Stretching across two blocks of prime beachfront, this hotel has a history that goes back more than a century and a quarter, though thanks to fires, hurricanes and mismanagement, only the meeting space could be construed as a centurion. The other structures are much, much younger than that.
Traditionalists will certainly find this place to be something of a charade, though commercial travelers enjoy one of the better group-oriented hotels here. Still, the Hilton and The Shores (in Daytona Beach Shores) are better overall picks for business and leisure, respectively.
The hotel has converted over to a condominium hotel, a format that has had little effect on the property as a whole.
Full of calculated early-Floridian style, this is by no means a Don Cesar or Biltmore; large gatherings and inexpensive beach forays are what pay the bills here. The T-shaped exterior is a soft yellow capped with a red Spanish-tile roof and comprises nine- and 14-story
wings.
The grand entrance makes a fine first impression, though the staff is noticeably absent until your feet hit the marble and carpeting in the lobby. The two-story lobby makes a mediocre stab at traditional style, with its mismatched armchairs and wingbacks cordoned off between paneled columns. The ocean views are lovely, but the room is a bit dowdy looking. It spills out onto a lovely terrace with sea views and breezes.
All meals, including the daily breakfast buffet, are served in the more elegant restaurant, which supplements a poolside grill open during the daylight hours.
Lovely courtyards are scattered about the property, and the potted palms and an expanse of white beach border the large rectangular pool and wading pool. Basketball courts and a game room leave most guests entertained. Child care and planned activities are pluses.
The full-service spa, once the only one of its kind in Daytona Beach, has been surpassed by The Shores' expanded spa. Still, this is a notable refuge that lures locals and travelers alike. A welcoming and professional staff, beautiful lighting and soft and supple leather armchairs await in the lobby-level spa. A long list of health and beauty treatments, package deals and exercise classes are handled in the treatment rooms and the adjoining full-service beauty salon.
The conference center is state-of-the-art, providing room for up to 1,000 at receptions. Parking exacts a nominal daily fee.
The spacious, standardized guest rooms and suites show handsome island style that has a more residential tone than excepted. Plasma-screen TVs are an impressive big-ticket item for a hotel of this stature, and the excellent beds, quality soft goods and attractive framed art have pumped up the standards a notch.
All rooms have large wet bars with refrigerators, 
microwave ovens and coffeemakers separated from the sleeping area by a half-wall. Ample furnishings include numerous tables, large desks with data ports and outlets, two dual-line phones, high-speed Internet access, excellent lighting, mirrors, and louvered closets with irons and laptop-size safes.
The granite-trimmed baths have pedestal sinks, glass shelving and framed mirrors. Sliding-glass doors open to balconies overlooking the pool terrace, and almost all are angled for views.
Room service stops at 11 pm. Pets are not allowed.
For leisure travelers, this solid midrange hotel saves the best for last, offering attractive guest rooms, but the service and public areas are uninspired. Business travelers find lovely historic meeting space and attentive coordinators at their beck and call.
