- Best Overall:<\/strong> Ponte Vedra Inn & Club<\/a><\/li>
- Best Budget:<\/strong> DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront<\/a><\/li>
- Best Luxury:<\/strong> The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island<\/a><\/li>
- Best Downtown:<\/strong> Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront<\/a><\/li>
- Best Family:<\/strong> Marriott Jacksonville Downtown<\/a><\/li>
- Best Golf Resort:<\/strong> Omni Amelia Island Resort<\/a><\/li>
- Best Beach Resort:<\/strong> One Ocean Resort & Spa<\/a><\/li>
- Best Boutique:<\/strong> The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Best Overall: Ponte Vedra Inn & Club<\/h3>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.miamiherald.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/05\/1-Ponte-Verda-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure> Notable Amenities<\/strong>: Golf course, pool, babysitting, on-site dining options<\/p>
Pros<\/strong><\/h3>
- Multiple restaurants and shops so you never have to leave the resort<\/li>
- Right on the beach so you don\u2019t have to travel to surf or swim<\/li>
- On-site pools include an adult-only pool<\/li>
- Private balconies and ocean views<\/li> <\/ul>
Cons<\/strong><\/h3>
- Not pet friendly<\/li>
- Extra fees for beach amenities<\/li>
- Outside restaurants and activities are farther away<\/li> <\/ul>
Why We Chose It<\/strong><\/h3>
Oceanside views, luxury rooms, and multiple dining experiences are just a few of the reasons why we love staying at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. And the beach sitting right at your back door is just the beginning of everything that this hotel has to offer. From cabana lounging to fast-paced activities, we love the variety of things to do here, both for adults and kids.<\/p>
We enjoyed waking up early for a good tennis session at one of the many courts at this resort. During one of our relaxation days, we hit the golf course in the afternoon, then decided to rejuvenate at the spa with one of the day spa packages. If you have time for additional activities, we recommend chilling by one of the heated pools, exploring the beach, and renting kayaks, paddle boards, or bikes on the beach.<\/p>
For breakfast, we recommend eating at the Inn Dining Room<\/a> and ordering the Farmers Market Skillet, the Dulce De Leche French Toast, or the Peach & Pistachio Benedict. There are multiple lunch and dinner options to choose from, but our favorite restaurant was the Seahorse Grill<\/a>. We ordered the snapper, the lobster linguine, and the hot garlic skillet shrimp.<\/p>
Since the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club has a sister resort, The Lodge & Club Ponte Vedra Beach<\/a>, we spent a lot of time exploring both resorts. Their sister resort also has a wide range of amenities, including a children’s nursery and an adults-only pool and jacuzzi. As a guest of either resort, you’re allowed to utilize the amenities and dining options at both resorts. For dinner, we enjoyed taking in the beach view at the Sea View Grill<\/a>, where we ordered the charcuterie and cheese board and the poached Maine lobster.<\/p>
Book the ponte vedra inn & Club<\/a><\/div>Best Budget: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront<\/h3>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.miamiherald.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/05\/9-DoubleTree-by-Hilton-Hotel-Jacksonville-Riverfront-1024x540.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure> Notable amenities: <\/strong>Breakfast buffet, room service, safe, flatscreen TV, private balcony<\/p>
Pros<\/strong><\/p>
- Affordable pricing<\/li>
- On-site restaurants <\/li>
- Water taxi to downtown attractions<\/li> <\/ul>
Cons<\/strong><\/p>
- Lacking in amenities<\/li>
- Must pay for parking<\/li> <\/ul>
Why We Chose It<\/strong><\/p>
Get the best bang for your buck at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront. Located in Downtown Jacksonville, this hotel is a prime location for those wanting to bike or walk to different restaurants, stores, and activities.<\/p>
Enjoy a riverfront view of Jacksonville at this hotel’s pool. Explore both of the dining options this hotel has. Enjoy eating steak or lobster while taking in the view of Jacksonville’s St. Johns River at Ruth’s Chris Steak House<\/a>. Head over to the breakfast buffet or order from the breakfast menu at St. Johns Provision Co<\/a>.<\/p>
BOOK THE DOUBLETREE BY HILTON JACKSONVILLE RIVERFRONT<\/a><\/strong><\/p>
Best Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island<\/h3>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.miamiherald.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/05\/2-Ritz-Carlton-Amelia-Island-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure> Notable Amenities<\/strong>: Pool, fitness center, valet parking, bicycle rental, family rooms, children\u2019s activities, breakfast available<\/p>
