Best Oceanfront Hotels in Daytona Beach, FL

With 323 rooms, the upper-middle-range historic Plaza Resort & Spa is one of the biggest resorts in the area. The property dates back to 1888 when it was built as a beach cottage; it was later turned into a hotel and became a "grand resort" in 1911. Plaza Resort is located on a beautiful beach (the hotel's beach is a no-drive zone, so there aren't any cars), close to dining, shopping, and the Ocean Center Convention Center. The oceanfront pool is a plus, as is the huge spa and on-site restaurant. Traditional rooms are spacious and come with microwaves and mini-fridges. Freebies include Wi-Fi, parking, bikes, water-sports equipment, and activities.

The beachfront Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort is in the heart of Daytona, next to the bandshell and Ocean Walk and across the street from the convention center. The location draws families and business travelers alike, as do the variety of features, including several restaurants and bars and a kids' club with organized activities and a kiddie pool.

Hampton Inn Daytona Beach/Beachfront is a value hotel offering a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, and coveted beach access. The 94 rooms are equipped with kitchen appliances, flat-screen TVs and balconies -- some with stunning ocean views of the Atlantic Ocean. Although there is no on-site restaurant, the hotel offers free breakfast (and parking) and is within close proximity to several restaurants and other attractions.

The best feature at Holiday Inn Resort Daytona Beach Oceanfront is of course its direct access to the beach, but its large, ocean-facing pool area certainly earns second place. The deck has an adult pool, a hot tub, a separate kids' pool with fun splash zones, as well as games and fire pits. All of the 195 rooms are equipped with balconies (some with pretty ocean views), mini-fridges, microwaves, and flat-screen TVs. Suites have either full kitchens or kitchenettes, plus separate seating areas. Perks include free Wi-Fi, parking, and meals for kids.

The 99-room Nautilus Inn is a well-kept value hotel set in a quiet location on South Atlantic Avenue. The hotel's heated pool and hot tub are set in a nicely landscaped pool deck steps from the typically uncrowded beach. Rooms have homey, tropical decor alongside full kitchens, sitting areas (some with sofa beds), and balconies -- many facing the ocean. Free breakfast is served in a casual dining room and there are also a computer corner and laundry room. The hotel offers a free daily cocktail hour, bingo, movie nights, and shopping excursions, mostly geared to older guests.

Cheaper than many hotels on Atlantic Avenue, the 92-room Tropical Winds Oceanfront Hotel is a great budget pick with an outdoor pool overlooking the ocean. The property is not within walking distance of restaurants, but has an on-site restaurant and coffee shop, and is a five-minute drive from the Daytona Beach Pier. Oceanfront Efficiencies have full kitchens and direct ocean views, while others are Oceanside and have microwaves and mini-fridges and somewhat less stunning views of the beach. City View apartments have two balconies and overlook the city and river. All rooms have TVs, free Wi-Fi, and private balconies.