Copacabana Motel, Daytona Beach

I stayed at the Copa many summers. My last visit was in September '04 after all the devastating hurricanes. She closed the Copa in December '04 after the outside building was destroyed due to roof damage and uncontrollable mold. Barbara Jean was trying her best to keep it going after JC passed away. She was just not able after all those years. I have now moved on, but always wave when I pass by where the Copacabana was. A piece of trivia; the Copa was the first commercial establishment on that corner. I still have a small bottle of lotion with the Copa logo. Also, have an old postcard with a photo of the Copa from back in the 70's I think judging by the make of the cars parked in front. This was truly a gem lost. I cried when Barbara informed us the day before we left. She also cried. We miss you our Copa.

I grew up visiting Daytona and this was my favorite place to stay at the beach. It was not the fanciest but it was always clean and the owners / management were the nicest people. I hope the new owners / builders can give us a taste of the old charm in whatever new is built. I for one would have liked it to remain the charming landmark that I loved.

I'm from NW Pennsylvania, and I grew up going to the Copacabana with my grandparents (the Snows), my parents (the Pedersens), and my aunt and uncle (the Carolines). I'm planning the first vacation for my new family, and I recently heard the Copacabana had been sold, and then torn down. I'm looking for someplace similar, hopefully to start a tradition for my own family that we can have wonderful memories at, like I remember growing up. Anyone with a similar story, who remember Barb and JC, and can recommend a place, please email! Sped80@hotmail.com.

They were the most wonderful hosts that you would have every wanted in a motel. They became like family to us. God Bless the Hansen family Chris and Patty B.

I finally discovered that Elvis stayed here in 1956 and i wanted to go take pictures and document it before it was gone. But as i drove up and down Atlantic Avenue i could not find it and then a local informed me it has been torn down already. Very Sad. I heard it was ran with families in mind and the owners were beautiful people. Note- where Elvis sang in 1956 is still standing The Peabody Auditorium just inland off Auditorium Ave. History has lost a great place in the Copacabana. Check out Scotty Moore's website for b&w photos of Elvis in and around the Copacabana in 1956. Treasure them ...it's all that's left.

We first came to the Copacabana on our honeymoon. BJ (the owner) found out it was our honeymoon and bought a bottle of champagne for us the next night. We have been going there for over 20 years. We watched JC and BJ's kids grow up and they also watched ours grow up. We were always treated like family. No matter how late we came in BJ would always walk us to our room which was always spotless. It was a great loss when JC passed away. BJ tried to keep the motel going but after 3 hurricanes in one year she decided it wasn't in her cards to continue. So happy to know she is finally able to relax, enjoy her kids and grandchildren. It was a great place to relax and visit with many returning vacationers. It is a true loss. The new high rise hotel being built in its place no matter how nice will never be as nice as this home away from home was. Thank you BJ and JC and the rest of the Hanson family for many wonderful memories. Your MV family

The Copacabana wasn't a budget motel. It was very clean and its location on the beach near a street that took one back to Daytona mainland. But, like so many other Daytona Beach motels, it has been removed for the benefit of those willing to dump lots of money in Daytona.

I loved that it was a short walk to the Peir and to baseball games. The rooms were very comfortable with the kitchen in them and a living room! It is a true home away from home!

Close to everything and enjoyed the atmosphere with the owners , also very very reasonable, Look to be going back haven't been in 3 yrs due to husbands health. Heard they sold it , going to come and see if its still the same as they had it.

down home atmosphere .don,t have to worry about the kids being able to play and have fun.this is a family friendly place , and right on the beach.