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Where to Stay in Jacksonville

Where to Stay in Jacksonville

Jacksonville Florida, USA Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Diverse Lodging Choices

  • Hostels

    Limited independent budget-friendly guesthouses or small hostels with dormitory-style or individual rooms.

  • Budget Motels

    Numerous options from national chains with basic, affordable lodging, often along major roads and near the airport.

  • Mid-Range Hotels

    An extensive selection from popular chains with comfortable amenities and reliable service across the city. Explore hotels on Booking.com.

  • Luxury Hotels

    Upscale options downtown like Omni Jacksonville Accommodation and Hyatt Regency, or One Ocean Resort & Spa at Atlantic Beach. Find IHG Luxury Stays.

Specialty & Outdoor Stays

  • Resorts

    Primarily at the shores or within upscale golf and spa communities, featuring extensive facilities. Discover resorts on Agoda.

  • Historic Bed & Breakfasts

    Charming B&Bs in historic districts like Riverside/Avondale and San Marco, for a personalized experience.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Apartments to entire houses, popular in beach communities for space and amenities. Explore Vrbo options.

  • Camping & Outdoor

    Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park and Little Talbot Island State Park offer tent and RV camping.

Neighborhood Guide

Jacksonville spreads out, and your pick of neighborhood greatly shapes your visit. Each area has a distinct character and amenities.

Downtown Jacksonville

Benefits
  • Central location near Riverwalk and sports venues.
  • Free Skyway access.
  • Close to museums.
Drawbacks
  • Can be quiet after business hours.
  • Some areas are less walkable.

The Beaches Jax, Neptune, Atlantic

Benefits
  • Beachfront access and lively nightlife.
  • Many restaurants, relaxed atmosphere.
Drawbacks
  • Further from Downtown attractions.
  • Might be busy, higher accommodation prices on weekends.

Riverside/Avondale & San Marco

Benefits
  • Historic charm, unique shops.
  • Diverse independent dining, walkable streets.
  • Strong local charm.
Drawbacks
  • Mainly B&Bs or vacation rentals, fewer large hotels.
  • Requires a drive to Downtown or beaches.

Considerations

Safety & Access

Most tourist-frequented areas are generally safe. Typical urban precautions are wise. Proximity to attractions varies by neighborhood.

Ambiance

Downtown has weekday activity, quieter evenings. The Beaches are lively, especially weekends. Historic districts offer peaceful residential areas with lively commercial spots.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking methods secure the best accommodations at the most favorable rates.

Advance Booking & Platforms

  • Book 2-4 months ahead for high season (Spring/Fall), 1-2 months for shoulder/low.
  • Major Online Travel Agencies (Booking.com, Agoda) offer broad selections.
  • Direct booking with hotels (IHG Hotels) can yield better rates or perks.
  • Vacation rentals via Vrbo.

Policies & Pricing

  • Always review deposit and cancellation terms carefully; they differ by property.
  • Free cancellation is common for standard rates, non-refundable rates are typically lower.
  • Prices are highest during high season and major events.
  • Lower prices appear in summer (due to heat) and parts of winter.

Important Notes

Walk-In Rates

Negotiating walk-in rates is generally not customary in the U.S. Pre-booking online typically yields better prices.

Hostel Options

For budget travel, Hostelworld lists available hostels, though options might be limited.

House Sitting

Consider TrustedHousesitters for unique stays combined with pet care.

Accommodation Recommendations

Jacksonville has excellent accommodation options for all budgets and travel styles.

Budget & Mid-Range Stays

Budget Choices

For budget-friendly stays, Red Roof Inn Jacksonville Airport or other economy motels are good choices.

  • Camping at Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park or Little Talbot Island State Park for outdoor enjoyment.
Mid-Range Comfort

Hotels like Hilton Garden Inn Jacksonville Downtown/Southbank, Hyatt Place Jacksonville St. Johns Town Center, and Hampton Inn Jacksonville Beach/Oceanfront offer comfort.

  • Vacation rentals via platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo.

Luxury & Specialty Stays

Luxury Options

Omni Jacksonville Hotel (Downtown), Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront (Downtown), One Ocean Resort & Spa (Atlantic Beach) have premium services.

  • These properties often have fine dining plus picturesque scenery.
Family & Solo Travelers

Family-friendly hotels (Embassy Suites) have pools or kitchenettes. Vacation rentals are suitable for families.

  • Solo travelers should pick safe, walkable areas like Riverside/Avondale or beach communities.

Long-Stay Options

  • Extended-Stay Hotels

    Brands like Extended Stay America, Homewood Suites, and Residence Inn rooms with kitchens and laundry.

  • Vacation Rentals

    For week-long or longer stays, a rental can seem more like home with additional space and amenities.

Cultural & Historic Stays

  • Historic Bed & Breakfasts

    Independently owned B&Bs in Riverside/Avondale or San Marco's historic districts.

  • Preserved Homes

    These properties are often in beautifully preserved homes, showing Jacksonville’s past.

Planning Factors

What to Consider for Your Stay

Consider your preferred ambiance (lively beaches vs. Quiet historic districts), proximity to desired attractions, and budget when selecting an area.

  • Transportation options from your chosen area to other parts of the city.
  • Amenities that satisfy your what you need for your trip (e.g., pool for families, kitchen for extended stays).
Booking Insights

Making early reservations secures better rates and choices, especially during peak seasons or major events. Always compare prices across platforms.

  • Read recent guest reviews to understand correctty quality and service.
  • Verify cancellation policies before confirming to maintain flexibility.

Summary of Jacksonville Stays

Varied Options

From budget motels to luxury resorts, Jacksonville caters to diverse traveler needs and budgets.

Neighborhood Appeal

Each neighborhood has distinct characteristics, offering varied experiences from city life to beach relaxation.

Strategic Booking

Advance booking, comparing platforms, and understanding policies are for finding optimal accommodation.

Where to Stay in Jacksonville. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation