Cocoa Beach is increasingly a tale of two stays: the polished, suite-only Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort with its water park and beach setup, and the brightly retro Beachside Hotel & Suites, a casual favorite for families and Port Canaveral cruisers. Both offer lazy rivers and a fun-in-the-sun vibe, but they deliver very different experiences and value. For travelers trying to decide where to book, understanding how these properties really compare on rooms, pools, beach access, and overall cost can make the difference between a good stay and a great one.
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Big Picture: Suite Resort vs Casual Beach Hotel
Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort is a compact, all-suite beachfront resort on North Atlantic Avenue, a few minutes’ walk from the sand. The property was fully renovated in 2018 and rebranded from the older Wakulla Suites into a higher-end, family-focused resort with a dedicated water play area and strong beach services. It feels like a self-contained resort where you can park once, splash all day, and use the complimentary shuttle to the Cocoa Beach Pier without needing to drive again.
Beachside Hotel & Suites sits closer to the heart of Cocoa Beach, a short walk from the sand and near Ron Jon Surf Shop and casual restaurants. It is a mid-range, motel-style hotel that has been refreshed in recent years with bright colors and a standout lazy-river pool. Guests and locals often describe it as relaxed and unfussy, with a fun pool scene and convenient location that works especially well for pre- and post-cruise stays out of Port Canaveral.
In practical terms, Westgate targets travelers who want a resort-style, multi-night beach vacation in a two-bedroom villa with kitchen and space to spread out. Beachside, by contrast, suits guests who prioritize price, included breakfast, and flexibility: drive in, enjoy the pool and nearby beach, and head to your cruise or onward travels the next morning. Your choice often comes down to whether you want a full resort experience or a comfortable, well-located crash pad with personality.
Many repeat Cocoa Beach visitors report that they use Westgate for longer, kid-focused beach weeks and Beachside for shorter trips, such as a Friday night arrival before a Saturday sailing from Port Canaveral. Keeping your trip type in mind is the first filter for deciding between the two.
Location, Beach Access, and Getting Around
Both properties are in Cocoa Beach proper rather than Cape Canaveral, which keeps you close to the famous Cocoa Beach Pier and the strip of shops and restaurants along Atlantic Avenue and Orlando Avenue. Westgate lies a bit farther north, with a short walk out to a wide Atlantic beachfront. Beachside is more central and sits on the west side of A1A, with a short stroll to a public beach access path a couple of blocks away.
Westgate has a significant location advantage for visitors who plan to spend long days on the sand. The resort includes access to a staffed beach setup with chairs, umbrellas, coolers with ice, boogie boards, and even sunscreen and after-sun lotion included as part of the resort experience, according to the resort’s guest information and FAQ.([westgateresorts.com](https://www.westgateresorts.com/hotels/florida/cocoa-beach/westgate-cocoa-beach-resort/existing-reservations-faq/?utm_source=openai)) For a family that would otherwise rent two loungers and an umbrella at the public beach each day, that can easily save a noticeable amount over a three or four night stay.
The resort also operates a complimentary shuttle to and from the Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier, usually running midday to evening hours most days of the week.([westgateresorts.com](https://www.westgateresorts.com/hotels/florida/cocoa-beach/westgate-cocoa-beach-resort/overview/shuttle-service-beach-trolley/?utm_source=openai)) This makes it very easy to head to the pier for lunch, sunset drinks, or to watch a rocket launch without hunting for pier parking. Recent local discussions suggest that pier and public beach parking can run well into double digits per day and fills fast on launch days, so using the shuttle is not just convenient but can reduce stress.
Beachside Hotel does not sit directly on the sand but is close enough that most guests choose to walk. The hotel’s FAQ notes that Cocoa Beach’s local trolley service can help with getting around town,([beachsidehotelcocoabeach.com](https://beachsidehotelcocoabeach.com/hotel/faq/?utm_source=openai)) and guests regularly mention that the property is an easy walk to Ron Jon Surf Shop and other central Cocoa Beach stops. For beach time, you will be relying on public beach access and renting or bringing your own chairs and umbrellas. For cruisers, this is often acceptable, as many are in town only one night and spend most of their daytime hours exploring or preparing for embarkation rather than camped on the beach.
Rooms and Layout: Villas vs Hotel-Style Suites
One of the starkest differences between Westgate and Beachside is the room layout and space. Westgate is an all-suite resort. Standard accommodations are two-bedroom villas with a separate living room, full or partial kitchen, and space that can comfortably accommodate parents, kids, and sometimes grandparents in a single unit. The resort also offers four-bedroom villas that increase both capacity and parking permits.([westgateresorts.com](https://www.westgateresorts.com/hotels/florida/cocoa-beach/westgate-cocoa-beach-resort/overview/?utm_source=openai)) For families that might otherwise book two standard hotel rooms, this villa setup often delivers better together-time and more flexibility around bedtimes and naps.
