Ocean Front Hotel

[NickyKnack]

I know this is probably the wrong place, but I really need the help and don't know where to stick this.

We want to take a beach day our first day in Flordia before going onto the parks I was thinking maybe some place in Jacksonville - unless you can recommend something better? We prefer a non college party atmosphere, and a bit of elegance to our surroundings. We're hoping to find a hotel directly on the beach with ocean views from the room and hopefully a balcony.

Any suggestions?

 

[Brian_WDW74]

I've moved this thread to the Orlando Hotels and Attractions board.

 

[NickyKnack]

Thank you.
Like I said I wasn't sure as this isn't directly an Orlando subject.

I've moved this thread to the Orlando Hotels and Attractions board.

 

[Enjoying Life]

One of the most beautiful hotels in all of Florida is near Jacksonville: The Amelia Island Ritz Carlton. It's very expensive, but if you can afford it, it's your best bet in the area.

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/AmeliaIsland/Default.htm

 

[NickyKnack]

Have you actually stayed here? Some of the reviews on Tripadvisor for this hotel give me pause.

One of the most beautiful hotels in all of Florida is near Jacksonville: The Amelia Island Ritz Carlton. It's very expensive, but if you can afford it, it's your best bet in the area.

http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/AmeliaIsland/Default.htm

 

[robinb]

I really like Clearwater Beach. It's about a 2-hour drive from Orlando. I have stayed at the Hyatt and the Hilton and I liked the room in the Hyatt better (it was a studio) but I liked the vibe at the Hilton better. It was more relaxed and the beach was nicer. The sand is beautiful sugar-white.

 

[anorman]

Have you looked at North Redington Beach? They have a Doubletree there directly on the beach. All rooms have balconies either facing the town or the ocean. It is not overly crowded here and the beach is beautiful. The hotel is comfortable, has a tiki bar and beach side pool, restaurant, and you can rent beach chairs with umbrellas. We love the Frog Pond breakfast place just across the street and Conch Republic was fun for supper.

We stayed here two years ago and loved it. The only reason we didn't go back last year is we couldn't get a room. We ended up staying in Melbourne Beach and it wasn't half as nice. This year, I have my room reserved already. Can't wait!

 

[Enjoying Life]

Have you actually stayed here? Some of the reviews on Tripadvisor for this hotel give me pause.

Yes. I would not recommend it otherwise. We stayed there a few years ago for a couple of nights, and we didn't want to leave. The beach and property are beautiful. We used the spa and the gold course, both were excellent. In looking for faults, I'd say the food could be better and less expensive.

It's nicer than the Ritz in Orlando in case you are familiar, and ranks right up there with the other top hotels in the state that we've stayed at like The Breakers, and The Ritz Manalapan. If you could afford it, I highly recommend.

 

[RabFlmom]

I really like Clearwater Beach. It's about a 2-hour drive from Orlando. I have stayed at the Hyatt and the Hilton and I liked the room in the Hyatt better (it was a studio) but I liked the vibe at the Hilton better. It was more relaxed and the beach was nicer. The sand is beautiful sugar-white.

Problem is Clearwater is not on the ocean.

 

[robinb]

Problem is Clearwater is not on the ocean.

Nit-picker .

 

[RabFlmom]

I know this is probably the wrong place, but I really need the help and don't know where to stick this.

We want to take a beach day our first day in Flordia before going onto the parks I was thinking maybe some place in Jacksonville - unless you can recommend something better? We prefer a non college party atmosphere, and a bit of elegance to our surroundings. We're hoping to find a hotel directly on the beach with ocean views from the room and hopefully a balcony.

Any suggestions?

We love when our Northern guests stay at Crown Plaza or the Hilton in Melbourne area. Different type beach because the reef(rocks) are often exposed at low tide and it is beautiful to walk the beach there or sit on the patio in the evening. It's a very natural beach without boardwalks etc.

 

[anorman]

We love when our Northern guests stay at Crown Plaza or the Hilton in Melbourne area. Different type beach because the reef(rocks) are often exposed at low tide and it is beautiful to walk the beach there or sit on the patio in the evening. It's a very natural beach without boardwalks etc.

We stayed at Melbourne Beach last year and the ocean was not fit to go near. I got hit by a wave, turned upsidedown, and dragged across that line of rocks just underneath the surface. I lost my hat, sunglasses, hotel room key, and some skin/blood in the process. I will happily not be going there again this year but instead we have a room at North Redington Beach where the beach is sandy and the waves are kind.