55 Best Hotels in Northeast Coast, Florida

Perched on one of the few traffic-free strips of beach in Daytona, this high-rise is as popular with families as it is with couples. Every room has a great ocean view, and the Florida tropical decor is warm and inviting. If the beach isn't your thing, check out the spacious sundecks and two pools, or stroll down to the pier or boardwalk, both within walking distance. The hotel is also connected to the Ocean Walk Shoppes via covered walkways.

Proximity to the beach and comforts like in-room microwaves and refrigerators make this six-story hotel a favorite of vacationing families, particularly Orlandoans on weekend getaways. Most rooms have ocean views with private balconies. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

In the heart of historic St. Augustine, this Spanish colonial–inspired hotel overlooking Matanzas Bay has 19 separate buildings in a village setting, and most rooms have water or city-attraction views. Given its location in the thick of the Oldest City, the hotel caters to the tourist throngs with amenities such as in-room refrigerators and a coin-op laundry.

With 12,600 square feet of meeting space, the University of Florida's flagship hotel caters most obviously to business travelers, but its location on the southwest corner of campus also makes it a good choice for UF visitors. Guest rooms, which look like they came straight off the Rooms to Go showroom floor, have two phones with voice mail, large work desks, coffeemakers, and 50-inch flat-screen TVs. The hotel offers room service, and its on-site restaurants include Shula's American Steakhouse.

Although it's part of a chain, this bright, bold boutique hotel makes you feel like you're staying in a hip apartment rather than a by-the-night lodging. Suites have a spacious soaking tub, as well as a kitchen alcove with a small refrigerator and microwave, a dining area, and a living room with a second large TV. All rooms have a desk, flat-screen TV, high-end coffeemaker, tiled walk-in shower, and large windows, as well as free Wi-Fi and access to a tech concierge on call. A stay here puts you 20 to 30 minutes from Downtown, amid office parks where many businesses have headquarters. Tapestry Park's collection of stores and restaurants is only steps away. The hotel has a bar and eatery with outdoor seating that overlooks the nicely landscaped lake. Room service is available.

It doesn't get much more convenient than this 19-story, waterfront hotel within walking distance of TIAA Bank Field, Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena, Daily's Place, Florida Theatre, Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, MOCA, and all things Downtown. The property, on the north bank of the St. Johns River, offers a rooftop pool; grab-and-go food and coffee 24/7 at Market; the Tavern for cocktails; the SHOR Seafood Grill for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; and Morton's The Steakhouse for upscale dining. Rooms have cool turquoise color schemes, triple-sheeted beds, pillow-top mattresses, and ergonomic work chairs. Since the hotel encompasses 110,000 square feet of meeting space, chances are pretty good you'll share an elevator with someone wearing a name tag.

This charming oceanfront inn has spacious, individually decorated rooms, some with four-poster beds, upholstered chairs, and balconies or patios; most have ocean views. Deluxe rooms are much larger, with a king-size bed, sofa, and sitting area; most also have a dining table. Jacuzzi rooms are different sizes. Included in the rate are evening wine and cheese and a continental breakfast that includes a quiche du jour.

Chains have since taken over St. Augustine Beach, but this longtime favorite—the only remaining "Mom and Pop" on the beach—is still doing business (lots of it) and remains as beloved as ever. The location, just steps from the beach, helps, of course. But so do the inviting, consistently updated rooms, in-room continental breakfast delivery (you choose the time), private walkway to the beach, warm service, and reasonable rates. There are a wide variety of room types and locations (some with balconies and/or fireplaces), so it's best to call and make sure you get the room you want. For a special treat, book a room in the property's adults-only bed-and-breakfast, a short walk from the main building.

Guests at this 1885 Queen Anne dwelling say they're so comfortable and at ease that they feel as if they're in a home, not an inn. The inn's Southern hospitality begins with breakfast by the fireplace and continues with complimentary beverages, homemade cookies or fresh bread throughout the day, and a social hour in the evenings. The "bedchambers" have thoughtful touches, such as plush robes, house bath salts, and organic coffee. Rooms feature a fireplace or gas stove and flat-panel TVs; most have thermo-massage tubs. Lush gardens and stately oak trees give the property a secluded feel, though downtown Gainesville is just a short walk away.

The nautical theme at this boutique hotel is no gimmick, as the charming establishment also serves as a working marina, and all its rooms have balconies or patios that capitalize on the views of the Matanzas River, Bridge of Lions, and downtown. A hearty, made-to-order breakfast is served each morning in the Captain's Table, and afternoon hors d'oeuvres are offered in the Driftwood Lounge. All in all, this a great place to drop your anchor on a visit to St. Augustine.

From the upper levels of this imposing 16-floor tower, which is across the street from the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts, the smart, neutral colors and modern lines of the furnishings set off the views of the St. Johns River and its iconic bridges. A marble-floored, wood-paneled lobby leads to the reception area, an upscale lounge (JBar), and Juliette's Bistro, where cozy banquettes and tables bask in the airiness of a lofty atrium. Bell service is exemplary; many porters have more than a decade on the job, so they can and will happily help you find just about anything, including a cab.

Atlantic Beach's only high-rise oceanfront hotel captures the serenity of the sea through a color palette of translucent green, sand, and sky blue and reflective materials such as glass and marble. A sophisticated yet relaxed "art gallery" theme is carried through to the original photographs that hang in every room. Some guests balk at the $30-a-day resort fee that's tacked on to the room rate, but considering all it includes (Wi-Fi, mini-refrigerator, two bicycles for two hours daily, beach chairs and umbrellas daily), it's not such bad deal.