Pros<\/strong><\/p>
- Rooms have separate living rooms for bedroom privacy<\/li>
- Plenty of high-end and casual restaurants on-site<\/li>
- Has an adults-only pool<\/li> <\/ul>
Cons<\/strong><\/p>
- No self parking on-site, valet only<\/li>
- There is only one children’s pool<\/li> <\/ul>
Why We Chose It<\/strong><\/p>
Add a little luxe to your life at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island resort. As soon as you enter this resort, you’re transported into a state of bliss and serenity. This resort is ideal for those looking for a luxurious getaway that’s right on the beach.<\/p>
Of course, it isn’t a luxurious vacation without fine dining, and the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island resort has plenty to choose from. For breakfast, we enjoyed the Egg White Shrimp Frittata and the Brioche French Toast at Coast<\/a>. For dinner, we decided to eat at Salt<\/a> and ordered the lobster, along with the bananas foster martini for dessert.<\/p>
If you plan on relaxing for your entire vacation, this resort is the perfect place to do so. Spend the day at the adult-only pool or get a massage and pedicure at the spa<\/a>. Before a long beach day, hit up the golf course in the morning for a private lesson.<\/p>
BOOK RITZ-CARLTON, AMELIA ISLAND<\/a><\/strong><\/p>
Best Downtown: Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront<\/h3>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.miamiherald.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/05\/3-Hyatt-Regency-Jacksonville-Riverfront-1024x576.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure> Notable Amenities<\/strong>: Room service, safe, VIP room facilities, shuttle bus service, pool with a view, coffee shop on-site, convenience store<\/p>
Pros<\/strong><\/p>
- In the heart of downtown Jacksonville<\/li>
- Pet-friendly hotel (with limitations)<\/li>
- Digital check-in available<\/li> <\/ul>
Cons<\/strong><\/p>
- Not within walking distance of many beaches<\/li>
- Some rooms don’t offer a riverfront view<\/li> <\/ul>
Why We Chose It<\/strong><\/p>
We absolutely love the location of this hotel. Located in the heart of Downtown Jacksonville, we had the opportunity to walk everywhere, which was a nice perk of staying here. We chose a room with a river view, which gave us the perfect view of the bridge and the water, especially at night.<\/p>
We loved sipping on cocktails while relaxing by the rooftop pool, which has a great view of the city. Since the hotel is close to the bridge and the city, walking and biking to nearby activities and attractions is the way to go.<\/p>
For dining options, we loved the variety of places to choose from. For dinner, we made a reservation at one of our favorite restaurants, Morton’s The Steakhouse<\/a>. The best steak you’ll ever have is located at this restaurant, along with some incredible dishes and sides like lobster macaroni and cheese, bacon-wrapped sea scallops, and lobster bisque soup.<\/p>
BOOK HYATT REGENCY JACKSONVILLE RIVERFRONT<\/a><\/strong><\/p>
Best Family: Marriott Jacksonville Downtown<\/h3>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.miamiherald.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/05\/5-Marriott-Jacksonville-Downtown-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure> Notable Amenities:<\/strong> Cable\/satellite TV, refrigerator, room service, coffee\/tea maker, on-site paid public parking, electric vehicle charging station<\/p>
Pros<\/strong><\/p>
- Affordable price point <\/li>
- Close to downtown Jacksonville attractions<\/li>
- Pet friendly<\/li> <\/ul>
Cons<\/strong><\/p>
- Lacking room amenities<\/li>
- Not as many dining options on-site<\/li> <\/ul>
Why We Chose It<\/strong><\/p>
If you’re looking for a hotel with riverfront views of Jacksonville, we highly recommend staying at the Marriot Jacksonville Downtown. While this hotel doesn’t have as many on-site activities as others, it’s the perfect spot for those who plan on spending most of their time exploring or going to the beach. Relax by the rooftop pool or get your exercise on at the 24-hour fitness center.<\/p>
For dining, there are a few options to choose from. Walk downstairs to Juliette’s Bistro<\/a> for the shrimp and crab omelet or the crunchy french toast for breakfast, and head back to the restaurant for the lobster ravioli and the southwest eggrolls for dinner. <\/p>
BOOK MARRIOTT JACKSONVILLE DOWNTOWN<\/a><\/strong><\/p>
Best Golf Resort: Omni Amelia Island Resort<\/h3>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.miamiherald.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/05\/6-Omni-Amelia-Island-Plantation-Resort-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure> Notable Amenities: <\/strong>Coffee\/tea maker, refrigerator, laptop safe, blackout curtains, bicycle rental, shuttle bus service<\/p>
Pros<\/strong><\/p>
