Beyond the ordinary

Motels across Daytona Beach, including Travel Inn and similar budget-friendly lodgings, are seeing a steady increase in weekly and long-term guests—many of whom are working individuals without stable housing. With weekly rates starting around $450, these motels are becoming a stopgap solution for those caught between employment and unaffordable rent.

📈 A Growing Trend

According to local listings, motels like Woodspring Suites and Travel Inn offer weekly rates ranging from $450 to $506, depending on amenities and location. While originally designed for tourists and short-term visitors, these establishments are now serving a different demographic: working residents who can’t afford traditional leases.

“People are working full-time jobs and still living in motels,” says housing advocate Renee Delgado. “It’s not a lack of effort—it’s a lack of options.”

🧳 Who’s Staying Longer?

Many of these long-term guests are individuals who recently exited shelters like First Step or are trying to avoid entering them altogether. They include:

- Service workers in hospitality, food service, and retail
- Gig economy drivers and delivery workers
- Families seeking temporary shelter while saving for deposits
- Seniors on fixed incomes

For these residents, motels offer privacy, safety, and flexibility—though not always affordability.

🛠️ Community Response

Local nonprofits are stepping up to provide food, transportation, and job placement services to motel residents. Some are advocating for policy changes that would recognize motels as transitional housing and offer rental assistance to those staying in them.

“There’s dignity in choosing your own space,” says Kerry B. Lewis, editor-in-chief of Edgewater Community News. “But we need to make sure these choices aren’t born of desperation alone.”

📌 Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Daytona Beach motels such as Travel Inn and Woodspring Suites are privately operated and not affiliated with any public housing programs. Weekly rates and availability may vary. The presence of long-term guests does not imply endorsement or partnership with government agencies. Readers should verify details with official sources and support local organizations working to address housing insecurity.