Most people heading to the Space Coast have a specific image in their head. They're thinking of grainy sand, the smell of salt air, and maybe catching a glimpse of a Falcon 9 punching through the clouds. But then there's the lodging situation. Cocoa Beach is famous, sure, but it’s also home to a lot of tired, salt-crusted motels that haven't seen a renovation since the Challenger era. This is where the Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort enters the conversation, and honestly, it’s a bit of an outlier in the local landscape.
It used to be the Wakulla Suites. If you visited a decade ago, you remember a very different vibe—charming in a "vintage Florida" way, but definitely showing its age. Westgate poured about $15 million into a massive overhaul a few years back, and the result is basically a luxury apartment complex masquerading as a beach hotel. It’s weirdly upscale for a town that prides itself on being a laid-back surf hub.
👉 See also: Dubai City Tower: Why This Vertical City Concept Still Matters Today
What’s Actually Inside the Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort?
You aren't getting a standard hotel room here. That’s the first thing you notice. Every single unit is a two-bedroom suite. This is a massive win for families who are tired of tripping over suitcases in a 300-square-foot box at a Marriott. You get a full kitchen, which, let’s be real, is mostly used for storing leftover pizza from Mangia & Bevi or keeping the beer cold. But having a real fridge and a stove changes the economics of a week-long beach trip.
The design leans heavily into "polynesian chic." Think lots of dark wood, tropical prints that don't feel tacky, and high-end finishes. It feels solid. You’ve got a king bed in the master, twins in the second bedroom, and a sleeper sofa. You can realistically cram six people in here without someone ending up on the floor.
The centerpiece, though, is the Wakulla Falls Water Park.
It’s not Blizzard Beach, obviously. But for a resort footprint, it’s surprisingly involved. There’s a 335-foot lazy river that meanders around the property. It’s the kind of thing where you tell yourself you’ll do one lap and then forty-five minutes later you’re still drifting. There’s also a "splash pad" for the smaller kids and a massive water play structure. For parents, this is the ultimate "low effort" entertainment. You sit in a lounge chair with a drink from the Aloha Tiki Bar, and the kids tire themselves out in a controlled environment.
The Beach Access Reality
One of the biggest gripes people have with Florida resorts is the "beachfront" claim. Sometimes that means a twenty-minute hike across a busy road. At Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort, you’re actually on the ocean side of A1A. You walk out the back, hit the private boardwalk, and you’re on the sand.
The resort has this thing called the "Beach Concierge." It sounds fancy, and it kind of is. They provide umbrellas, chairs, and even coolers. If you’ve ever tried to drag a folding chair and a heavy cooler through soft Florida sand while a toddler screams in your ear, you know this is a godsend. It’s the little details that justify the price tag.
Is it Worth the Price? Let’s Talk Money.
Let’s be honest. Cocoa Beach isn't cheap anymore. Westgate is positioned as a premium property, and the rates reflect that. You’re often looking at $300 to $600 a night depending on the season and whether there’s a launch scheduled at Kennedy Space Center.
📖 Related: Lo que nadie te cuenta sobre las placas de Estados Unidos
There is a catch. Westgate is a timeshare company.
You don’t have to be a timeshare owner to stay there. You can book it like any other hotel on Expedia or their website. However, be prepared for a "welcome" pitch at the check-in desk. They want you to attend a sales presentation. They’ll offer you vouchers, discounted tickets, or cash. If you have a backbone of steel and can say "no" firmly, you can ignore it and enjoy your vacation. If you’re the type who feels guilty saying no to a polite salesperson, you might find that part of the experience a bit draining.
Location and Logistics
You’re about a mile south of the iconic Westgate Cocoa Beach Pier. You can walk there along the beach, which is a great way to kill an hour. The pier is where you go for the "tourist" experience—Pelican’s Starlight Restaurant, Keith’s Oyster Bar, and the Rikki Tiki Tavern at the very end of the pier.
Pro tip: The Rikki Tiki Tavern is one of the best spots on the entire Atlantic coast to watch a rocket launch. You’re 800 feet over the ocean with a 360-degree view. Just check the Space Coast Launch Calendar before you book. If a SpaceX or NASA launch is scheduled during your stay, the atmosphere at the resort changes. It becomes a giant viewing party.
The Nuance: Who Is This NOT For?
It’s not for the solo business traveler who just needs a bed. It’s too much room and too much noise. The water park area is loud. It’s filled with kids. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic, "zen" getaway where the only sound is the crashing waves, this might frustrate you during peak hours.
It’s also not for the budget-obsessed traveler. You can find much cheaper rooms at the Cocoa Beach Suites or the Days Inn down the road. You stay at Westgate for the convenience of the kitchen, the private beach access, and the fact that you don't have to leave the property to keep the kids entertained.
💡 You might also like: Nyack NY to NYC: The Commuter Truths and Weekend Secrets
A Note on the Food
The Aloha Tiki Bar on-site is... fine. It’s resort food. It’s convenient for a burger or a wrap while you’re at the pool. But honestly, you’re in a great spot for actual local food.
- Florida’s Fresh Grill: Just a short drive away. It’s probably the best seafood in town.
- The Fat Snook: Upscale, boutique, and incredible.
- Tiny Turtle: For Puerto Rican-inspired surf food. Get the sofrito.
If you stay at the resort and only eat at the tiki bar, you’re doing it wrong. Use that full kitchen for breakfast, but get out and support the local spots for dinner.
Practical Steps for Planning Your Stay
If you're serious about booking Westgate Cocoa Beach Resort, don't just click "reserve" on the first site you see.
- Check the Launch Schedule First: A launch can triple the price of a room and make traffic a nightmare. If you don't care about rockets, pick a "dark" week to save a ton of money.
- Request a Room Away from the Pool: If you value sleep or have a napping baby, the rooms directly overlooking the water park are the loudest. Ask for something on the periphery.
- The Resort Fee: Like most Florida resorts, there’s a daily resort fee. It covers the water park, the beach gear, and the shuttle to the pier. Factor this into your budget—it’s usually around $30-$40 per night.
- Grocery Run: There’s a Publix and a Winn-Dixie within a five-minute drive. Stop there before you check in. Stocking the kitchen with snacks and drinks will save you $200 over a four-day stay.
The reality is that Westgate has successfully turned an old property into the most modern family-centric option in Cocoa Beach. It’s a polished, predictable, and high-quality experience in a town that can sometimes feel a bit "stuck in the 90s." As long as you know how to handle the timeshare pitch and you actually plan on using the water park, it’s arguably the best bang for your buck for a family of four or more.
Pack the sunscreen. The Florida sun doesn't play, especially when you're distracted by the lazy river. Enjoy the space coast—it's one of the few places left that feels like authentic Florida history mixed with genuine high-tech wonder.
Once you’ve settled into your suite, take the shuttle down to the pier at sunset. Grab a drink, look north toward the launch pads of Cape Canaveral, and realize you're standing on the edge of the world. That’s the real Cocoa Beach experience. Everything else is just a place to sleep.