- Can rent a private cabana poolside<\/li>
- Has an adult-only pool<\/li>
- Has nine on-site restaurants<\/li>
- Provides many sports activities for families<\/li> <\/ul>
Cons<\/strong><\/p>
- Expensive price point<\/li>
- Couples may find it too family oriented<\/li>
- Not pet friendly<\/li> <\/ul>
Why We Chose It<\/strong><\/p>
For people who love golfing on vacation, the Omni Amelia Island Resort is a golfing experience like no other. Offering multiple golf courses, along with private lessons, this resort provides a first-class golf experience just for guests. If golfing isn’t your thing, they also have plenty of other recreational activities including nature tours, fishing, paddling, tennis, and more.<\/p>
Prefer to relax instead? Enter a state of Zen and relaxation at the Omni Amelia Island Resort Spa. They even have a full-service hair and nail salon for those who need a trim or a pedicure. Shop till you drop at the Resort Shopping Village, just steps away from the actual resort. This area has plenty of local boutiques, clothing stores, restaurants, and souvenir shops to choose from.<\/p>
From fine dining to casual dining, this resort offers nine on-site restaurants for guests. We love ordering the prime filet mignon and fresh broccolini from Bob’s Steak & Chop House<\/a> when we’re feeling fancy. There’s nothing better than lunch and ocean views, which can be found at Oceanside<\/a>. A favorite for us at this restaurant is the local shrimp and lobster roll, and for a simple meal, we cannot recommend the smash burger enough.<\/p>
BOOK OMNI AMELIA ISLAND RESORT<\/a><\/strong><\/p>
Best Beach Resort: One Ocean Resort & Spa<\/h3>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.miamiherald.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/05\/7-One-Ocean-Resort-Spa-1024x576.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure> Notable Amenities: <\/strong>Refrigerator, air conditioning, private balcony, safe, laundry service, butler service, bicycle rental<\/p>
Pros<\/strong><\/p>
- Good pricing for value<\/li>
- Luxury oceanfront spa<\/li>
- Contactless check in and check out<\/li> <\/ul>
Cons<\/strong><\/p>
- Far from the extensive dining and shopping downtown has to offer<\/li>
- Paid valet only, self parking not available<\/li> <\/ul>
Why We Chose It<\/strong><\/p>
Located right on the beach, the One Ocean Resort & Spa is perfect for those who want a beach-focused vacation for relaxation and rejuvenation. Listen to the waves of the ocean and watch them crash into the sand, all from the comfort of your own room. Each hotel room offers a balcony and a view of the ocean for the best beach resort experience.<\/p>
This resort is located right in the heart of the Atlantic Beach Town Center, so it’s surrounded by tons of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and bars. One of the best things about staying at this resort is indulging in the spa. Take away all of the stressors of planning a family trip and relax with a couples massage, a facial, a pedicure, and many more of the services offered.<\/p>
For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, we enjoy heading downstairs to Azurea<\/a>, the resort’s only on-site restaurant. We couldn’t help but order the house-made banana bread french toast and the lobster brie omelet. For lunch and dinner, the lobster roll and the Meyer lemon salmon are great choices.<\/p>
BOOK ONE OCEAN RESORT & SPA<\/a><\/strong><\/p>
Best Boutique: The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach<\/h3>
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.miamiherald.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2024\/06\/ponte-vendra-beach-hotel-1024x569.jpg\")
<\/figure> Notable amenities: <\/strong>Adult-only pool, beach rentals, complimentary wi-fi, beach rentals<\/p>
Pros<\/strong><\/h3>
- Multiple restaurants and shops nearby<\/li>
- Located right on the beach<\/li>
- Golf course and tennis court on-site<\/li> <\/ul>
Cons<\/strong><\/h3>
- Extra fees for beach amenities<\/li>
- Outside restaurants and activities are farther away<\/li> <\/ul>
Why We Chose It<\/strong><\/h3>
While staying at The Lodge & Club at Ponte Vedra Beach, we enjoyed the leisurely and active activities that the resort offered. You can spend the entire day golfing, lying on the beach, running around the tennis courts, shopping, or having a spa day. The beach is right at your doorstep, so instead of having to make the long drive to see the water, you can step right outside your hotel room instead.<\/p>
Similar to its sister resort, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, this resort also has a wide range of dining options. Different types of cuisine can be found at The Oasis<\/a>, where we highly recommend the bang bang shrimp, the chicken birria taco, and the Cuban sandwich.<\/p>
- Best Budget:<\/strong> DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Jacksonville Riverfront<\/a><\/li>