The BEST WESTERN Aku Tiki Inn is hard to miss, as it's the only building in the area sporting a replica of the famous Easter Island heads on its sign out front. Free on-site parking runs along the side of the five-story building from the street to the beach. Inside, the two-floor lobby is spacious and bright, with a tile floor, ceiling fans, and Pacific island-inspired carvings on the front desk and in artwork throughout. Rattan and wood seating with tropical patterned cushions provide ambiance as well as places for guests to linger in the lobby and lounge area, though the drop-tile ceiling and busy carpeting give the space a dated vibe. The hotel's restaurants and other common spaces all share a similar island theme. It's a relaxed hotel that's filled with families and couples coming and going to the beach, the pool, and the lawn. 

The Best Western Aku Tiki Inn is located right on the beach along busy Atlantic Avenue. There is a convenience store across the street, and a grocery store is a short walk away. It is only a couple of miles from one of the bridges to the mainland. The Daytona Beach Boardwalk is about 10 minutes away by car, as is downtown Daytona Beach. Popular tourist attractions like Daytona International Speedway, Bulow Plantation Ruins Park, and Ponce Inlet are all about 15 minutes away by car. The Daytona Beach International Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

Spacious rooms feature pillow-top beds and come with flat-screen TVs, microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Some have fully equipped kitchens with refrigerators, stoves, and supplies for cooking and dining. Decor is Pacific island tropical, with shades of coral, cream, and gray throughout, plus leaf patterns in the bedspreads, artwork, and accessories. A burnt coral accent wall picks up the hue from the patterned carpeting, while dark wood furniture with louvered panels or rattan joints ups the tropical vibe. That being said, these aren't the most contemporary rooms, and the feeling is a bit stuffy and dated, though all features are in good shape. Views from balconies or terraces are of the parking lot, ocean, or pool. Bathrooms are basic and clean, with large granite vanities and shower/tub combos, but show a bit of wear and tear from the Florida humidity, including mildew. 

The on-site Traders Restaurant serves all meals, including a free hot breakfast, in a casual island-themed space overlooking the pool. Breakfast items include yogurts, cereals, eggs, sausage, pancakes, juices, and coffee. In the afternoon, the space transforms into a bar, and free beer, wine, and cocktails are served in the evening, including Shirley Temples for the kids. A large rectangular outdoor pool is suitable for swimming laps, and there are plenty of lounge chairs and umbrellas for those who prefer to just relax poolside. There's also a grassy lawn between the beach and the pool with lounge chairs for guests to use, and a wading pool. A shuffleboard court and table tennis entertain the active, and there's a small fitness center as well. A laundry room provides coin-operated washers and dryers, and there's a computer in the lobby for guests to use. A conference center can accommodate groups of up to 80 people, and the outdoor Tiki bar and garden area is suitable for groups of up to 40. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and parking is also free.