Jacksonville Hotel Help

[tarheel04]

Please give me some suggestions on hotels in the Jacksonville area for a one night stay pre cruise in July. The hotel does not have to be right next to the cruise terminal. Also a stay and cruise rate or a park and cruise rate, would be nice, but is not a deal breaker. We plan on arriving on a Friday for a Saturday cruise and might take in a minor league baseball game in Jacksonville on Friday night. So a hotel around the stadium area would be nice. We just want to be in a comfortable hotel in a decent area for the night. Thanks for the help my fellow cruise addicts.

[Georgiagolfer]

Please give me some suggestions on hotels in the Jacksonville area for a one night stay pre cruise in July. The hotel does not have to be right next to the cruise terminal. Also a stay and cruise rate or a park and cruise rate, would be nice, but is not a deal breaker. We plan on arriving on a Friday for a Saturday cruise and might take in a minor league baseball game in Jacksonville on Friday night. So a hotel around the stadium area would be nice. We just want to be in a comfortable hotel in a decent area for the night. Thanks for the help my fellow cruise addicts.

 

DW and I have stayed at the Best Western Jacksonville Airport 4 times when sailing the Fascination, with the last time on May 31. They offer a free shuttle to/from terminal in their cruise & park rate.

[Mrs CruisinCritter]

I can't recommend a hotel as we've only cruised out of Jacksonville one time, but I can recommend that you do not stay at the Hyatt Place by the airport. Unless the management team has changed and things have gotten better then there's no way I would stay there again. We had to move to 3 different rooms before we got one that was clean enough to stay in, but the tile shower in the bathroom still had mold all around it. I booked through an online site that is non-refundable so we couldn't just get a refund and head to the Springhill Suites that could be seen from the hotel. The first room had nasty things and dirt on the floor and furniture and the second room had fresh make-up on the bed linens and duvet. I was able to wipe some off on my finger and had to go to the front desk to show the manager before they would give us a new room. The manager I worked with could have cared less and asked me not to report it to corporate since it wasn't a significant matter in her eyes. I was appalled.

 

 

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[KroozFoolz]

This is the information re park and cruise packages for Jax hotels that I compiled last October:

 

Holiday Inn Express Blount Island - hotel closest to the cruise port

http://www.hiexpress.com/hotels/us/en/jacksonville/jaxsn/hoteldetail

Airport area:

Jacksonville Plaxa Inn and Suites JAX

http://www.jacksonvilleplazahotel.com/parkflysailsave.php

Hilton Garden Inn JAX

http://hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/florida/hilton-garden-inn-jacksonville-airport-JAXAHGI/index.html

Hampton Inn JAX

http://hamptoninn3.hilton.com/en/hotels/florida/hampton-inn-and-suites-jacksonville-airport-JAXHSHX/index.html

Fairfield Inn JAX

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/jaxap-fairfield-inn-and-suites-jacksonville-airport/

SpringHill Suites JAX

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/jaxjk-springhill-suites-jacksonville-airport/

Courtyard by Marriott JAX

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/jaxca-courtyard-jacksonville-airport-northeast/

Residence Inn JAX (through parksleepfly)

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/jaxra-residence-inn-jacksonville-airport/

Hyatt Place JAX (currently offering park and cruise through 12/31/12)

http://jacksonvilleairport.place.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels-jacksonvilleairport-place/place/index.jsp

Best Western JAX

http://www.bwjax.net/special-pkg/jacksonville-port-hotel-pkg.aspx

Travelodge JAX (also available through stay123)

http://www.travelodgejax.com/html/jacksonville-cruises-pkg.asp

Crowne Plaza JAX

http://www.crowneplaza.com/hotels/us/en/jacksonville/jaxap/hoteldetail/hotel-packages

Quality Inn JAX

http://www.qualityinn.com/hotel-jacksonville-florida-FL766

Comfort Suites JAX

http://www.comfortsuites.com/hotel-jacksonville-florida-FL793

not in airport area:

Candlewood Suites East

http://candlewoodjax.com/

Days Inn Neptune Beach

http://www.dineptunebeach.com/html/neptune-beach-cruise-pkg.asp

Other helpful sites:

http://www.visitjacksonville.com/deals/category/cruise

http://hotelguides.com/florida/jacksonville-fl-cruise-port-hotels.html

http://hotelguides.com/attraction-maps/florida/map-hotels-near-jacksonville-cruise-port-fl.html

Map and list of stores at River City Marketplace

http://www.rgpt.com/portfolio/river-city-marketplace/site-plan/8/

 

We stayed at the Jacksonville Plaza last month before our cruise on Fascination, using their park and cruise package. We also stayed there two years ago and would stay there again if we are fortunate enough to cruise on Fascination (or any ship from Jacksonville.)

