Best Western Aku Tiki Inn — Hotel in Daytona Beach Shores

We used to call this place "Our Happy Place" we came couple times a year for over 10 years. And every years since the pandemic and new owners I assume it is no longer a happy place. And this last trip we just got back from June 8-11th was worst of all. First after pandemic they took away the buffet breakfast amd never brought it back They are the only best western in florida that I have seen and looked up that does not offer it. They dont even have coffee out they want to charge 12 dollars for adults and 8 dollars for kids breakfast at reservation time and dont even know what it is they no longer have cookies out at checkin. We got the early I understand early rooms may not be ready but we were told we would get a call the place wasn't busy but we waited. Numerous people came early as we did. But they were getting rooms. 2 and a half hours later its after 4 now we still have not received a call and neither did another family you would think if theres people waiting that the maids would be sent to get those rooms ready as so the rooms would at least be ready for the 4 checking. But sooner would be the right thing to do. So while we were waiting we went to the pool. There are no tables with umbrellas around the pool. So I go to lobby and ask if there are tables that I have a medical condition and I can not be sitting in the sun. I was told they dont have and I asked since when and why. I was told since the storms. So all this time this busy place hasn't gone to Walmart and purchase some tables and umbrellas for people to sit at out of the sun. There is no shade at all. There was a concrete tables up the steps on the side in fron to the 1st floor rooms that was it until the next day when they brought one more over from the side of where the tiki var once was. Now they state theres a tiki bar. No its no longer there. There's work being done on the pavillion it looks like with A horrible roof job idk if tiki bar is going back up or not. and there were more tables that could have been put down by the pool also but we're. They state there plenty activities for kids. There's NOTHING FOR KIDS And the pool was closed the last full day and the last day we had there so kids couldn't even swim in pool leaving nothing for anyone to do. The prices of the restaurant are outrageous and not worth the money. 18.00 for a burger. They took away the happy hours that was something many looked forward to went from 2 hours to and hour to 2 drinks to 1 drink coupon tonhave anytime during our stay. We are not the only ones that will not be returning and very heartbroken that place we all enjoyed so much has just taken away and let go of something that brought so much happiness for many years to what it is now. They offer nothing extra.staff really wasn't very friendly. They give you this long list with high prices that you'll be charged for towel wash cloths blankets corlffee pot remote etc that you'll be charged if anything goes missing. Smokers vaping etc. Told 500. Charge there was mold in shower I had to have maid come spray amd clean. There looked to be mold or mildew on the ceiling I. The room. The say theres refrigerators in roo.s. theyre not they are wine coolers. Or beverage coolers I will say the rooms have been redone nice but they also took away the tropical/coastal look and feel. With modern art work along with every other part if the place that us that looked forward to coming back to year after year. We will not be returning there are a lot of nicer places that offer more or at least have what they State on website. And Dont close down the pool for over a day and a half. Or more I dont k kw when it opened up because we left. Definitely do not recommend oh and I man was sitting in a chair and the bavk legs broke right off and he fell to the ground. Many chairs were broken only one elevator. Its been years that they other hasn't worked. Ice machines were broken. Vending machine out of order. Im sure theres more ...

