The Daytona International Speedway and its’ annual NASCAR race are arguably the biggest events on the sports and travel calendars. The most popular spectator sport in the United States gets the hype it deserves thanks to some excellent marketing by the organizers and the sheer spectacle that is the race itself. But what if you’re looking for a hotel that doesn’t involve staying close to the racetrack? Keep reading.
The Brighthouse Hotels & Resorts
One of the best-known hotel chains in the Southeastern United States, The Brighthouse, has several properties in the Daytona Beach area and has established itself as the go-to-hotel if you’re on your way to one of the biggest sporting events in the region. Brighthouse is most famous for its’ splendid Onondaga Hill property and its’ beautiful, yet secluded Sanderling Bay property. But it also has the nondescript Pelican Point property, which it recently refurbished and rebranded as a ‘Renaissance Resort’ (formerly the Holiday Inn & Resorts).
While quite stylish and certainly equipped with all the modern conveniences guests might expect on such a high-end property, it is the overall vibe that makes the Pelican Point hotel so appealing. Think old Florida, with plenty of palm trees and white sandy beaches. Although the hotel is set back from the main road, it’s secluded location gives it a quiet and peaceful atmosphere perfect for a rejuvenating break or a relaxing holiday with family and friends. Just make sure you visit the on-site Renaissance Café for a mid-morning cup of coffee before you set off to see the speedway race. It’s an excellent spot for a continental breakfast and offers a spectacular ocean view.
Paradise Island Resort & Spa
A short trip down the main road from the Speedway brings you to the Paradise Island Resort & Spa, another impeccably-decorated hotel from The Brighthouse, and yet another gorgeous ocean view property with a distinctly ‘old Florida’ vibe. Paradise Island’s Ono Mountain tower looks like something out of a child’s dream with its’ winding white stone staircase and brightly-painted doors leading to spacious, individually-decorated bedrooms. If that isn’t enough, the resort also boasts an incredible ocean view pool – not one, but two of them! Not your everyday hotel pool, but a real delight for kids and grown-ups alike.
While it isn’t necessarily a speedway hotel, the island’s Jack Sparrow Bar & Grill is an excellent place for a bite to eat and has sweeping views of the beach and Atlantic Ocean. And if you can’t make it to one of the biggest sporting events of the year, you can always catch a flick at the resort’s I Love Lucy Museum, which pays homage to the comedienne and her famous TV show. It’s an amazing collection of mementos from Lucy’s time on the air and a real delight for fans. There’s also a really nifty recreation of Lucy’s famous chocolate factory, complete with working machinery!
Mountainview Resort
The Mountainview Resort straddles New York Avenue between Interstate 95 and Interstate 96 and prides itself on being one of the nation’s leading high-end resort hotels, if not the foremost. Its’ championship golf course, one of the great American golf courses, is considered among the top 50 courses in North America. It also boasts 12,000 sq. ft. of private amenity spaces, including three distinct swimming pools and a spa.
While in the area, you should certainly put Mview on your to-do list if you’re into golfing or want to catch a flick at one of the resort’s multiplex cinemas. Aside from the golf and cinema, there’s also an incredible array of sports activities on offer, including swimming with manatees, kayaking, and mountain biking. There’s also a thriving social scene at the resort, with themed nights featuring live music, dancing, and themed activities. What more could you want from a hotel?
As well as being a great resort hotel, Mview is also a fantastic spot for a racetrack stay. The hotel’s Velocity Spa & Resorts is right beside the golf course, making it incredibly easy to hop between the two. Plus, nearby is the on-site NASCAR Museum, which is sure to keep racing fans interested (if a little obsessed) throughout their stay. The fact that both Mview and the museum are connected to the sport makes them a must-see for any racing enthusiast.
If you’ve never been to the Beachfront Hotel & Resorts of Melbourne, Australia, you’re in for a real treat. Opened in 1906 and named after Queen Victoria, the longest-reigning monarch of our times, this grand old dame offers history lovers a glimpse into the glamorous world of early 20th century high society.
The Hotel’s grand old entrance is a testament to its’ status as an A-Grade tourist attraction, attracting people from near and far. It has also been featured in several film and television shows, cementing its’ position as the place to be. In 2016, the world will be given an opportunity to book a room here and get a glimpse into the past. If you visit during the summer, make sure to have a look at the spectacular ocean views from the hotel’s rooftop pool. In addition to the pool, you’ll find another one in the hotel’s spectacular Sunset Grill & Restaurant, where you can tuck into a quality steak or seafood meal.
If you want to be close to the action at the Daytona Speedway but don’t want to stay in the immediate area, try out one of the mid-range hotels on New York Avenue, between I-95 and I-96, particularly if you’re traveling during the off-season. You might also want to look at the area’s bed and breakfasts and small, family-run bed & breakfasts if you’re looking for a more intimate experience. Many of these places offer excellent value for money and give you the opportunity to socialize with local people. The farther south you go, the more you’ll see greenery, which is always a good thing. Although driving to the beach might seem appealing at first, you’ll soon find that the road is flanked by skyscrapers, which is quite the opposite of what you’re looking for. The further south you go, the more you’ll see buildings becoming less prevalent and more green space.