 

I can't help with locations close to the ballpark as I don't know where it is, lol, but that does sound like fun. Enjoy your cruise on Fascination!

[AmandaKaye79]

We stayed at Jacksonville Plaza at least 5 times. The hotel rate is about $45 a night and includes free parking and free shuttle. It is a plain hotel, no pool, basic features, but clean and you can't beat the price.

[schaf921]

IF Park and cruise isnt requirement, I recommend the Hampton Jacksonville Beach area (not airport one) - it has balconies, a nice pool, small bar, outdoor entertainment with a bar right on beach. Not high upscale but mid-upscale so a nice spot before heading to boat.

[tarheel04]

Thanks to all of you so far for the information, I'm sure that this will help me out with a decision

[Gypsywych]

I can't recommend a hotel as we've only cruised out of Jacksonville one time, but I can recommend that you do not stay at the Hyatt Place by the airport. Unless the management team has changed and things have gotten better then there's no way I would stay there again. We had to move to 3 different rooms before we got one that was clean enough to stay in, but the tile shower in the bathroom still had mold all around it. I booked through an online site that is non-refundable so we couldn't just get a refund and head to the Springhill Suites that could be seen from the hotel. The first room had nasty things and dirt on the floor and furniture and the second room had fresh make-up on the bed linens and duvet. I was able to wipe some off on my finger and had to go to the front desk to show the manager before they would give us a new room. The manager I worked with could have cared less and asked me not to report it to corporate since it wasn't a significant matter in her eyes. I was appalled.

 

 

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Wow, a huge change from when we stayed there. We've stayed there three separate times and we couldn't ask for a better place to stay. I hope you did call Corporate! There's no excuse for what you experienced.

[GTO-Girl]

We stayed at the Hampton Inn At the Airport and couldn't have been more pleased. The hotel is within walking distance to Long Horn's, Ruby Tuesdays and Zaxby's.....so we didn't have to move our car.

 

It is very clean and the complimentary breakfast was very good. That evening one of the staff had an old fashioned popcorn machine and was passing out free popcorn.....it was very good.

 

We have cruised out of Jacksonville 4 times now and we prefer to just park at the port. We drive, so we like the convenience of getting on the road as soon as possible.

 

Happy Sailing!!!!

[jbhcw]

We stayed at the Hampton Inn At the Airport and couldn't have been more pleased. The hotel is within walking distance to Long Horn's, Ruby Tuesdays and Zaxby's.....so we didn't have to move our car.

 

It is very clean and the complimentary breakfast was very good. That evening one of the staff had an old fashioned popcorn machine and was passing out free popcorn.....it was very good.

 

We have cruised out of Jacksonville 4 times now and we prefer to just park at the port. We drive, so we like the convenience of getting on the road as soon as possible.

 

Happy Sailing!!!!

 

How far is it to the port? We also park there as we like to get on the road early...we have stayed once at the hotel near the port and once on the beach in Jacksonville...would like a hotel where we can walk to dinner too!

[Macklovin38]

We have stayed at The Hampton on Airport Rd and loved it- already booked the same for our September cruise.

 

Our last Expierence was exceptional! Clean rooms, friendly staff and filling breakfast before the cruise. We used their shuttle service to take us to the port.

 

This time we are driving in and are parking our car there while we cruise and using the shuttle to get to and from the port.

 

 

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[2snorkel/cruisers]

Jaxport is about 12 miles from the airport. Some friends of mine always stay at the Best Western which is within walking distance of the restaurants and they offer the park and cruise too.

[GTO-Girl]

How far is it to the port? We also park there as we like to get on the road early...we have stayed once at the hotel near the port and once on the beach in Jacksonville...would like a hotel where we can walk to dinner too!

 

 

Less than 10 miles to the Port......which is very easy to get to......roads are very well marked.

 

Just don't try to enter the Port before 10:30 or you will more than likely get turned around. I tried to tell my husband this last time, he wouldn't listen so we spent about 30 min sitting in a gas station parking lot......

[Express Man]

We stay at Embassy suites..There about $85 a night for a 2 room suite and includes happy hour nightly and free hot breakfast buffet with fresh made omelets. Really nice place and a Steak house inside if you wish to eat there or many local places with in 1/2 mile. 15-20 minutes to post.

