THE LOVELY TIKI DESIGN OF THE HOTEL FACING THE MAIN DRAG
Orlando Shine recently visited Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort (Website), staying at the tiki-themed property just a block or so from local landmark Ron Jon Surf Shop (Website), for a firsthand look at what the resort offers as a Central Florida weekend getaway.
First of all, it must be said that the campus leans fully into its tiki aesthetic, kitschy in the best way, with thatched roofs, tiki carvings, and island-inspired architecture spread across the property. A lazy river bisects the entire resort, and our comped room was a large, apartment-style unit on the quieter end of the property, away from the busier pool areas, a setup that made it easy to settle in and actually feel like a home base rather than just a hotel room.
The all-suite property is clearly built with longer stays in mind. Full kitchens and grilling areas throughout the public areas of the property give guests and their travel groups a chance to cook meals together rather than eating out for every stop, and there are enough communal and grilling spaces scattered around campus that it never feels crowded. That being said, the units we saw all had full kitchens included if you want to cook dinners away from your fellow vacationing lookeeloos.
For quieter moments, the Makua Lanai Adult Relaxation Zone at the rear of the property offers island-themed rattan lounge chairs and a hot rock firepit, a good spot to unwind with a drink after a day at the beach – or, on the flip side, a place to sober up before joining the rest of your group further in the building.
Poolside, Aloha Tiki Bar & Cafe covers casual bites, and a newly renovated Beach Deck behind Building 7 offers a quiet stop on the way to or from Cocoa Beach’s shoreline. Families or anyone traveling with kids can also check out the resort’s Wakulla Water Play Experience, tucked into the heart of the property, which is essentially a massive splash pad within eyeshot of the Aloha Tiki Bar, so mom and dad can relax and enjoy happy hour specials while the kids burn off some energy.
Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort is located at 3550 N. Atlantic Avenue [GMap], right on the beach. The cost to stay typically averages between $230 and $330 per night, though standard rates fluctuate significantly depending on the season and day of the week.
They have their own private access to the beach, right behind the resort. It’s a good walk from the public access lot up the street, so it’s not as busy as other places in Cocoa Beach if you like room to spread out in the sand.
