Recommendations for lodgings at Crystal River, etc?

I plan a trip to Crystal river- for to see the manatee- and wonder if
anyone has stayed somewhere charmingly old-school and reasonable
there. We don't really enjoy staying at chain hotels, and snorkel
only.
I realize the manatees are there mostly until March, but is there a
gradual drop off period or are they gonzo by April? Also, is the river
snorkeling interesting from a naturalist's point of view or
featureless beside the manatee?

Thanks, Evy