers a little space to themselves. Buggs said visitors use them for coffee in the morning, time together after the beach or simply a few quiet minutes outside. “Guests love being able to sit outside, have their coffee in the morning, relax after a day at the beach, or just spend some time together without having to leave their room,” he said. “I think that’s one of the things that makes The Court feel more like a home than a traditional hotel.”
The Court’s setting helps create the home-away-from-home feel. Seaside’s shops, restaurants, and beach are only steps away, and travelers also have access to all of the town’s activities, including three pools and the fitness center, complimentary bicycles, and beach service.
“A lot of what we offer is really centered around getting outside, enjoying the beach, and experiencing everything Seaside has to offer,” Buggs continued. Buggs came to Santa Rosa Beach by chance. Originally from Ashland, Miss., he moved to Birmingham, Ala., in fifth grade and later attended High Point University, where he played lacrosse for a year before transferring to Troy University. While at Troy, he took a summer internship in Santa Rosa Beach, which is when his love for the town began. “I came down, worked that summer, absolutely loved the area, and decided to stay after I graduated,” Buggs said.
A full-time job on 30A led him to Homeowner’s Collection, and eventually to The Court, where his hospitality career continued. “It’s been a special journey to go from coming down here for a summer internship to building a career in hospitality and ultimately becoming part of The Court,” he said.
Now, Buggs enjoys helping visitors find their way around Seaside, whether that means suggesting a restaurant or offering ideas for the day. The response he hears most often is that the experience feels personal. A typical day can mean checking in new arrivals, coordinating with housekeeping and maintenance, and answering the questions that inevitably come up during a vacation. Still, he’s learned to expect the unexpected. “You can have a plan for the day,” he said, “but in hospitality, you must be ready for whatever comes through the door.”
These days, some of his favorite moments come from seeing familiar faces return. “We have a lot of repeat guests, and it’s really rewarding when people come back, and you recognize them or already know what they like,” Buggs said. “I also love when guests come back and remember who you are. Over time, some guests start to feel more like friends.