Beachside Hotel & Suites uses a more traditional hotel and motel-style layout, with exterior or interior corridors depending on building, and a mix of standard rooms and larger suites with kitchenettes or small kitchens. OTA listings highlight bright, retro-inspired décor and upgraded bedding, and guests often call out that the renovated rooms feel considerably more modern than the older exterior look might suggest.([booking.com](https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/beachside-hotel-and-suites.html?utm_source=openai)) Still, you are usually dealing with a single large room rather than a true apartment-style villa.
For example, a family of five staying at Westgate might spread out in a two-bedroom villa: parents in one room, two kids in the other, and a younger child on the sleeper sofa in the living room, with a kitchen stocked with basic cookware and a full-sized fridge for snacks and easy breakfasts. The same family at Beachside might book a “suite” room facing the pool, gaining a bit more space and a kitchenette but still needing to share a single sleeping area or two closely connected spaces without the same privacy.
Travelers who plan to spend a lot of time in their room, cooking some meals, or working remotely tend to get more comfort out of Westgate’s residential-style layout. Those who see the room mainly as a place to shower and sleep between the beach, pool, and cruise often find Beachside’s room types entirely sufficient, especially given the price difference.
Water Fun: Wakulla Water Play vs Lazy River Pool
Water features are where both properties shine, but again the feel is quite different. Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort built a 75,000-gallon Wakulla Water Play Experience as its showpiece, with a 335-foot lazy river, multiple water slides, and a large kids’ splash pad.([westgateresorts.com](https://www.westgateresorts.com/hotels/florida/cocoa-beach/westgate-cocoa-beach-resort/existing-reservations-faq/?utm_source=openai)) This sits in a dedicated zone with loungers and a smaller adult-focused relaxation area. The water play area typically operates extended daytime hours, and wristbands are issued to guests as part of their stay.([westgateresorts.com](https://www.westgateresorts.com/hotels/florida/cocoa-beach/westgate-cocoa-beach-resort/overview/?utm_source=openai))
Beachside Hotel & Suites offers a more modest but still very popular heated lazy-river pool located in its central courtyard. The hotel’s FAQ confirms the lazy river as a core amenity, and guests do not pay extra to use it.([beachsidehotelcocoabeach.com](https://beachsidehotelcocoabeach.com/hotel/faq/?utm_source=openai)) Many families describe afternoons spent drifting by the pool while kids float past palm trees and bright murals, with poolside drinks available from the on-site bar. It feels more like an upgraded hotel pool than a full water park, but for a one- or two-night stay it often hits the sweet spot.
From a parent’s perspective, the choice can be framed in terms of “do we want a water park vacation or a hotel with a fun pool.” At Westgate, you might plan entire days around the lazy river and slides, building in breaks to walk to the beach or ride the shuttle to the pier. At Beachside, you are more likely to split time between the beach, the lazy river, and local stops like mini-golf or surf shops, using the pool as a half-day activity rather than the main event.
It is worth noting that both pools can become busy on weekends and during school holidays. Westgate’s wristband system ensures that only registered guests use the water park, which can help keep crowding manageable. Beachside’s lazy river, while for guests only, can feel especially lively in the late afternoon as cruisers and families hit the water after check-in. If you value quieter pool time, plan morning or early evening swims at either property.
Pricing, Fees, and What You Really Get for Your Money
Rates in Cocoa Beach are highly seasonal, shifting with school holidays, major rocket launches, and cruise schedules. In broad terms, you can expect Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort to come in significantly higher per night than Beachside Hotel & Suites. OTA snapshots and recent traveler reports suggest that in busier months a standard two-bedroom villa at Westgate can price more like a premium resort stay, while Beachside often sits in the mid-range bracket for the area, with frequent deals and packages for cruisers.
Westgate does charge a nightly resort fee, which the brand’s current terms list at 19.99 dollars plus tax per night for Cocoa Beach. That fee includes Wi-Fi, access to the Wakulla Water Play Experience, shuttle service to and from the Cocoa Beach Pier, local calls, in-room safe, boarding pass printing, and a self-parking permit for one vehicle per two-bedroom villa.([westgateresorts.com](https://www.westgateresorts.com/terms-and-conditions/?utm_source=openai)) When you factor in that separate water park day passes nearby can cost a family of four well over 100 dollars, having the water features included can soften the sting of the resort fee.
