Taking trip sometime in next few months for long weekend to visit family in area (don't tell me to ask them for hotel recommendations; has not been real successful in past). Would like reasonable hotel within walking distance to public beach or hotel-access beach - not interested in sneaking onto a beach - too old for that. Will be traveling alone, have rental car, but would prefer to walk to beach, although directly on ocean-front hotel not necessity. Will see family in evening, want place to relax and temporarily escape from my kids for a few days.

Second choice would be hotel that requires drive to beach but with nice enough pool/grounds and price to make driving to beach tolerable. Thanks in advance.

Hi Gail-
The Delray Beach Marriott fits the bill. The hotel is located directly across the street from the public beach.
You'll also be within walking distance to all the shops and restaurants on Atlantic Avenue.
There is one more option: The Colony Hotel is "in town"(still within walking distance to the beach. This property is less expensive, but older than the Marriott.
Any other questions feel free to e-mail me.

Check out this website. http://www.delraybeach.com/City_Hall/

My parents have spent their winter months for the last 14 years in Delray Beach. They love the shops and restaurants on Atlantic Ave. and the clean beautiful beach. When we go to visit we always stay at the Marriott. A block from the ocean. Great place.

www.wrightbythesea.com

That shd. be: www.wbtsea.com

Thanks to all. I just found out my husband has some Marriott "points" so I may be able to use them. (even though he gets to stay home with the kids!)