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.

Located in the heart of the Historic District, this luxurious property is within walking distance of Castillo de San Marcos, St. George Street, and more. Along with modern amenities and a lively restaurant and lounge—Castillo Craft Bar + Kitchen—there is also an on-site Starbucks coffee shop.

Travelers love this all-suites property for its great location, modern design features, and family-friendly amenities. The beach and restaurants are a short walk away, though many prefer to prepare meals in their spacious suites, which are all equipped with contemporary kitchens, as well as cozy sitting areas, wood-paneled accent walls, and mood lighting in the bedrooms. Adjacent to the pool is an outdoor lounge and fire pit, where guests gather in the evenings

The four-story Residence Inn is one of the closest all-suite hotels to the Kennedy Space Center. Considerably larger than traditional hotel rooms, the one- and two-bedroom suites include a full kitchen (dishwasher and all) and separate living and sleeping areas. The morning buffet and manager's reception are popular with guests. It is also convenient to other area attractions such as Port Canaveral, the Cocoa Beach Pier, the Brevard Zoo, and Cocoa Village, and is only an hour from Walt Disney World.

In the early 1900s, Jacksonville's wealthiest residents built mansions along Riverside Avenue (dubbed the Row), and the three-story Riverdale Inn—well-preserved, with heart-pine floors, crown moldings, and guest rooms decorated to period—is one of only two such homes remaining. Despite being more than 100 years old, the mansion feels pristine, inside and out. Some rooms have fireplaces; all have bathrooms with tub–shower combos or showers only; one room has a whirlpool tub. Complimentary breakfast is made to order each morning, and the inn is within walking distance of numerous restaurants, as well as the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and the Five Points district. You can also pop downstairs for a drink at the Gum Bunch Pub.

A landmark since 1885, this former bridge tender's home is set back from the Intracoastal Waterway at the edge of the north causeway, which still has an operating drawbridge. Rooms open out to plant-filled verandas and balconies, and views look either through trees to the waterway or onto the private courtyard and pretty pool. Each room is furnished differently with charming antique touches, such as an old washbasin, a quilt, or a rocking chair. An "expanded" continental breakfast is served in your room. The inn has a charming waterfront restaurant, full-service spa, and an excellent gift shop; it's also near art galleries and stores.

Golf is at the heart of this luxurious resort, but there's no lack of opportunity for other recreation or for sheer indulgent relaxation, if that's what you're after. Besides offering access to the renowned Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass, which hosts THE PLAYERS Championship each year, the resort has trails for jogging or biking, as well as an acclaimed 18-hole miniature golf course that appeals to the whole family. There are plenty of other activities for the kids, too. Or, you can simply laze about in the highly regarded spa or by one of the many swimming pools. It's not an oceanfront resort, but that's just a technicality: the exclusive oceanfront Cabana Beach Club is a three-minute drive or shuttle ride away. The elegant hotel tower is home to several casual restaurants and lounges, including Alice & Pete's Pub and the upscale Vernon's First Coast Kitchen & Bar featuring farm-to-table cuisine.

This hotel, a relative newcomer, is a block from the Atlantic and 2 miles from Fernandina Beach's historic district. It features a resort-style pool deck with fire pits and a full-service bar. Amenities include free, hot breakfast; free Wi-fi; pet-friendly rooms; and the on-site Tides Pool Bar and Grill, which serves small plates and cocktails. 

This late-18th-century inn in the Historic District, a guesthouse since 1845, offers main-house rooms and suites, a room in the former carriage house, and a five-room cottage—all with a serene vibe and a delicious Southern breakfast buffet included. If the walls of the oldest inn in the Oldest City could talk, they would tell tales of buried doubloons and Confederate spies. Furnishings are a mix of antiques and just plain old; the food is fresh and well prepared (there's a chef on property). A stay includes thoughtful extras like free admission to the Anastasia Athletic Club; use of bicycles; complimentary admission to the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum; and an evening social with enough snacks, desserts, and house-blend coffees, teas, and hot chocolates to pass for dinner.

You can't be any closer to the St. George Street bustle than this inn nestled in the City Gate Plaza. A continental breakfast of assorted cheeses, fresh-baked breads, and pastries is included. For a splurge, book a Castillo Suite—a romantic two-story suite with a spiral staircase and wraparound balcony with views of Castillo de San Marcos, Matanzas Bay, and St. George Street.

Inside two grand Victorian homes—surrounded by gardens in historic downtown and within walking distance of restaurants and entertainment venues—nicely appointed guest rooms have gleaming hardwood floors, antique furnishings, and modern conveniences like free Wi-Fi. There's also plenty of Southern hospitality, as well as amenities such as an eco-friendly salt pool, business services, and detached cottages with full kitchens.

If you want to be within walking distance of all that World Golf Village has to offer (including championship courses and a full-service day spa), this resort is an excellent choice. Rooms and suites, stylish and elegant with spa-inspired bathrooms, surround a 10-story atrium, at the bottom of which is the Villagio Italian Grille set amid tropical foliage and streams. In addition to playing rounds of golf and indulging in a spa treatment, you work out in the 24-hour fitness center or play a game or two in the billiards room.