I travel to Cocoa Beach 2-3 times a year. I’d heard good things about the Inn At Cocoa Beach and read outstanding reviews on Trip Advisor but they never had rooms available when I was visiting… until this January, 2012.

I have to admit that at first I was a little disappointed in the small size of our room, #206. However, that quickly faded as I got into the rhythm of the Inn and discovered its charm.

First off… location. It’s on the beach. Technically, you have to walk across 20 yards of paved parking lot to get there, but it’s 30 seconds away. Add to that a nice pool and you have a beachside nirvana. The is a brick wall and nice landscaping around the back side, which really gives you a feeling of privacy and luxury.

Next, breakfast. You walk into the breakfast area, give them your room number and they hand you a tray with a fresh, hot breakfast. Ours was little egg quiches every day with some kind of fresh baked item; peach bread a couple of days and a delightful coconut muffin one day. There’s fresh fruit, coffee, juice and a selection of breads and bagels you can toast yourself. If you’re lucky you can snag an outside table and enjoy some morning sun to the relaxing sound of the fountain. This is not an all-you-can-gorge breakfast. It’s plenty and delicious, and we loved it.

From 5:00 PM - 6 PM they have a complimentary wine and cheese reception. There’s also an honor bar where you mix your own cocktails or get beer and mark it on a tab. You can buy bottles of wine and sparking wine there too but it is a bit pricey. There are sodas, bottled water and snacks available, too, all on the honor system.

There is a large and comfortable lobby where you can watch tv, read and get complimentary coffee and tea during the day. They have a computer there so you can get on the internet, send email, etc. There is a chess board set up, too. In the daytime they bring out two macaws who keep the energy flowing beside another small fountain.

There is a fitness room with adequate machines and some free weights. I used it several times and found it adequate to work up a good sweat.

We stayed in the older wing. Yes, the room was smallish but had a balcony with a view of the pool and ocean beyond. The furnishing were nice but not opulent. The bed was comfortable. There was only a shower, no bath, and the drain was a bit sluggish, as was the toilet. It’s an old hotel and I told management about it when I checked out.

They were putting new floor tiles in the other rooms on our floor and you could see there was a lot of restoration going on. There’s a whole other building that is new, with larger room (suites, I believe) at higher prices.

You are also about 1 minute walk from two beachside restaurants and the world famous Ron Jon’s Surf Shop. Lots of other shopping is close by, along with a 24 hour pharmacy should you need it. The Cocoa Beach Pier is about 1/2 mile away, as easy walk.

We are early risers and were treated to jaw dropping sunrises every morning. That’s beyond the control of the hotel but sure was an added bonus.

Without a doubt, I’ll go back. I’ve stayed at many of the chain hotels along Cocoa Beach. Many are more modern and fancy, but they lack the relaxed charm and personality of The Inn At Cocoa Beach.