Daytona Shores Inn and Suites

Amid the high-rise hotels lining the shores of Daytona Beach, the Daytona Shores Inn and Suites stands out, for better or worse. It's small size and family-owned ethos draw plenty of guests who like its unpretentious style, while others find that it lives up to its budget pearl ranking. The main building is a two-story light-blue structure with a turquoise awning that reads “American Family Owned and Operated.” Across South Atlantic Avenue is the hotel’s second building that’s also adorned with palms, hibiscuses, and other tropical plants. The hotel is generic in appearance, but mostly lives up to its motto: clean, safe, and secure. Marine scenes are painted on the walls of outdoor hallways in the beachside building and there's also patio seating. Slightly overgrown landscaping lines pathways that lead to the pool, which features colorful lights at night, whirlpool jets, and Daytona Beach views. Owners Richard and Kimberly -- and their dog -- live on-site and are available around the clock to guests, who are mostly families.

This hotel’s beachfront location is the major draw, but unlike other motels in the area, the Daytona Shores Inn and Suites doesn’t have direct beach access. A public street on the side of the hotel leads to the ocean (and guests in some rooms will have to cross busy South Atlantic Avenue). Restaurants are along South Atlantic Avenue, including the popular Bruno’s Pizzeria, a 7-Eleven, and souvenir shop. Within a few minutes' drive are Red Lobster, Dairy Queen, and Publix Super Market. Boats and Jet Ski rentals are also nearby. The center of the action in Daytona Beach, around the pier and boardwalk, is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. Ponce Inlet Lighthouse can be reached in 15 minutes. The Daytona International Speedway takes about 20 minutes to reach by car, and this is a convenient location for Biketoberfest participants. The Daytona Beach International Airport is also 20 minutes away by car.

Colorful bedspreads and tropical artwork bring Florida style into Daytona Shores Inn and Suites' 17 rooms, which are motel-like in their simplicity and style. Decor is dated, from the bold floral prints in bedspreads and curtains to the tube TVs in some rooms, but the owners have been making improvements, installing blackout curtains and flat-screen TVs in some. Expect to see carpeted or tile floors, rattan furniture, dated loveseats, and light wood veneer cabinetry. Ten rooms have ocean views, and seven One-Bedroom, Two-Bedroom and Two King Bed Suites are located across the street. Patios with seating are available in certain oceanfront rooms. Suites have kitchenettes or full kitchens with dining tables, stoves with ovens, microwaves, large refrigerators, cookware, and coffeemakers. There’s no kitchenette in the ADA accessible room. All rooms have air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, irons. Basic white-tile bathrooms have showers and hairdryers. We spotted some grout that was in need of a good scrub and previous guests have had complaints about housekeeping.

A vacation at the Daytona Shores Inn and Suites centers on the beach, with a heated pool that’s open 24 hours a day and offers ocean views from lounge chairs on the deck. It’s a short walk just around the outside of the hotel to the ocean, but there isn’t a staircase or direct path to the beach. Patios surrounded by tropical landscaping -- both on the main property and across the street -- offer lounge chairs and barbecue grills. Free self-serve parking is on-site, and the front desk can help arrange truck parking. Wi-Fi is free in rooms and common areas. There’s no guest laundry on-site, but a self-service laundry is across the street.