OCEANSIDE INN, DAYTONA BEACH SHORES, FLORIDA

Built in 1973 and completely remodeled in 2003. 4th condo-hotel developed by John Rainey, and so far his best. Used to be a 195-room Days Inn. Was shut down because of the unsafe balconies, and the owner, who ran it down to the ground, sold it to the developer cheap. Rainey had just completed conversion of Hawaiian Inn, the market got a little better, and he could afford to create a better quality property.

Major renovations were competed and the last units were sold just couple of months prior to Hurricane Charley, followed by Frances. G-d swiftly provided quality control, the property was soaked in water, so some construction people had to go back and take care of the issues. The developer extended the walls to the balcony line and installed a glass wall on 3 sides of the building. This created very dramatic views from the unit through the floor to ceiling glass, made units larger, saves on the electric bill, and, I assume, on the insurance, as kids during Spring Break can't fall of that property even if they are dead drunk.

9-story 191 room resort is unique in that this was the last condo-hotel conversion before the prices went crazy in the Spring-Summer 2004. Of the older properties converted to condo-hotels before the golden rush of 2004, this is the nicest. The propery is largerly uniformed in terms of furniture, the Front Desk operations are run by Integra, which is one of the best rental condo-hotel companies in Daytona. It has style and attracts better clientelle, even though the rack rate is similar to Fountain Beach Resort.

Restaurant, Tiki Bar, outdoor heated pool, fitness room, broadband Internet in the lobby, view of the ocean from every room, good location just 1.25 mile south of International Speedway Blvd., prefessional service quickly made it popular destination. One of the best rentals in condo-hotels. Rentals not only cover maintenance fee and Property Tax, but put some money in the owner's pocket. Split formula is: 10% of top for credit card expenses, then 50/50.

The nine-story, 191-guestroom Oceanside Inn features amenities that include hypoallergenic bedding upon request, dial-up Internet access and in-room safes. In-room child care is also available. Select rooms include kitchenettes. Guestrooms have bright, contemporary furnishings that reflect Florida's sunny seascapes, and all accommodations offer ocean views..

There are 4 direct oceanfront large units on the first floor with 14' ceilings. 2 to 8 th floor there are 24 units with 4 direct oceanfront studios ranging from 406 to 543 sf. On the north and south side the majority of units are double units with both doors to the hallway and with interconnecting dooe inside. Could be use as a studio, or as a suite. One stack on the north side is triple units, wit the center unit with kitchenette. The best priced triple unit to day is $199,900, which is unbeatable. The pride of the resort is a wide sundeck on the second floor on top of the commercial space. It is on the south side, so you can sun tan in the middle of winter, protected from the winds. 

City corner units are studios, with line 01 being handicapped units. If you are looking for a combination of rentals, value and price, you need to check this place.

Call 386-255-5355 or check www.DaytonaCondoHotel.com

Jon Zolsky, your Daytona Beach Real Estate Connection