55 Best Hotels in Northeast Coast, Florida

For cruise-ship passengers who can't wait to get under way, this splashy resort, done up in pink and turquoise, already feels like the Caribbean. Guest room decor is simple and restrained, but the pool is lushly landscaped and features a cascading waterfall, tiki bar, and occasional appearances by the "Radisson parrots," about a dozen wild birds who call the resort home. This resort, a little south of Port Canaveral, is not on the ocean, but only a short ride away.

Among only a handful of French Second Empire buildings in the southeastern United States, this inn consists of a main house, built in 1885, and several adorable cottages. Though it is just minutes from downtown and the University of Florida, it is surrounded by lush gardens, fountains, and ponds across the nearly 2-acre property. Owners Joe and Cindy Montalto welcome you like old friends. Most cottages have verandas, private courtyards, and gas fireplaces; all have kitchens, TVs, and DVD players. A full breakfast is standard fare and is served in the formal dining room or delivered to your cottage. Children and pets are welcome with prior approval.

On a quaint residential street, this Spanish-style, three-story inn combines the charm and hospitality of a B&B with modern sensibilities and a chic, coastal-casual vibe. It has a legion of devotees—including the dolphins that entertain guests, almost like clockwork, in the Intracoastal Waterway across the street. Where the wow factor is concerned, though, credit the inn, not the marine life. Each of the 14 rooms (four are suites) is unique and meticulously adorned with vintage furniture, stylish accents, and modern touches such as wine chillers, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, and jetted spa tubs framed with iridescent mosaic tile. The downstairs gathering area has an open kitchen, where the chef prepares her acclaimed churro French toast and various other sweet, savory, or (if you must) healthy delights.

Hand-stenciled Moorish columns and arches, handcrafted chandeliers, and gilded iron tables decorate the lobby of this late-1800s Flagler-era masterpiece. A retreat for the nation's wealthiest until the Great Depression put it out of business, it returned to its perch as St. Augustine's grande dame in 1999. The turrets, towers, and wrought-iron balconies offer a hint of what's inside. For a bit of pampering, head to the luxurious Poseidon spa. The location puts you within walking distance of many attractions.

Consisting of nine buildings dating from the late 1700s, this luxury, adults-only property occupies an entire Historic District block and is the product of a painstaking and imaginative restoration of some of the city's most historic homes, which have been revived with modern luxuries. The rooms and suites are all distinct in design and feature coquina walls, fireplaces, and restored hardwood floors. All accommodations have flat-screen TVs, baths with rainwater shower heads, and kitchenettes with granite counters. In the evening grab a craft cocktail in The Well, a converted garage that now serves as a cozy guest-only bar, and linger around the fire pit. Other amenities include a heated pool, bikes, and a continental breakfast.

This Mediterranean revival oceanfront resort is luxury lodging at its best, with rooms that are spacious and have cozy window seats, appealing artwork, and private balconies overlooking the ocean. Some units include a whirlpool tub and gas fireplace. Guests consistently praise staff for going the extra mile, whether it's accommodating special diets in the dining room or coordinating day trips and shopping excursions. Relax at the zero-entry splash pool and mini–water park, the heated lap pool, or the adults-only pool overlooking the private beach. Guests here have full access to sports, recreation, and spa facilities at nearby sister property Ponte Vedra Inn & Club.

This huge resort (1,350 acres) focuses on family-oriented accommodations (rooms and rental villas) and activities, including golf courses (63 holes, some oceanfront), 23 Har-Tru tennis courts, and expansive spa facilities. Dining options include a private chef's kitchen, French-style market and deli, and pizzeria, all overseen by a chef who is dedicated to local and sustainable food. All rooms are oceanfront, with private balconies or patios. If the sound of waves crashing on the beach doesn't lull you to sleep, the luxurious beds and bedding should do the trick. With ancient oaks, marshes, and lagoons, the resort is also a worthy destination for nature walks, cycling, fishing, and guided kayak tours. Extensive kids' programs give grown-ups a bit of time to themselves. Villas, which can be rented through the Omni, are privately owned, so availability, amenities, and decor vary.

Considered northeast Florida's premier resort for decades, this award-winning, 1928 landmark continues to wow guests with its stellar service and large rooms housed in white-brick, red-tile-roof buildings lining the beach. Most accommodations have ocean views and balconies or terraces; all have oversize windows, designer furniture, luxury bedding, desks, flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi. The newer Peyton House and Ocean House provide modern amenities and hospitality overlooking the ocean. The main building holds the registration area and some common spaces, including a big living room with a fireplace. The inn's renowned full-service spa attracts actors, supermodels, and former First Ladies. Activities include swimming (in your choice of four heated pools), golf, tennis, cycling, fishing, and sailing.

Even if the beach weren't in its backyard, this family-friendly, hotel offers enough activities and amenities—from tennis and basketball courts to a game room, pool, and 50-seat movie theater—to keep everyone entertained. Organized activities begin at 9:30 and can run until evening, with offerings including arts-and-crafts projects and scavenger hunts for kids and pool volleyball and bingo for adults. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom condos are decorated in typical beachy colors, and they offer the comforts of home, with a separate living room, dining area, fully equipped kitchen, dishwasher, 42-inch plasma TV with DVD player, whirlpool tub, and washer and dryer. Guests love the on-site Mexican restaurant.

