Ocean Inn

The Ocean Inn is a modest two-floor, family-owned hotel that blends in with its sleepy Hollywood neighborhood. The quaint property features a tropical courtyard at the center and has been used both to film the Miss Florida Pageant and house displaced residents following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. These days, the hotel attracts tourists seeking budget-priced rooms and close access to the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk. The multi-colored exterior of the Ocean Inn sits on a quiet two-lane street with a small wooden gate entrance. Since the office closes early, guests often arrive and receive a key and written directions to check in. The small lobby doesn’t provide space to lounge, but most guests hang out in the courtyard, where there’s a hammock, picnic table, and communal dining table under a canopy.

The Ocean Inn is nestled in a peaceful residential neighborhood that’s a short walk to the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk which provides access to tons of shops and restaurants. Within fast walking distance is the Hollywood Dog Beach, West Lake Park, and Charnow Park Community Center. Anne Kolb Nature Center is 20 minutes on foot. Gulfstream Park Racing and Casino is a 15-minute drive. Shopping is within 20 to 30 minutes away at the Aventura Mall and The Galleria. For cruise ship travelers it’s about a 20-minute drive to the Port Everglades. Driving to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport takes 20 minutes.

The tropical style in rooms is simple and homey with a mishmash of patterned textiles. Some have kitschy pineapple decor and floral paintings on kitchen appliances. Retro tiles and fixtures are in the small bathrooms, which offer shower/tub combos. Rooms can fit anywhere from two to four people. Queen Efficiency Rooms have kitchenettes with hot plates, coffeemakers, microwaves, and mini-fridges. King and Double Rooms include microwaves and mini-fridges in closets. Studios feature sofabeds or daybeds, and full kitchens with dining tables, ovens, stoves, and large refrigerators. All rooms offer flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi. Past guests have complained about lax housekeeping practices. 

As a small hotel, the facilities here are understandably limited, but the Ocean Inn makes the most of its common area space. At the center of the property is a charming courtyard with ample seating, a barbecue grill, and a buffet counter that’s stocked in the mornings with free muffins, coffee, fruit, and cereal. Guests can use a computer in the lobby or access free Wi-Fi on their own gadgets. For a fee, there are a few outdoor parking spaces and staff prefers that guests book them in advance. The hotel also provides free beach chairs, umbrellas, and toys. The front desk can recommend guided tours, Everglades National Park excursions, and beach yoga classes.