My wife and I stayed here for two nights over Valentine's Day. For these special days, we look for unique properties that aren't usually part of a chain. (Think Bed and Breakfast OR historic hotels.). The Deland Hotel seemed to fit the bill. If was fine, I wouldn't describe our experience much further.
The property is old and tired. Yes, it was clean (except for VERY dirty windows), but the furniture was just old and not particularly comfortable. I kind of liked the bed, but my wife didn't get much sleep. The bed was so high off the ground, that she couldn't get into it without considerable effort.
The shower was just OK, but the water never did get beyond lukewarm, and the old claw footed bath tub that served as the shower base was cramped and difficult to get into and out of.
We never saw anyone manning the front desk, either on check in or check-out, nor at any time during the day. To be fair, they made it easy to check in anyway by leaving a key to the locked entry door and the locked room in a cup outside on a table. That worked, but is a bit creepy when you stop to think about it.
The on-site restaurant doesn't open until dinner. (We didn't eat there, but it did seem to be a popular place for the locals.). The well-stocked bar opened at 4:00 and was staffed by one of the owners, who was charming and welcoming.
The owners are new, and they are definitely trying, but they have a ways to go to make this a property I'd highly recommend.