Guests know what to expect from the Ritz—elegance, superb comfort, excellent service—and the Amelia Island location is no exception. All accommodations in the eight-story building have balconies and ocean or coastal views; suites and rooms are spacious and luxurious, with beds so comfortable, you'll need a drag-out call instead of a wake-up one. Public areas are exquisitely maintained, and there are plenty of good restaurants, including the upscale Salt. Room service is available 24/7, and the Club Level provides a personal concierge.

This coral-and-blue, 1950s throwback caters to budget-minded guests seeking an ultracasual, laid-back oceanfront experience. The vibe may be retro, but the technology is up to date, with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, small refrigerators, microwaves, and coffeemakers. All the rooms face the ocean and have private balconies or patios from which to watch the sun (or the moon) rise over the Atlantic. The kidney-shaped pool and lounge chairs are pretty standard issue but offer a refreshing respite from the hot Florida sun or the salty ocean. The Lemon Bar is a hot spot for locals and hotel guests, especially on weekends.

Rustic furniture and beds swathed in mosquito netting are a nod to Old Florida at this 11-story beachfront resort, but there's nothing rustic about the amenities, including a luxury four-poster bed, doorless Italian marble showers, and a 42-inch plasma TV in every room. Rooms are spacious and have views of either the ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway. The Indonesian-inspired spa, Indulge, and the Azure restaurant and bar also overlook the ocean.

Across the street from the beach, this convenient, midsize inn is an economical, family-friendly alternative to the area's luxury resorts. Several restaurants are within walking distance, and a full breakfast is served each morning in the lobby. Rooms are modestly furnished and have ocean views and pool views (though the pool is practically in the parking lot, so there's not much of a view).

The hospitality at this 1920s-era downtown boutique hotel starts with a free welcome goodie bag and continues throughout your stay. The property has been through various iterations, but the latest renovation created a trendy, updated space that preserves the original hardwood floors, the stone-floored lobby, and the exposed brick walls. Most rooms are spacious suites that offer modern amenities but also remain faithful to the history of the century-old structure. Restaurants and shops are a short walk away, but staying in is an option, too: there's a cozy lounge with a full bar and a delightful on-site Cuban restaurant.

This romantic waterfront inn has classic bay views and gorgeous antiques, as well as such contemporary conveniences as plush beds, double whirlpool tubs, and flat-screen TVs. Huge breakfasts, ordered the evening before, are usually served in the manicured courtyard, and guests gather at 5 for snacks, desserts, beer, wine, and homemade sangria. Owners and staff go to extraordinary lengths to accommodate guests' needs. Children, pets, and visitors with disabilities also find a warm welcome here.

A bit more elegant and formal than the average B&B, this inn wows guests with a combination of English and American antiques and a wealth of complimentary food, from extravagant breakfasts to wine and canapés in the early evening. Rooms charm those with romance in mind; many have luxurious bathrooms, and some have double whirlpool tubs. Innkeepers Joy and Andrew Warren are experts at fulfilling special requests from a sunset sail to gourmet picnics on the beach to private carriage rides.

Families love this Best Western for its affordable suites, and everyone loves it for its oceanfront location (just a half block from the Cocoa Beach Pier), its great views of launches from Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral, and its proximity to Port Canaveral. The cruise pier is only five minutes away. The suites are modest but have two TVs, a separate living room, wet-bar area with sink, refrigerator, microwave, sofa bed, and a private balcony. In addition to the beach, outdoor spaces include fire pits and two pools.

When it comes to location, this Victorian-era property is ideal—far enough from the Historic District to avoid noise, but close enough to have easy access to excellent restaurants (try the nearby Floridian) and shops. Even the waterfront is just four blocks away. The house, restored in 1984, is not as formal as some B&Bs. With verandas, porch swings, and quilts on every bed, it's cozy and quaint rather than elegant. It also has an outstanding breakfast menu; afternoon coffee and fresh-baked cookies; and an easily accessible fridge with free soft drinks, beer, and wine. The innkeepers provide reliable recommendations for local restaurants. A cottage up the block is perfect for families.

There's a reason you feel like you're stepping back in time when you enter this 1820s-era inn made of coquina and handmade bricks—it's on the oldest street in the oldest European-settled city in the country. Innkeepers Jeffrey Sonia and Luis Castro's warm hospitality and attention to detail hearken back to days of yore. In addition to a hearty breakfast, you can enjoy a social hour featuring wine and appetizers. Most rooms have a whirlpool tub, fireplace, and balcony and some have private entrances and their own ghost (the inn's been featured on several ghost-hunting TV shows). Add-on services like breakfast delivered to your door, picnic baskets, and floral arrangements make the inn especially popular with those en el amor.

