Sun Deck Motel

My wife and I went to Gainesville to celebrate the birthdays of a couple of old college friends. After spending four days in Gainesville, we decided to extend our vacation since Kentucky was going to be cold and rainy. Our original thought was to go toward St. Petersburg, but because of a "red tide" situation in that area, we took our birthday host's recommendation and headed to the Sun Deck Motel at Ormond Beach on the Atlantic coast. We called ahead and obtained a room for three nights, but upon arriving decided that we liked the place so much that we would stay for two more. If you're looking for a new, fancy hotel/motel/condo with all the modern conveniences, this is not your place. However, if you're looking for a clean, inexpensive, hotel with an extremely friendly and helpful staff, this is your place. The hotel is not new (I'm guessing 50s or 60s) but it is very clean, sufficiently appointed, and sits right on the beach. Our room had two double beds, a coffee maker, a microwave, a refrigerator, a toaster, and a television with just about every channel you would want. We stayed during March Madness and were able to access every game. With a Publix directly across the street, we scored breakfast food and lunch sandwiches with a five minute walk. There is no pool, but with the ocean a mere one minute walk from our room, who needs a pool? Becky, the housekeeper, was super nice and the "Radar O'Reilly" of the whole operation; anticipating our every need and very helpful in identifying different places to eat, visit, etc. Keith, the owner, was also very accommodating and easy to work with. During our five night stay we met several people that stay for extended periods on an annual basis. All of them were friendly and welcoming. This motel received a five-star rating because it was so reasonably priced. It would have received four stars anyway, but since we were able to stay here for less than half what we usually pay in Apalachicola or on St. George Island, it gets five. For me, the key to any Tripadvisor review is whether the person writing the review would revisit the place that they are reviewing. For me, the answer to that question regarding the Sun Deck Motel is a resounding YES! It' not fancy, but it's clean and the price and people are great.

Before Covid, we spent several years in a lovely condo in Indies House, immediately south of the Sun Deck. We had friends come to visit us, who stayed at the Sun Deck, and they were very impressed with the quality of their suite, the value, and really great personal service, apparently a family operation. And of course the location, right on the beach! Can't recommend the neighbourhood enough -- everything you might need just across the road. Stay strong, Florida! We love you.

Found the Sun Deck Motel by accident. But I must say it was the BEST accidental finding I've ever found. For an older Motel this place is beautiful and very well kept. Robert is AMAZING. He went above and beyond to make sure we had a good stay. The room was so nice and clean. View is priceless. This place will definitely be our GO-TO place. On the ocean and shopping across the street. Everything is within walking distance. Once you are there you don't need to use your car. You will be very happy if you stay.