Beachside Hotel & Suites does not advertise a resort fee in its FAQ, but its policies note that starting January 2026 a 3.5 percent credit card processing fee applies to bookings,([beachsidehotelcocoabeach.com](https://beachsidehotelcocoabeach.com/hotel/faq/?utm_source=openai)) and OTA listings show that taxes and the credit card surcharge are added on top of the room rate. A complimentary breakfast is typically included and reviews commonly describe it as a solid hot-and-cold buffet.([booking.com](https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/beachside-hotel-and-suites.html?utm_source=openai)) For a family of four, that can realistically save the cost of going out for breakfast every morning, which might otherwise run 40 to 60 dollars per day at local cafés.
Parking economics differ as well. Westgate’s resort fee includes one self-parking permit per two-bedroom villa,([westgateresorts.com](https://www.westgateresorts.com/terms-and-conditions/?utm_source=openai)) which is noteworthy in a town where beach and pier parking can add up quickly and often reaches 15 to 25 dollars per day in city lots and private garages, according to recent local reports.([tripadvisor.com](https://www.tripadvisor.com/FAQ_Answers-g34145-d666303-t9003135-Is_there_a_fee_to_park_on_the_beach.html?utm_source=openai)) Beachside’s FAQ does not call out a separate nightly parking fee, and many guests report that standard on-site parking is folded into the rate, though cruisers who leave a car while they sail may face higher package-style pricing handled directly with the hotel.
To compare costs in the real world, imagine a three-night July weekend. A family of four might see Westgate pricing in the higher hundreds per night for a two-bedroom villa, resort fee included, but pay nothing extra for pool, water park, shuttle, beach chairs, or breakfast groceries if they cook in the villa. The same family at Beachside might pay meaningfully less for a pool-view suite, enjoy free breakfast and lazy river access, but spend extra on rented beach gear and perhaps on transport to Port Canaveral if cruising. Running the numbers on your own dates is crucial, but Westgate typically aligns with a splurge beach week, while Beachside works as a value-conscious yet fun option.
Food, Drinks, and Nearby Dining
Neither Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort nor Beachside Hotel & Suites operates like a giant all-inclusive resort, so you will be relying on a mix of on-site bites and nearby restaurants. Westgate’s villas with kitchens subtly shift the food equation. Many guests stock up on groceries at supermarkets along the causeway into Cocoa Beach, then cook breakfast in the villa and prepare simple lunches. For dinner, they might walk or shuttle to the Cocoa Beach Pier for seafood, burgers, or tacos, or drive a short distance to local spots along Atlantic Avenue.
Westgate does have limited on-site food and beverage options that tend to focus on poolside snacks and drinks rather than full-service dining. That can work well if your children are reluctant to leave the water park. For example, a family might order nachos and soft drinks poolside for lunch, saving a full sit-down meal for the evening at a pier restaurant or a casual beach bar within a five-minute drive.
Beachside Hotel & Suites leans more heavily on its included breakfast and proximity to independent eateries. Guests step out of the lobby and find a range of fast-casual and sit-down options along A1A, from pizza and burgers to seafood shacks and ice cream stands. Several recent visitors say they appreciated being able to walk to dinner without moving their car, then return to the hotel bar for a nightcap by the lazy river.
For travelers who care about cocktails and a social pool scene, Beachside’s bar and lively courtyard can feel more energetic, especially on weekends when pre-cruise guests gather. Westgate’s environment skews more family-focused and controlled, with many parents turning in earlier after long days split between water park and beach. Neither property is a nightlife hub in its own right; those chasing late-night live music often head to venues closer to downtown Cocoa Beach or to the pier.
Which Is Better for Families, Couples, and Cruisers?
Parents with younger children often find Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort the more seamless option. The combination of a large two-bedroom villa, full kitchen, on-site water park, included beach gear, and shuttle to the pier reduces daily logistics. A typical day might involve breakfast in the room, two hours at the lazy river and splash pad, lunch by the pool, an afternoon on the sand using the resort’s beach setup, and a shuttle ride to the pier for an early dinner. There is little need to load everyone into a car or negotiate parking, and nap time is as simple as walking back to the villa.
For older kids and teens, the perception can be more nuanced. Some appreciate the scale and intensity of the Wakulla water play area, while others might find Beachside’s lazy river, central location, and easy walk to shops and surf rentals more appealing. Teens who want more independence may enjoy being able to walk from Beachside to a nearby surf shop, pick up rented boards, and head to the beach without relying on parents to drive.
