The Shores Resort & Spa

The Shores Resort & Spa was built in 1972 by the Root Family, who created the iconic Coke bottle, and the hotel has been independently owned since 2005. Housed in a 10-floor building with sea views from a large outdoor pool area, the vibe here is social and laid back -- and all about the beach. Stairs lead to a long stretch of sand with beach chairs and umbrellas for rent, and guests roast s’mores at the fire pits on nice evenings. Whiskey Wednesdays and a daily wine social hour bring guests together at the hotel restaurant -- popular with locals as well -- and guests also also tend to linger over cocktails in the lobby, decorated with dark wooden paneling, classic furniture, a fireplace lounge, a fountain, and pale blue rugs and drapes. Chilled water is always on hand. Palm trees perk up the hotel’s exterior and a long skywalk leads to public parking. Updates are ongoing here, and some areas of the hotel aren't the freshest, but the polished atmosphere draws plenty of families and couples, plus business guests and travelers participating in Biketoberfest, a popular motorcycle meet-up.

This beachfront hotel is located on South Atlantic Avenue, three-and-a-half miles south of the heart of Daytona Beach. This is a quieter area known as Daytona Beach Shores, and the hotel is a 10-minute drive from the action near the Daytona Beach Boardwalk. The hotel sits beside dog-friendly Frank Rendon Park, and there are only a few dining options nearby. The Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse and Daytona Beach International Speedway are both 15 minutes away by car, and getting to the Daytona Beach International Airport takes 20 minutes. Family-friendly theme parks -- Universal Studios, Sea World Orlando, and Walt Disney World -- are about one hour and 30 minutes away by car.

Rooms have a pleasant, upscale cottage-style vibe and beachy decor that includes blue and soft-yellow tones, distressed furniture, and frequently features two- or four-poster beds, though some of the homey pieces of furniture do show a bit of wear. The most coveted room categories have oceanfront views from balconies or patios. Terrace Rooms have wraparound terraces and Cabana Rooms have poolside or oceanfront cabanas with flat-screen TVs. All rooms are generously sized and have at least 500 square feet of space (46 square meters), while Suites offer 1,500 square feet (139 square meters), with separate bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchenettes featuring microwaves and refrigerators plus dining tables. All rooms have 32- or 42-inch flat-screen TVs, DVD players and free libraries, safes, irons, coffeemakers, mini-fridges, and 24-hour room service; upgraded rooms have bathrobes and Keurig coffeemakers. Decor in bathrooms vary from basic to modern with shower/tub combos or showers, hairdryers, and exterior vanities in some. 

The gathering place at the Shores Resort & Spa is the spacious beachfront terrace, with fire pits, eight cabanas, a ping-pong table, a swim-up bar in the outdoor pool, and a private hot tub near a Tiki bar. There's also a kiddy pool beside a splash area, and a kids’ club free daytime activities and nighttime themed parties. Azure restaurant and bar offers classic interiors and an oceanfront terrace. Romantic dinners can be arranged in cabanas, and the restaurant draws hotel guests and locals alike. Breakfast is available, but is not included in room rates -- keep in mind that prices at Azure reflect the hotel's upscale ethos. Two computers, a printer, and ATM are in the 24-hour business center, and the hotel has a small gift shop. With 20,000 square feet of space, the resort can accommodate conferences and weddings.

Pets are welcome here and pet massages are offered for an additional fee. Guests massages and other pampering -- for humans -- are also available in the six-room spa, which has a Vichy shower. The gym offers modern machines, free weights, and a flat-screen TV, and the resort also provides free yoga classes, bike rentals (for a fee), and access to nearby tennis courts. Wi-Fi is technically free throughout the hotel, though it's built in as part of the mandatory resort fee. Parking can be expensive.