Articles Mentioning Budget

Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites

A 10-minute drive from the Port Canaveral cruise terminal, the Best Western Cocoa Beach Hotel & Suites is a convenient stopover for pre- and post-cruisers. The value property has 229 rooms and suites, many of which have kitchenettes and separate living spaces. Unfortunately, decor is a bit bland and there are signs of age throughout. There are two outdoor pools, an on-site steak and seafood restaurant, and a small fitness room, plus the hotel offers great freebies, including breakfast buffets, parking, and Wi-Fi. The Best Western has direct access to gorgeous Cocoa Beach, but guests should note that only one of its buildings offers unobstructed ocean views. It’s worth checking rates at the neighboring La Quinta Inn & Suites Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, a comparable property with similar rooms and amenities. 

The Big Coconut Guesthouse

The 16-unit Big Coconut Guesthouse is a budget hotel located in the Fort Lauderdale area. The fact that it’s close to the beach, but not on the beach, makes it more affordable than nearby properties. Rooms are spacious and, while somewhat sparsely decorated, have flat-screen TVs and kitchenettes with full fridges. There’s no on-site restaurant, but the property is located close to a grocery store, and there is a grill on-site for guest use. Grounds are well-kept, with potted tropical plants and a pleasantly shaded courtyard next to the heated outdoor pool. Rates are low compared to other nearby hotel properties in Fort Lauderdale.

Ao Muong Resort

The Ao Muong Resort is a two-pearl hotel set along a stunning cliffside, with simple rustic dwellings overlooking the picturesque Mango Bay. This tranquil wilderness retreat has exceptional scenery but is back to basics with generator power (no daytime electricity) and steep climbs. The remote beachfront location is only accessible by boat (free transfers) or off-road vehicle and the property doesn’t include any facilities except for a simple restaurant. The intimate white-sand bay offers great snorkeling, but can get a bit crowded with day trippers. The 25 rooms (suites or standalone bungalows) have wood-clad interiors, modern amenities, large windows, and balcony seating areas. Guests wanting to stay closer to downtown Koh Tao may want to consider Taatoh Resort & Freedom Beach Resort, which also features a scenic beachfront location.

Waterside Hotel

North Beach’s Waterside Hotel and Suites offers a great value just two blocks from the beach. This lower-middle-range property has colorful, retro decor and contemporary rooms, which encircle a courtyard pool. Folks looking for more space or self-catering facilities should upgrade to the Queen Queen Rooms, which have well-stocked kitchenettes. Air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, and mini-fridges come standard. Freebies include folding beach chairs, free use of an electric grill, and happy hour drinks at a sister hotel, but there are no restaurant or gym on-site. For a similar vibe and price point, it’s worth checking out the Seaside Apartment Hotel, which has rooms with both kitchenettes and washer/dryers. 

Kanok Buri Resort

Kanok Buri Resort is a lower-middle-range boutique hotel located in Lipa Noi, along Samui’s sleepy western coastline. The hotel features Thai stylings, manicured tropical grounds, and it overlooks a scenic and peaceful white-sand beach. Rooms options include 57 one- and two-bedroom pool villas or streamlined modern suites. Rooms feature hardwood interiors, quality amenities, and balcony seating areas, though are somewhat dated in terms of decor. A handful of rooms also have ocean views. Facilities include a large lagoon-like swimming pool, an all-day restaurant and bar, and a gym. Wi-Fi and on-site parking are free. The vibe is laid back, and the property is ideally suited to families and couples looking for a quiet getaway. Sea Valley Hotel and Spa is another popular beachfront hotel with a more modern pool in the Lipa Noi area.