Mini Vacay at New Smyrna Beach
New Smyrna Beach is a charming place to visit on Florida’s east coast. It’s about an hour’s drive from the northern end of Greater Orlando. We stayed at the Riverview Hotel at 103 Flagler Ave, New Smyrna Beach FL. It is located about a ten-minute walk from the beach past numerous quaint shops and restaurants. Established in 1885, this 18-room boutique hotel has actual keys for the doors and breakfast included at The Mermaid Café next door. The lobby, where coffee and tea are served 24 hours, has an ice machine, comfy seating, and a tempting gift shop. Be aware there are three stories and no elevator. Our room on the second floor had two queens as requested. The bedding was comfortable, although I would have preferred a plusher comforter than the thin one supplied. I got cold at night and had to take out a spare blanket from the closet. The a/c and ceiling fan controls were a bit tricky and I wasn’t able to lower the fan speed.
The bathroom came equipped with a stall shower instead of a tub, for which I was grateful. However, it would have been nice to have had a grab bar installed for added safety, and a glass door instead of a curtain. The toiletries included usable shower gel, shampoo and conditioner in the shower, and an array of lotion, bar soaps, and a shower cap by the sink.
What I missed most in the room was a mini-fridge. Without one, we couldn’t take home leftovers from any of the restaurants we visited. Thus, we either shared a plate or ate appetizers. While the front desk offered to put away our take home boxes in their refrigerator, it didn’t offer the same convenience. Otherwise, the hotel’s charming ambiance encourages you to relax. And if that’s not enough, you can sign up for pampering treatments at the adjacent spa.
If you prefer a chain hotel, I noticed a Hampton Inn, Best Western, and Springhill Suites by Marriott in the area plus other B&B establishments.
Walking east, we stopped by the beach to soak in the ocean view.
We decided to come back in the morning for a beach walk and to hunt for seashells.
Coming Next: Our Dining Adventures at New Smyrna Beach
