The Tropical Resort and Marina is situated in DeLand, Florida. With a history dating back to 1967, the property has undergone various renovations under the ownership of Lori and Rick Hackbarth, the current owners, including refurbished rooms and the addition of a saltwater pool. The resort offers a variety of accommodations, including one, two, and three-bedroom suites equipped with full kitchens and private ensuite bathrooms. In addition, there are five RV sites available for guests looking for a more mobile lodging option. One notable aspect of the property is its pet-friendly policy, allowing guests to bring their “friendly” dogs, according to Lori. The resort also strives to maintain a quiet atmosphere, implementing designated quiet hours starting at 10 PM.
The Tropical Resort and Marina offers a variety of accommodation options, including suites and RV sites, with a total of 17 suites and 5 RV sites. The RV sites provide amenities such as electric hookups up to 40 amps, water hookups, Wi-Fi, and a dump station. Each site is located near the lake and offers views of the water. They also have picnic tables where guests can have outdoor meals. The suites at the resort come in different sizes, including one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units. Regardless of how many bedrooms are included in the suite, each has a kitchen stocked with pans and utensils. Each suite also has a private ensuite bathroom and a living room area with a TV. Additionally, the suites all have a patio seating area right outside the suite. The most popular accommodation option among guests is the one-bedroom suite, according to Lori, one of the owners, as it accommodates up to four people. The resort also offers common areas guests can enjoy, including a saltwater pool, a recreational court for activities including basketball and cornhole, a courtyard area with a fire pit, and a marina with a fish cleaning station.
The surrounding area of the resort features oak trees and a variety of tropical plants. Guests can see a view of the nearby lake, Lake Beresford, as the property faces the water. Lake Beresford connects to the St. John River, which is popular for boating, according to Lori, and can be reached within a relatively short boat ride. The resort's marina provides boat launching facilities, and boat rentals are available to both resort guests and the public. They also offer boat slips for rent. While the resort does not provide other water equipment rentals, such as kayaks or paddleboards, guests can explore the lake and engage in fishing activities. Fishing is often done on the lake, with common catches including crappie, bream, and bass. Apart from the accommodation and recreational facilities, the resort has an event room called the Lake House. It can be rented for occasions such as baby showers, weddings, and family reunions, accommodating up to 65 people.
When guests stay at the Tropical Resort and Marina, the owners, Lori and Rick Hackbarth, want them to feel welcomed, relaxed, and able to appreciate the natural surroundings. They strive to provide a friendly and comfortable atmosphere where guests can enjoy the lake and engage in recreational activities. The Hackbarths aim to cultivate a sense of warmth and hospitality that aligns with the “old Florida country feel” they wish to maintain. Lori said she and her husband want the guests to feel “completely at ease during their stay. The views, the area—everything about it just contributes to a sense of relaxation and tranquility." Those who have stayed previously at the resort often comment on the style of the rooms, as well as the views from the property and the pontoon boat rentals. One former patron said of their stay, “The rooms have been slightly refreshed while keeping the old Florida style with tropical vibes. The animals every day are entertaining to watch from your patio. Great service at the store and setting up boat rentals and slips as well.”
The resort's peak season of operation is during the winter months, from November to the end of March, according to Lori. This period aligns with events in nearby Daytona, such as the Koch 400 NASCAR race and Bike Week. Additionally, Lori says that snowbirds often come to the area during these months, drawn by the relatively milder temperatures. The resort may appeal to a relatively diverse demographic, including families, couples, and older individuals.
The Tropical Resort and Marina is nearby various attractions and dining options. One notable attraction is downtown DeLand, which Lori remarks is a historic area known for being home to multiple diverse restaurants. Visitors can explore the Athens Theater or enjoy the downtown market featuring local vendors offering art and food. Brian's Barbecue is near the property, offering BBQ dishes, while Stockyards presents a selection of steaks. City Limits is another recommended eatery, offering a diverse menu. For those seeking outdoor adventures, the resort's proximity to the lake allows guests to engage in fishing and boating activities. Nearby attractions also include the Amtrak train station, providing an opportunity for guests to explore the region.
The Tropical Resort and Marina has implemented several policies while striving to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all guests. One notable policy is their pet-friendly approach, allowing guests to bring their dogs and other animals with them for their stay. However, dogs must be “friendly,” kept on leashes, and owners are expected to clean up after them. Another policy is in place with the hopes of creating a quiet environment. The resort has designated quiet hours from 10 PM onwards into the morning. Additionally, smoking is strictly prohibited within the rooms, creating a smoke-free environment for the comfort and well-being of all guests. The resort's staff and management emphasize the importance of respect and consideration for fellow guests.
The Tropical Resort and Marina has a history dating back to its establishment in 1967. The current owners, Lori and Rick Hackbarth, purchased the property in 2022. They were drawn to the resort and marina because of its beauty and the opportunity it offered to provide lodging and rental experiences to guests, according to Lori. Since taking ownership, the Hackbarths have made multiple changes to the property. They have upgraded the docks, refreshed and refurbished the rooms with new furniture and bedding, and repainted the interiors. They have also converted the pool into a saltwater pool with the hope of enhancing the guest experience. The landscaping has been updated to accommodate more views of the nearby lake. Lori and Rick have a vision of maintaining the “old Florida country feel.” Lori says, "We're not trying to be fancy or upscale. We want to maintain that old Florida country feel. As we upgrade and make changes, we strive to preserve that unique charm that keeps guests coming back." As part of their future plans, they aim to host events at the resort, utilizing the lake house as a venue. They hope to add activities such as sip and paint sessions and boat poker runs. They also plan to organize events during the Christmas season, including boat parades, where locals can come and participate in the festivities on the property.
Lori Hackbarth finds joy in interacting with the guests and learning about their experiences and reasons for choosing the resort. She believes personal connection is an important aspect of her role and one that she particularly enjoys.
1485 Lakeview Drive
DeLand, Florida 32720
United States
Campground
Lori & Rick Hackbarth