Update… as soon as we arrived was informed that the hotel didn’t have beach access and numerous other things were going on. I opted to pay the $40 early check in because we had drove all night and arrived earlier than expected. What a joke to charge early check in when rooms are ready, but hotel in disarray still, you didn’t even have a completed hotel and no beach access that isn’t half a mile down. THIS SHOULD have been on their website! Half the parking lot was still missing and not even roped off or barricaded, with all the furniture stacked in the lot for rooms they were renovating and let me tell you, it rain on the furniture numerous times, not to mention being pooped on by seagulls and pelicans, we were in an updated room but with a refrigerator rusted out, a mouse trap still in the back side of it, the telephones were just for looks, no wires and the outlet to plug them in is behind the mounted headboards. Had no television had maintenance to track something down, finally found a Roku but without a subscription couldn’t watch anything. Pool towels were few and far between. By 8 am the entire hotel was being in demolition and Jack hammering just above us until 6 and 7 pm, how is this of any enjoyment, we got to stay 2 days of 4 days 3 nights. We had to check out because of hurricane, I watched people get reimbursed for having to leave before 2pm that day before check in even begins at 4, you don’t say sorry they stayed 2 days of their stay they aren’t getting partial reimbursement, really, that’s an entire day and evening and breakfast etc, they were closing the parking lot off and all. The hotel couldn’t reimburse me immediately because I was through redeem vacations and was told I would have to go through them and the hotel would submit to them after they contact them. Redeem vacations tried to get my reimbursement but I was told, that the very owners of this hotel had said “no they will not partially reimburse, that I got to stay 2 days and they can’t help the storm came” well so much for me coming back to keep helping pay to get it back not will I spread good word of mouth for you to have more. They had people leave for integrity of their hotel, that was dangerously still under construction. Give me money back so I could of stayed elsewhere and not in a rest area on a day forced to leave with no plan? , the hotel maintenance was very short staffed where my fiancé helped them load air conditioners one day in the parking lot and day of evacuation helped him put all the lounge chairs & pool stuff away for the hotel. Elevators - ridiculous waiting for because the service elevator was still out so we had to share with cleaning, maintenance & the construction crew. Floors were still covered in paper protecting I’m not sure, when I seen plenty of tile damage and stuff peeking out from under, your staff stood in the hall at main area just outside the laundry room with laundry room door wide open for all hotel visitors to see, very unprofessional. I come to Daytona every year and this was by far my worst hotel experience. I have dreamed of staying at this hotel because past vacations I have walked by this hotel on beach side and seen tiki torches and the beauty of the place. They were to worried about getting people booked in before the neatness of the hotel or the amenities offered. Also 2 free drink tickets are given to each guest for per day “happy hour” that your only allowed to redeem them for one hour of each day in the hotel bar not even at their pool side tiki bar, what about the visitors that don’t drink?? What do you give them? I’m very upset that I was told I would get a refund for my last day and it was noted on my account but then after I get home I am told it will not be happening. Well I have all the pictures from this trip and will be posting...

This hotel is really nice! Here are some reasons why. Firstly, imagine a tropical oasis right on the beach—this is the ambiance Aku Tiki Inn delivers. With a Polynesian‑themed façade (those famous Easter Island–style heads), lush landscaped lawns, and direct access to the soft white sand of Daytona Beach Shores, the hotel sets a festive, island‑retreat tone from the moment you arrive. The oversized heated outdoor pool, wading area, shuffleboard court, and active grassy lounge spaces all overlooking the ocean offer the kind of resort-style amenities you’d expect from a higher-end property. Secondly, the guest rooms reinforce that resort vibe with generous space, private balconies or patios, and ocean or pool views (if you book carefully). They come equipped with pillow‑top beds, flat‑screen TVs with HBO®, microwaves, mini‑fridges, and even kitchenettes in some units—amenities more commonly found in upscale boutique.The décor channels a playful tropical ambience—coral tones, rattan furnishings and island patterns mirror the resort’s overall theme, creating a coherent, charming aesthetic. Third, the hotel delivers strong complimentary offerings that contribute to that elevated‑property sense of value. Guests enjoy a free hot breakfast buffet each morning, and in the late afternoon there's an included cocktail‑hour with drinks for adults (plus Shirley Temples for kids) at the on‑site Traders Restaurant and Tiki Lounge—complete with ocean or poolside views during casual meals and drinks. The full‑service restaurant serves island‑style bowls, tacos, burgers, pizzas, and seasonal seafood events—all part of the immersive experience. Fourth, service and cleanliness generally receive praise in recent guest reviews: Expedia.net reviewers in April 2025 described the hotel as “the cleanest place I’ve ever stayed” with “wonderful customer service” and “amazing beach views”. On ConcertHotels.com in July 2025, one guest termed the stay “Superb,” applauding friendly staff, pool cleanliness, and an included welcome drink; another called it “Exceptional” with “everything clean” and great location—even while noting the exterior looks older and one elevator was out of service. But that didn’t affect my stay, I just always took the steps to the ground floor. Fifth, while the AAA inspector rating is modest (overall 2.8 out of 5), the hotel clearly exceeds expectations for a Best Western in many categories—especially in atmosphere, amenities, and family appeal. Occasional downsides include a slow single elevator and isolated cases of mold or dated décor, but most reviews emphasize that the island theme, beachfront pool, complimentary offerings, and overall service feel comparable to higher‑tier vacation resorts. In summary, the Best Western Aku Tiki Inn may not carry an official 5‑star rating from inspection agencies, but its welcoming tropical style, beachfront location, inclusive amenities, and attentive staff deliver a resort‑level atmosphere that feels deserving of "very nice 5‑star hotel" status in spirit. For families and couples seeking island flair and high value right at the oceanfront of Daytona Beach Shores, it’s a standout hotel that is very...