The Best Hotels to Book Near the Mount Royal Archeological Site, Florida 

Steal endless moments of solitude and serenity at this riverside Hampton Inn. The trails of Riverfront Park lead right to the front door, challenging you to find a better view than the one from your riverview suite. Breakfast is on the house, and, as for lunch and dinner, there are plenty of options around the historic downtown, but you’ll find us bouncing between the food trucks and tap wall at Azalea City Brewing Company.

In town for the Blue Crab Festival? Grand Gables Inn will more than do in a pinch. Coffee and wine flow like the St Johns River, and the complimentary snack pantry will keep your munchies at bay long after your made-to-order breakfast has been scarfed down. If the artwork and antiques in your suite catch your eye, spend an afternoon shopping for some yourself in the second-hand stores around town before heading to the riverside for as much blue crab as you can handle.

After a night at the Historic Artisan Downtown Hotel, you’ll see why those in the know keep DeLand all to themselves. The designer sofa and updated bathroom fixtures of the junior suite sit in playful contrast to the century-old Main Street outside the window. Antiquing, coffee-sipping and market-hopping can fill your daylight hours until the Arts & Entertainment District comes alive at night with music, gallery walks and buzzy wine bars.

Start your vacation right in pole position at the Daytona. Parked in Victory Circle just across the street from the Daytona International Speedway, these car-themed rooms will rev any petrolhead’s engine. The classic car lover can idle for hours in front of the vintage racing machines in the Grid. Let them have their fun while you speed over to claim a cabana on the pool’s sundeck and get a headstart on happy hour.

Does it count as a vacation in Florida if you don’t visit a golf course? Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa isn’t prepared to let you conduct that experiment. They’ll send you straight to the jaw-dropping Nicklaus Ocean Course and, then, hand you a new set of balls to take to the Conservatory Course. Can’t get enough of the view? You’ll have your pick of ocean, coastal or golf course views from the private balcony of your room.

How does Idle Awhile Resort convince even the busiest of bodies to throttle down and wade into their vacation? Two words: burgers and beer. If you’re in the mood for something a little more Florida-y, try the fried gator po’ boy that’s so delicious, you won’t be able to make eye contact with any of the big brutes that hang out in the St Johns River. Just don’t be tempted to wade out for an apology if you’re renting a boat from the marina.

Live like a wealthy citrus trader at Sprague House. With the breeze coming off of Crescent Lake, a sweet tea on the veranda will taste even sweeter. Retire to your suite whenever you choose, watching the glow of the sunset through the stained-glass windows. The Victorian furnishings and antiques will catch your eye just after the live light jazz music catches your ear. Spend the evening appreciating the piano in the parlor, or take a warm stroll into Crescent City for waterside cocktails at 3 Bananas.