Compared with nearby oceanfront hotels, it's small, but Casa Marina's rich history—it opened in 1925 and hosted Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Al Capone in its early days—make it a hit with those looking for a characterful retreat. Rooms are spacious, and most have some view of the ocean. Unwind in the large courtyard behind the hotel with a drink from the bar, or take a stroll on the beach. The romance of the location and the building attracts weddings and events galore, so evenings can get noisy, particularly when the Penthouse Lounge is busy. An acclaimed Sunday brunch brings flocks of locals to the restaurant.

If you're visiting Daytona Beach for something other than surf and sand (a certain iconic racing facility comes to mind), this smartly located Marriott is the perfect base. It's within walking distance to Daytona International Speedway, surrounding restaurants and shopping venues, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Public spaces include a pool and barbecue picnic area with umbrella-shaded tables for outdoor dining and a chic lobby area with media pods and a mounted flat-screen (often tuned to NASCAR). The lobby Bistro serves breakfast and dinner.

As a nod to its location near the Kennedy Space Center, this hotel has space-themed decor and amenities and a rooftop Space Bar where you can take in views of the Indian River, watch launches, and enjoy flavorful food and drink. Rooms feature wall murals taken by the Hubble space telescope and, on the night stand, a toy astronaut that projects nebulas on the ceiling. The river side of the hotel's exterior features fire pits, Adirondack chairs, recreational games, and a resort-style pool with cabanas and a bar. 

Anchoring the One Daytona shopping and entertainment complex across from the speedway, this sleek Marriott hotel is to racing what Hard Rock Cafe is to music. The racing theme runs from the common areas, where historic cars are displayed, to the rooms, which have motorsports artwork (as well as cozy sofas, iPads, and refrigerators) to the Sir Malcom restaurant and Blue Flame bar. The hotel also has a resort-style pool with cabanas and a fire pit.

Despite being one of the newer additions to the St. Augustine lodging scene, the DoubleTree blends seamlessly into the city's Old World Spanish ethos, with wrought-iron design features, high ceilings, hardwood tile, and locally produced art reflecting the city's rich history. The rooms, overlooking the city streets or pool area, are equipped with 42-inch HDTVs and Sweet Dreams beds. The on-site Oak Tree Restaurant and Lounge serves breakfast and dinner, including in-room dining. Not to be missed are the trademark homemade DoubleTree chocolate-chip cookies, served warm on arrival.

Guests at this beachfront inn, which resembles a Victorian-era beach cottage, can't say enough about the impeccable personal service, legendary breakfasts, and enjoyable evening social hour. Ocean-side units have great water views, albeit through small windows. The Tradewinds Suite, with an ocean view, private patio, and plantation-style shutters, is the most romantic. Start the day with dill scrambled eggs or French toast, and end it with evening hors d'oeuvres and wine in the library. A chair-lined porch lets you rock in ocean breezes, and on chilly nights you can cluster around the living-room fireplace. An adjacent cottage has additional rooms and a suite.

This oceanfront resort, a short drive from the Historic District, offers many amenities, including on-site dining options, complimentary happy hours, and oceanfront views and kitchenettes in select rooms. From family suites to studio accommodations, the property fits the needs of both leisure and business travelers. The poolside Castaway Cantina serves Latin-inspired cuisine, while Harvest & Reel features seafood and farm-to-table options. Daily happy hours in the Rhum Bar bring guests together for libations and snacks, and the hearty, made-to-order breakfasts provide plenty of fuel for a day of exploring. The property's resort fee includes two beach chairs and towels, a two-hour bike rental, a daily yoga class, and more.

This charming, fully restored, late-19th-century inn—once used by guests of the Vanderbilt, DuPont, and Carnegie families, who built "cottages" nearby on Cumberland and Jekyll islands—has a rambling, two-story, clapboard main building full of character and rooms with handmade quilts, hooked rugs, king-size beds, and whirlpool tubs. The on-site restaurant, Leddy's Porch, serves biscuits and gravy, along with fried chicken and other Southern favorites, for lunch and weekend brunch. The Mermaid Bar, a lively first-floor pub, can be a blessing or a curse, depending on whether you're trying to catch up on your social skills or your sleep. Request a room in the south wing if you're attempting the latter.

Proximity to the Kennedy Space Center and reasonable rates make this four-story hotel a top pick for an overnight. Guests deem the rooms clean, comfortable, quiet, and larger than those in comparable hotels. The property also scores points for conveniences like 24/7 coffee and tea service in the lobby, complimentary hot breakfast, microwaves and refrigerators in every room, and a fitness room and pool.

Worth a visit for the rock-n-roll memorabilia alone, the Hard Rock Daytona Beach marries the traditional music-themed brand with the city's passions—auto racing, motorcycles, and the beach. There's a wall dedicated to the city's musical royalty, the Allman Brothers Band; unique items worn by the likes of Rihanna and Taylor Swift; and the mermaid costumers used by Bette Midler and her backup singers during her Las Vegas stint. And that's all in the lobby, where live music plays most nights. Music-themed rooms are modern, and many have balconies facing the beach, pool, or overlooking a concert stage. You choose the genre of in-room music that plays throughout your stay, and you can reserve, free of charge, a Fender guitar complete with a floor amp and headphones. For a special treat, book the signature Rhythm & Motion massage in the spa, one of the best in the city.