Or 30 miles north in Palm Coast we stayed at a brand new Days Inn last year. Several restaurants within walking distance and only around $60 a night.
Dr.D has my vote. I stay in Flagler Beach(rented house) and it is a nice ride into the action zone, plus I get to ride the loop everyday, and makes for great day trips to St. Augustine, Deland, Palatka, Bunnel etc. It also gets you far enough out that if you don't want to fight the madness you can go around it and see what is happening to the south.