[suzycruiser2]

We are booked at the Residence Inn (Airport) prior to our August cruise. I checked several places before booking and I found that since we are staying two nights prior instead of one, it was actually cheaper to book a room and then use the port parking. Also, I got a FANTASTIC rate by doing a lot of research prior to booking. I usually book either Marriott brands or Holiday Inn directly to build up points for future use. I kept cross referencing the Marriott rates with other sites and found a great rate on one of them. So, I went ahead and booked a fully refundable rate thru Marriott (knowing that I could cancel) and then screenshot the great rate ($53) that I found on a travel site (EasyC....T.....). I completed Marriott's Look No Further Price Guarantee form and within 24 hours got a new rate.

 

This was the first time I tried this and I was very impressed. I booked the room thru Marriott for $139/night (much higher than I was willing to pay, but knew that I could cancel), I submitted the info, and in less than 24 hours my form was accepted and I got a new rate of $39.95. (Competitor's rate plus and extra 25% off!)

[marshhawk]

I have stayed at the Holiday Inn Express on Blount Island (the closest hotel to the port) the last two times I cruised the Fascination, and we have reservations again for the cruise coming up. It is more expensive than the other hotels mentioned, and one reason we chose it the last two times was that it allowed smokers on the top level-but alas no more (i know great for the non smokers), it does have a great breakfast (we will do a review after the next cruise) and it is close to the river, we head up Hechler (sp) and go to a great seafood restaurant on the river, and enjoy the view and meal before the cruise. Have fun, and cruise happy!

[Elsisi]

I second the recommendation for Holiday Inn Blount Island. I stayed there before both of my Fascination cruises and wouldn't hesitate to stay again if I cruise out of Jacksonville in the future. Clean hotel, nice parking area, great shuttle service, and pretty good breakfast. And so close to the port!

 

 

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[minerva78]

I've also stayed at the Hampton Inn at the Airport and loved it! We are staying there again for our upcoming cruise. They offer a park and cruise package and have a very nice breakfast in the morning. Great, clean hotel, I highly recommend.

[cruise_pirate]

Springhill suites was awesome! they also have a shuttle:) and have a park and stay option

[tarheel04]

Keep it coming guys, you are awesome! This is going to help me out so much. Thanks again!

[cruise_gal21]

Keep it coming guys, you are awesome! This is going to help me out so much. Thanks again!

 

Travelodge JAX is where we are booked through stay123.com. We got a park n cruise rate of $89.00, that's including taxes. Rated at 3 stars through trip advisor with free continental breakfast and shuttle to and from JAX Port.

 

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[ata1976]

Taking notes. :) we still have to decide on a place for our October cruise.

 

 

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[mld1950]

We cruised out of Jacksonville in May we stayed at the Comfort Inns & Suites, 1180 Airport Rd, it was nice and they have breakfast. Have a park & Stay package. Close to the Mall, they will take you and drop you off and pick you back up. Manager was very nice.

 

4/2014 Carnival Sunshine

5/2013 Carnival Fascination

5/2012 Carnival Conquest

1/2011 Carnival Truimph

2/2010 Carnival Truimph

1/2009 Carnival Freedom

4/2008 Carnival Fantasy

 

 

 

[steve4031]

Less than 10 miles to the Port......which is very easy to get to......roads are very well marked.

 

Just don't try to enter the Port before 10:30 or you will more than likely get turned around. I tried to tell my husband this last time, he wouldn't listen so we spent about 30 min sitting in a gas station parking lot......

 

We plan to taxi to the port from the airport and arrive about 11. Hopefully we don't get told to wait with the meter running. How much does the taxi cost?

 

 

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[AmberTeka]

If you stay at the airport, it is close to the port and a safe area. There is a newer mall close with a Walmart..Movie Theater..lots of restaurants...

AND if you have a car..you are very close to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Or so says Conde Naste.

Little Talbot Island State Park on Hecksler Drive.....costs maybe $10 for a carload. Lifeguards are on duty on week ends. RIP TIDES CAN BE BAD. But...the waters are clean. No Development other than clean, modern restrooms..picnic tables....then a walk over the boardwalk to the beach. It is the way it was when Ponce de Leon first saw Florida. You can walk on the sand..swim..not too far out if you are not familiar with the tides....

AND the Jacksonville ZOO is also on that road. It is a nice zoo.clean. a train. a great large animal area. Bird shows. I think you would be impressed if you went.

IF you have a car..and take the Dame's Point Bridge into Southside...get on Beach Blvd. and it takes you to the BEACH. Jax beach..Neptune Beach..Atlantic Beach. Laid back beach community. More commericalization than Little Talbot State park.....Kathyn Hanna State ParK is by MayPort where you can see some big ships and planes. There is also a Ferry that will take you from Hecksler Driver to Mayport. Ask the locals.