Daytona Beach Resort and Conference Center

Daytona Beach Resort and Conference Center is a 14-story, sand-colored building on the beach. The lobby feels like that of an apartment building: a large, somewhat sterile room with clusters of mauve chairs, thick columns, and mirrored walls against gray tile floors. Hallways have tropical-print carpeting and cream-colored walls, with a few rattan chairs and pineapple lamps for flavor. Reflections Restaurant and Lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the pools and the beach, but the decor is quite unappealing and plain. On the beach side of the property, there are a large rectangular pool and a kiddie pool with fountains. The pool area feels a bit cramped, with its lounge chairs and umbrellas, and seating for the Reef Pool Bar.  

The hotel is set on busy North Atlantic Avenue in Daytona Beach. Guests can walk directly out past the pool area to the sand. Dining options within a few minutes' walking distance on North Atlantic Avenue include chains like Denny’s, China One, and Ruby Tuesday. Other than the beach, nearby attractions within a five- to 10-minute walk of the hotel include a bowling alley and several beach shops. A little further from the hotel are the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, Michael Crotty Bicentennial Park, and Daytona International Speedway -- all about a five- to 15-minute drive away.

All the rooms and suites look the same, with somewhat drab decor that includes grayish carpeting, cream-colored walls and furniture, and touches of blue. Rooms are clean, though, and some offer great views of the Atlantic Ocean. Each unit has a full kitchen complete with a two-burner stove, full-size refrigerator, microwave, and enough dishes and utensils for a short or long stay. Bathrooms are very plain and white, with dated shower/tub combos. The resort fee includes Wi-Fi in the rooms and a newspaper each morning. Some rooms could use new appliances and beds. Guests seeking ocean views should make sure to request an oceanfront room above the third level. 

Guests have access to three outdoor pools, including a kiddy pool with fountains, as well as an indoor pool and two hot tubs. Direct beach access is certainly a plus, though there are no beach chairs. The hotel also has a restaurant serving casual cuisine, like pizzas and burgers, with windows overlooking the beach; a poolside bar for cocktails; and a small first-floor shop with snacks and Starbucks coffee. Terra Acqua Spa offers various treatments, such as body wraps and facial peels, performed in several warmly-decorated treatment rooms. There are no freebies here, as an additional resort fee is added for amenities such as pool and gym access, Wi-Fi, parking, and newspapers. One feature unique to this property is that it offers grocery delivery service to guest rooms. It also offers lots of meeting space suited to weddings and business events.