Nautilus Inn

For guests looking for a quiet alternative to some of the louder haunts in Daytona Beach, the 10-floor Nautilus Inn fits the bill (and has amazing ocean views plus direct beach access). Retirees mostly stay at this hotel, which has a quiet-but-social atmosphere with movie nights, bingo, and a daily happy hour that offers cocktails like the popular peach-flavored Sheila Special. Daily sign-up sheets for activities are posted at the entrance to the hotel, but don't come here looking for a lively party setting. Pineapple-patterned carpeting lines the lobby, where homey furniture in the lounge, a flat-screen TV, newspapers, and table lamps make for a cozy scene. Tropical landscaping is nicely manicured in the courtyard that overlooks the beach. To the dismay of smokers, the hotel instituted a smoke-free policy in September of 2015, so smoking is prohibited on balconies. While older couples and groups of friends are the norm here, plenty of families pass through as well. 

The hotel sits in a quiet location on South Atlantic Avenue -- with few dining options, aside from an oyster bar across the street -- but the Daytona Beach shores are just a few steps from the hotel’s pool. From here it’s one-and-a-half miles to the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, a five-minute drive, for all sorts of tourist shops and restaurants. Shopping excursions are arranged through the hotel and the Ocean Walk Shoppes are fewer than 10 minutes away by car. The Daytona Beach International Airport and Daytona International Speedway are a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The Lighthouse Point Park takes 20 minutes to reach by car. Golfing is within 10 to 20 minutes by car at the Daytona Beach Golf Club, Indigo Lakes Golf Club, or Riviera Country Club. Outdoor parking at the hotel is free. 

The style in rooms is quintessential Florida, with floral polyester bedspreads, light wooden headboards, and palm tree table lamps -- they are homey and impeccably clean, even if the look isn't the freshest or most current. What makes these rooms special are the ocean views from balconies, and full kitchens with stoves, kettles, coffeemakers, microwaves, refrigerators, toasters, place settings for four, and dining tables. Rooms offer queen, king, or two full beds with patterned carpets and seating by the windows. Hardwood furniture is a nice, cozy touch. Features include flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, safes, and sofa beds in some rooms. Cribs can be requested. Bathrooms are mostly beige, with handsome marble-top wooden vanities, shower/tub combos, and hairdryers. Accessible rooms are available with roll-in showers, bathtub grab bars, and lowered fixtures.

Flanked by palm trees and the Atlantic Ocean, the heated outdoor pool and hot tub offer beautiful ocean views with plenty of lounge chairs on the deck and in the spacious stone courtyard. The beach -- a long stretch of sand that’s typically uncrowded -- can be reached from the pool. A casual dining area, the Sand Dollar Room, serves a free breakfast with the usual continental spread, and on occasion there are special treats like biscuits and gravy. Live piano players often entertain guests. Kids’ activities are available seasonally, and a limited supply of buckets for the beach can be requested. A laptop computer is in the lobby, where guests can request printing services. Self-serve laundry machines -- although sometimes on the fritz -- are also available. The hotel organizes excursions for guests, including shopping trips, and bingo and movie nights are a frequent occurrence. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.