By the Oceanside inn Daytona Beach

What with the State Dept.'s dire Mexico travel advisories, travel to Cancun for Spring Break this year is a big no-can-do. So that leaves the field pretty much to Florida, and especially Daytona Beach. I mean, c'mon, there's tons of good beaches and spring break hot-spots, but still, none of them can hold a candle to Cancun and Daytona, in terms of sheer exuberance and the party atmosphere.

All of which means that Daytona is especially sizzling this year. Which also means that it'll be even harder to get hold of suitable accomodations. So you need to move out of your comfort zone, and check out some decent Daytona Beach motels, Inns and B&B's.

Which brings us to the Oceanside Inn, which offers 178 clean deluxe studios and 1-bedroom suites, with 23 miles of spectacular beach at your doorstep. Hang around their oversized freshwater pool, and leave the kids to enjoy the kiddie pool, or you could check out the 6,500 sq ft terrace garden with the sea breeze blowing away all your worries and allowing you to just take in the wonderfulness of the Daytona shores.

Start your mornings with the Inn's Continental breakfast buffet, check your mail with the free wireless internet, and then laze around with a drink at the poolside Tiki Bar & Grille. If you're looking for a serious drinking session to drown your sorrow or celebrate life, the Mariner Lounge is waiting for you.

The stardard rooms have either one king bed or two double beds, with sweeping ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows. In-room amenities include cable TV, an in-room safe, hair dryer, iron/ironing board, and air conditioning.

Amenities offered include a continental breakfast with fresh-baked Danish, muffins, bagels, toast, fresh fruit, cereals, juices and hot beverages. In addition to all the above mentioned pools, free wireless, terrace garden, lounge and bar, there's also a fitness center and a conference center. And you get free parking.

Daytona Beach attractions in the vicinity of the Oceanside Inn include the Ocean Walk Shoppes with a 10-screen cinema, a range of restaurants, specialty and gift shops. There's also the Ocean Center, Daytona Beach Kennel Club, LGPA HQ, and the Peabody Auditorium. The Daytona Beach International Airport is easily accesible from the Oceanside Inn.

Info: 1909 South Atlantic Avenue Daytona Beach Shores FL 32118; (386) 255-4492; www.oceansidedaytona.com