2801 Atlantic Ave, Fernandina Beach, Florida, United States | (618) 248-8274
Close to the beach and a 10-minute drive from downtown
Spacious rooms include mini-fridges, microwaves, and flat-screen TVs
Many rooms have ocean views
Outdoor pool and small fitness room
Free buffet breakfast includes hot options like eggs and waffles
Coin-operated laundry room for guests
PC with internet in the lobby
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Fitness room has limited equipment
No balconies to enjoy beach views
Rates are still quite high despite budget chain property's reputation
Fees to use safes
Two-pearl Comfort Suites Oceanview Amelia Island is a functional base for beach-goers. The sandy coastline is just a few steps away, but rates are half the price of some properties along the beachfront (though, you may still be shocked by prices). Fort Clinch State Park is next door for nature and history lovers, while downtown shopping and dining is just a five- to 10-minute drive away. The hotel serves a decent breakfast spread for free, and there's an outdoor pool, plus a tiny gym. The 50 large rooms -- some with big corner sofa beds -- are popular with families, and many have sea views. Location is key here, but travelers might prefer staying down the coast at Amelia Hotel on the Beach, which is near a handful of restaurants.
Scene
No-frills budget option with functionally modern style, popular with families and couples
For travelers familiar with this brand, the Amelia Island outpost holds few surprises, and interiors are pleasantly modern, if entirely nondescript. The lobby is a functional space that doubles as a breakfast room, with sofa seating too. Don't be confused by the "oceanview" claim that appears in this hotel's name. While it certainly has ocean views from many of its rooms (for now), the property is not actually on the beach.It's pretty typical of the brand, which favors low rates and convenient locations over stylized decor or furnishings. Even so, rates in peak season will likely not be as low as some travelers might expect (though they're often a fraction of the cost of staying right on the beach). Guests are mature couples and families who come for the laid-back atmosphere, the large rooms, and the outdoor pool.
Location
Just a few steps from the sandy beach and a five- to 10-minute drive from downtown
The Comfort Suites Oceanview is near the eastern coast of Amelia Island. There's not much in the immediate area, except a gas station, but it's a few minutes on foot to the long stretch of sandy beach that runs the length of the island. Fort Clinch State Park, for the historic fort and pretty hikes, is also essentially right next door and accessible on foot. A 10-minute drive through the park leads to the secluded beaches on the island's north. Ferdandina Beach is the island's downtown area, with numerous local boutiques and restaurants, plus a busy marina, and is a five- to 10-minute drive from the hotel. Those who enjoy exploring on foot can wander across the river to the historic lighthouse -- the oldest in Florida -- in about 15 minutes. Amelia Island is pretty small -- in fact it's just a 25-minute drive from the hotel to Amelia Island State Park on the southern tip, where water sports and wildlife abound. There's a domestic airport on the island, but most guests fly into Jacksonville's airport, which is a 40-minute drive from the property.
Rooms
Spacious rooms featuring mini-fridges and microwaves, plus many with ocean views (but no balconies)
Rooms are spacious and pleasantly modern, and often include a sitting area with a large corner sofa bed. As with the rest of the hotel, decor is simple and functional. Expect to see earth tones and pops of blue, and while the furniture is of a decent quality, sofas are showing signs of wear. Previous guests rave about the comfortable beds. Most rooms have views of the ocean, though unfortunately there are no balconies for relaxing or taking in those panoramas. Amenities include air-conditioning, mini-fridges, microwaves, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, irons, desks with ergonomic chairs, and safes -- though these require an extra fee. Wi-Fi is free. Bathrooms have a good amount of counter space, toiletries, hairdryers, and shower/tub combos.
Features
Small outdoor pool, plus good buffet breakfasts, a simple fitness room, and free coffee
The location of the Comfort Suites means guests tend to spend their days out on the beach, and the minimal amenities here reflect that fact. It does have a small outdoor pool that tends to be quiet, though it's next to the parking lot and not particularly pretty. Those keen to keep active can use the small fitness room, which has just a couple of machines. A full American buffet breakfast is included in rates and served in the lobby breakfast room, with eggs and other hot items, plus waffles and fresh fruit. Coffee is available all day for free. There's a coin-operated laundry room, and a guest PC in the lobby with printing. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.