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Driftwood Resort – reviews, photos

3.0 of 5
3150 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963
Hotel amenities
Driftwood Resort
Driftwood Resort
Driftwood Resort
Driftwood Resort
Driftwood Resort
Ranked #10 of 26 hotels in Vero Beach
4.0 of 5 stars 65 Reviews
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65 reviews from our community

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Atlanta, Georgia
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
26 helpful votes 26 helpful votes
“We never tire of the Driftwood Resort”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 January 2012
4
people found this review helpful

The Driftwood is like no other place we have ever stayed at, and we have been coming here for many years as guests. Waldo Sexton, the designer and original owner, has left his unique mark on this special place, from spiral staircases in some of the rooms to stained glass adorning many others, to boat parts and other oddities placed all around the property. You know you've arrived at a really special place when a child's coffin (empty!) with a glass faceplate greets you before you enter the bar. We have stayed in about 7-8 different rooms over the years, including several oceanfront suites. All have been delightful stays. We last stayed here November 2011 for a family trip. Wake up and walk right out to the ocean, or take a coffee on your patio. Excellent restaurants, galleries, and shopping are all walking distance from the hotel. There is music featured on weekends. Depending on where your room is, you may or may not hear it, but the noise is not intrusive, and we've stayed very close to the pool and bar before. The Breakers area is our favorite to stay, because of the large 2-room suites and long, private patios or porches (2 stories) that face the ocean. Whether you are a family, student, businessperson, or just a party animal, the Driftwood staff will set you up right. All are very helpful at the front office. There are two pools, a grill, picnic tables, scavenger hunts (where you really learn some interesting Driftwood history!), and shuffleboard. There is always something to see and do in and around The Driftwood! All of this, and just steps from the Atlantic. We will be returning soon - we love The Driftwood!

Room Tip: The Breakers area is away from the main area, is more quiet, and has its own pool, grill and shuffle...
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  • Stayed November 2011, travelled with family
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 3 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
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See 6 more reviews by Luv N for Vero Beach
Ask Luv N about Driftwood Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Zionsville, Indiana
2 reviews
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
“Driftwood prevails in spite of RCI failure”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 January 2012
5
people found this review helpful

We booked at the Driftwood via RCI, our first time ever in using RCI. I called the Driftwood personally to talk about the room we thought we would be getting, before committing on the reservation web site. Only afterwards did we discover that we had been assigned a completely different room (113A, ten feet from the performance stage next to the pool, part of Waldo's). We had serious concerns about the room location, the proximity to the band area. So much so that we called the Driftwood, who informed us that they couldn't reassign us another room, as this was an RCI issue. The Driftwood representative assured me that in spite of the location, we would enjoy our stay. I tweeted and communicated with RCI via email, and called twice. They were firm in their position, pointing out that the rules under which we reserved the room were well defined. So we decided to try it out, thinking "how bad could it be?" Well, we thought the room was excellent, and the resort is a special place. There are so few places in Florida, anywhere for that matter, where the personality of the builder continues to enchant. The room was very well appointed. Recent updates included new televisions, kitchen appliances, and the claw foot tub (with separate shower) was much appreciated. The wi fi was excellent at the entire resort. We could even access it from the beach! Now the room does face the pool area, very close to the band area. So on several nights, the music was painfully loud. If you have children, or plan on getting to sleep before 11PM, do not stay in this room. The saving grace one night was the performance by the band Voodoo. There are some extremely hi caliber musicians in this band, and they were so good, I joined the party at Waldo's, totally enjoying the music. There are several nice places to grab a sandwich or an ice cream within walking distance. Casey's Place has great burgers, but expect a long line. Worth it, though. Cravings is right across the street on Ocean Drive. It is a great place for ice cream. We took our daughter there five times in a week. Another must try is the grouper reuben sandwich at the Red Onion up a bit on 10th. Yes, that is corn flakes i the batter. Yes, it is a bit expensive. Yes, that is you, moaning in delight. We became so interested in the legacy of Waldo Sexton that we explored McKee Botanical Gardens, which is a must see. We then had dinner at the Ocean Grill, walking distance from the Driftwood. We recommend that you walk there on the beach, then slip your shoes back on before entering. This must certainly have been what Mr. Sexton intended. The Ocean Grill was great, once again, a bastion of old Florida. Be sure to have at least one martini there in honor of Mr. Sexton. The Driftwood also has a great outdoor grill area, which we used several times. Just ask for a lighter and tongs at the reception area. They even have a laundry facility, which is clean and reasonable. What really makes the Driftwood special today is the staff. They all were incredibly helpful, friendly, and efficient. So, to wrap things up, we love the Driftwood, the staff, the area at large. Vero Beach has a gem here. RCI failed in understanding our situation, or more likely, didn't care. Though they responded promptly to my concerns, they did nothing to resolve them. I give the Driftwood a solid A, and RCI an F.

Room Tip: Avoid poolside rooms, especially if you have kids, and/or are not into the party scene. Other than t...
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  • Stayed December 2011, travelled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 2 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 4 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask Marty T about Driftwood Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Fredericksburg, Virginia
1 review
“Christmas 2011”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 December 2011

Nothing like a Sunrise overlooking the ocean!
Staff goes beyond to make your accommodations the best .
Need anything just ask Lee.

Room Tip: Ocean view the soothing sounds of the beach!!!!!
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  • Stayed December 2011, travelled with family
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask wflred about Driftwood Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Woodstock, CT
1 review
“Not your average resort”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 December 2011

This was the second time we stayed at the Driftwood. It is so unique, you always find something new to explore on the grounds. We had a one bedroom suite with an ocean view and paid less than we would have paid for a room at other local hotels - without the personality. The accommodations are clean, well kept and large. There are 2 pools, and a restaurant and of course the beach. Dining and shopping are steps away. We will definitely be back.

  • Stayed November 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
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Ask CarolynWoodstock_CT about Driftwood Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
Stuarts Draft, Virginia
Senior Contributor
25 reviews 25 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
“Wonderful resort”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 December 2011

The Driftwood Resort was one of the most interesting and charming places we have stayed on vacation. It is so eclectic, and being right on the beach was great! Waldo's Restaurant and Bar and happy hour, was one of the high-lights of our trip, meeting locals and visitors alike was very rewarding!

  • Stayed November 2011, travelled as a couple
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Sleep Quality
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Was this review helpful? Yes
Ask The_Drift_Woods3 about Driftwood Resort
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

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Additional Information about Driftwood Resort

  • Driftwood Hotel Vero Beach
  • Driftwood Resort Vero Beach
Address: 3150 Ocean Dr, Vero Beach, FL 32963
Price range (per night):* INR4,169 - 10,560

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