Popular Daytona Beach hotel faces multiple code enforcement violations

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Spring break is only weeks away and each year, college students pack the pool deck and balconies of the Desert Inn, but according to Daytona Beach code enforcement, the hotel is falling apart, and there is no cheap fix for it.

Now, the city wants the hotel to make repairs on its long list of code violations before the busy tourist season begins.

Officials said they can't stop the hotel from taking in guests, but the conditions at the hotel are worn, with paint peeling and cracks, all concerns written up by code enforcement.

“They'll have their due process, and they'll have to come into compliance relatively soon,” said Hector Garcia of Daytona Beach Code Enforcement.

Code enforcement inspected the hotel on Monday after guests complained that water leaked into their rooms after a 2-inch water main broke on the sixth floor Saturday.

“Multiple rooms had sustained water damage, floors below, ceilings had actually collapsed,” said Garcia.

But officers said they found more than just water damage. Pictures taken on Monday show loose balcony railings, mold on a stairwell and more than one damaged roof being used as an area for storage.

Channel 9 attempted to ask to the hotel manager if he plans to make any repairs, but our crews were asked to leave.

The Desert Inn has violations dating back to 2003, and officials said the hotel has been cited for serious violations at least once a year since then.

The hotel has 30 days to come into compliance or hire a general contractor and pull permits to start work to make repairs.

After that, the hotel can face serious fines, officials said.

WFTV