The Best Hotels in Jacksonville
By Ananya Bakshi
Jacksonville might not get the same attention as other Florida cities when dreaming about your next vacation, but trust me, it has more than a few hidden gems for those in the know. Whether you're here for a beach weekend, a business trip, or just passing through, there are some spots that make it worth the stay.
1. The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island is the kind of spot where you check in and immediately feel like you’re in a faraway spot. The rooms are spacious, the service impeccable, and the beachfront is something out of a postcard. I've been known to schedule meetings around their afternoon tea service, and the Sunday brunch? Worth every minute of the extra drive. Sometimes, you just have to live a little.
2. One Ocean Resort & Spa
This is the obvious choice for anyone who likes to mix their beach time with a little luxury. One Ocean Resort & Spa is where you go when you want ocean views, a full-service spa, and a room that makes you feel like you should have brought a nicer suitcase. I often find myself lounging by the pool, sipping something tropical, and forgetting all about my inbox. If you manage to pull yourself away from the beach or the spa, the restaurant is worth a visit too. I once spent an afternoon at their Azurea restaurant, working my way through the seafood menu and considering a career change to professional beach bum.
3. Hotel Palms
If you're looking for a laid-back spot that feels more like a friend's beach house than a hotel, then Hotel Palms is your go-to. This boutique hotel in Atlantic Beach combines vintage vibes with modern touches. I love it for its friendly atmosphere and the fact that it's just a short walk from some great local shops and restaurants. They even have cruiser bikes for rent—perfect for those who want to explore the area without the hassle of parking. It's not fancy, but it’s got character, and sometimes that's all you need.
4. Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
The Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront is a favorite among business travelers and conference-goers, but don’t let that fool you. The location is prime, right along the St. Johns River, and the rooftop pool offers views that make you forget you’re in town for work. I usually find myself at their rooftop bar at sunset, contemplating life, or just watching the boats go by. The rooms are well-appointed, and if you can, snag a river-view room. Trust me, watching the sunrise over the water is the kind of experience that makes you forget the morning emails waiting in your inbox.
5. Casa Marina Hotel & Restaurant
Casa Marina is an old-school spot with a storied past, sitting right on Jacksonville Beach. Built in 1925, it has all the charm of an era that seems lost to time. I like it for its throwback vibe and the fact that it doesn’t try too hard—plus, their rooftop bar is a local favorite for watching the sunset with a drink in hand. The rooms are quirky, the lobby has a touch of Gatsby, and the beach is just steps away. What more could you want?
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The Best Hotels in Jacksonville
There’s more than a few Jacksonville hidden gems for those in the know. Here are some spots that make it worth the stay.
By Ananya Bakshi
I arrive in Jacksonville on a humid Thursday afternoon, the kind of day where the sun seems determined to burn off all semblance of the morning's cool breeze. My husband’s childhood stories of growing up on the St. Johns River fill my mind as I navigate the city’s winding streets, feeling both familiar and foreign at once.