Couples and adult groups often gravitate to Beachside Hotel & Suites when they prioritize budget, a casual vibe, and proximity to bars and restaurants. A pair arriving late on a Friday ahead of a Saturday morning cruise may not see the point of paying for a full villa and resort water park they will barely use. Instead, they can spend the evening floating the lazy river, walk out for seafood and drinks, enjoy a free breakfast the next morning, and be on their way to Port Canaveral within 15 to 20 minutes by rideshare or shuttle.
For cruisers who also want a full beach vacation before or after sailing, splitting the stay can make sense. Some travelers book two or three nights at Westgate to enjoy the resort and beach in a deeper way, then move to a simpler, cheaper hotel closer to the port the night before departure. Others reverse it, staying at Beachside for a low-stress pre-cruise night and then returning to Westgate later in the year for a dedicated family beach week.
The Takeaway
Choosing between Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort and Beachside Hotel & Suites is less about which hotel is “better” and more about what kind of Cocoa Beach experience you want. Westgate is a true suite resort, with a water park-level pool complex, spacious multi-bedroom villas, included beach gear, and a shuttle that removes much of the hassle of driving and parking. It fits best for longer vacations, larger families, and travelers ready to pay more per night in exchange for convenience and space.
Beachside Hotel & Suites, by contrast, is a casual, colorful hotel that punches above its weight with a lazy river pool and included breakfast. It is more affordable, walkable to central Cocoa Beach amenities, and particularly convenient for Port Canaveral cruisers who need a fun but practical base for one or two nights. You will likely spend more on beach rentals and may have less room to spread out, but your nightly rate and total bill often come in considerably lower.
If your top priority is a self-contained resort where your kids can bounce between lazy river, slides, and beach without ever getting in a car, Westgate is the clear winner. If you want a comfortable, character-filled property where you can float a lazy river in the afternoon, walk to dinner, and make your way to your ship the next morning without draining your cruise budget, Beachside is hard to beat. In many ways, Cocoa Beach is lucky to have both: one a polished suite resort, the other a laid-back hotel with just enough flair to make a short stay feel like a real vacation.
FAQ
Q1. Which hotel is closer to the beach, Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort or Beachside Hotel & Suites?
Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort sits directly across from a wide Atlantic beachfront and includes organized beach services, while Beachside Hotel & Suites is a short walk away from public beach access but not directly on the sand.
Q2. Do both properties have a lazy river?
Yes. Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort has a large lazy river that is part of its Wakulla Water Play Experience, while Beachside Hotel & Suites offers a smaller but popular heated lazy-river pool in its courtyard.
Q3. Is breakfast included at Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort or Beachside Hotel & Suites?
Breakfast is typically not included in standard rates at Westgate, where many guests cook in their villa kitchens, while Beachside Hotel & Suites generally includes a complimentary hot-and-cold breakfast buffet in the room rate.
Q4. Does Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort charge a resort fee?
Yes. Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort charges a nightly resort fee that covers amenities such as Wi-Fi, access to the water play area, shuttle service to the Cocoa Beach Pier, and a self-parking permit for one vehicle per two-bedroom villa.
Q5. Is there a resort fee at Beachside Hotel & Suites?
Beachside Hotel & Suites does not typically advertise a separate resort fee, though it does apply a credit card processing surcharge and standard local taxes, and guests should confirm any additional charges at booking.
Q6. Which hotel is better for families with young children?
Families with younger kids often prefer Westgate for its spacious multi-bedroom villas, full kitchens, large water play area, and included beach setup, which together simplify nap times, meals, and long days outdoors.
Q7. Which property is more convenient for Port Canaveral cruisers?
Both are within an easy drive of the port, but many cruisers choose Beachside Hotel & Suites for shorter, budget-conscious pre- or post-cruise stays, thanks to its included breakfast, lazy river, and central Cocoa Beach location.
Q8. Can I park my car for free at these hotels?
At Westgate, one self-parking permit for a vehicle is typically included via the resort fee for each two-bedroom villa, while Beachside generally includes on-site parking in the rate for standard stays, though special cruise or long-term parking may cost extra.
Q9. Are there kitchens or kitchenettes in the rooms?
Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort’s villas usually include full or partial kitchens, making self-catering easy, while Beachside Hotel & Suites offers a mix of standard rooms and some larger units with kitchenettes or small kitchens, depending on room type.
Q10. Which hotel offers a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere?
Westgate tends to feel like a more controlled, family-focused resort, especially outside peak holiday periods, while Beachside has a livelier, social courtyard and lazy river scene that can be more energetic on weekends and cruise nights.