Sun Viking Lodge

The Sun Viking Lodge is an older but well-kept property on the beach. The same family has owned and operated it for more than four decades, and the care is evident. A large viking ship distinguishes the entrance, and a viking statue with sword and shield stands proudly under the sign. The small lobby is warm and welcoming, with the front desk immediately inside the entrance. A huge fish spans one wall. The decor is tropical, with leaf-patterned green carpeting, bright green walls, and vivid floral drapery. A cushioned bench provides the only seating. A small gift area sells souvenirs and sun products. The hotel focuses on families, and a sign reminds guests that no one younger than 25 is allowed without their parents (no Spring Break parties here!). The atmosphere is friendly and fun, and families are all around enjoying themselves at the pools, the beach, and participating in the many activities. 

The Sun Viking Lodge is located on South Atlantic Avenue right on the beach. On the beach side, the area is mostly populated by other resort properties and condos. Across the street are shops and restaurants. The location is convenient for tourists as it is only a couple of miles from one of the bridges to the mainland. The Ocean Walk Shoppes and Daytona Beach Boardwalk are about 10 minutes away by car, and Daytona International Speedway is about 15 minutes away. Daytona Beach International Airport is a 20-minute drive, as is the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, and Orlando International Airport is about an hour and 15 minutes away by car.

Decor is brightly colored with turquoise bedspreads topped by red tropical throws and pillows to match the drapes. Light wood furniture, including desks, dressers, and two-poster headboards, sit atop blue carpeting. Artwork and fake plants continue the colorful tropical theme. For an older hotel, the look is fresh and bright, but these rooms don't exactly have top-of-the-line style, a fact which doesn't bother the repeat guests who visit this property in droves, drawn by the homey charm. All rooms offer microwaves, refrigerators, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs in armoires or mounted on the wall. Suites add a sofa bed and a seating area. Some rooms have full kitchens with an oven and four-burner stove, full-size refrigerator with ice maker, pots and pans, dishes, and utensils. Cottages also are available, but you'll need to cross the busy street to get to the beach and pools. Tile bathrooms are mostly clean, if a bit outdated, and do show some signs of the Florida humidity, not unusual in Daytona Beach. These come standard with shower/tub combos, large vanities, and toiletries. Some rooms have great views of the beach from small balconies.

The outdoor pool overlooks the beach and has a 60-foot waterslide. A small kids' pool is adjacent, and pool and beach toys are provided. For the grown-ups, there's a hot tub under a gazebo. Lounge chairs and umbrellas are available on the pool deck as well as on the lawn, but chairs and umbrellas must be rented on the beach. The free-form indoor pool is more attractive than most indoor pools, with a glass roof and walls, blue patterned tile, tropical plants and flowers, and a rock waterfall. The poolside Viking Kafe serves breakfast and lunch, and there are grills for those who want to cook for themselves. Breakfast is not included with room rates. The small fitness center offers cardio and weight-training machines in front of a flat-screen TV, though some equipment is dated, and there is a sauna as well. Multiple activities for all ages include treasure hunts, bingo, basketball, Twister, beach volleyball, horseshoes, sandcastle building, pool games, and face painting. Two game rooms offer Wii, video games, pinball, and a TV, and there is an outdoor playground for the little ones. A laundry room has coin-operated machines, and there is also a washer and dryer in one of the game rooms so parents can play or watch the kids while doing the laundry. Wi-Fi is free throughout.