Hello Fodorites,

I have been invited to a wedding at the Ritz in Amelia Island in May. Sadly, the rates for the Ritz are well outside my budget for this trip. (As is the Amelia Island Plantation, which would probably have been my top choice given greater funds.)

The wedding couple has reserved a block of rooms at the Hampton Inn downtown for $135 for a suite and $119 for a single room. They have also reserved rooms at the Hampton Inn 1 block from the beach for $99 a night. I am unable to find much information on either of these places.

Fodorites, any input? Are there other hotels or B&Bs that you would recommend over these places, at a similar price point (say, under $150 a night)? The Addison? 1735 House?

Or should I just stick with the Hampton Inn at those prices?

I think that I would prefer to be within walking distance of restaurants and bars (rather than be on the beach), but it needs to be an easy cab ride to the Ritz.

Thanks in advance for your help!

The Hampton Inn is nice. I prefer the Ritz and Amelia too, but the Hampton Inn is clean is more than adequate. It is not really within walking distance of many bars and restaurants. You would want to stay in the "downtown" area for more bar and restaurant choices.

I always had a car on Amelia so I don't have any experience with getting cabs. However, I can't recall seeing any cabs. I am sure there are some but it's not NYC. You might want to stay at the Hampton Inn where other wedding guests will have cars and can take you to and from the Ritz.

Thanks for the reply! Just to clarify, which Hampton Inn are you referring to? It is my understanding that the downtown one is within walking distance of shops, restaurants, etc., but that the one closer to the beacj is not. But I have never been to the area, and could be totally mistaken... Thanks!

Maybe we will have to rent a car after all... Sigh. Wedding season is so expensive.

The downtown Hampton Inn is right across from the harbor and definitely walking distance to restaurants and shops along and around Centre street. The Hampton Inn on Sadler (near the beach) is, I think, walking distance to Sliders (bar/restaurant) and maybe a few other places, but not really the same as being right downtown. I prefer the downtown location (although we always stay with relatives, never in a hotel). You might call the hotel and inquire about the availability of cabs. I've never seen them either, but I'm sure there must be some around.

Also ask if the HI has a courtesy van to take you for free wherever you need to go on AI. Usually they do.

The Hampton Inn & Suites downtown is a good location - you can walk to shops, restaurants, bars etc. Do try the Hampton Inn Website too tho as we stayed there one time while going to a wedding and the rate on the website was cheaper than the wedding rate - an a better room too. I think the other Hampton Inn is really not that great - I prefer the one downtown Fernandina. Have a fun time and enjoy the weddding.

Thanks to everyone for their helpful replies! Just booked a suite at the downtown Hampton Inn. While I would prefer to stay at a charming B&B, with all the wedding logistics this makes more sense. I'll save the B&B for a weekend when I am focussed on my own romance and happiness, not the lucky couple's. Thanks again!

(Also, just in case anyone is wondering, the woman in reservations said that they could get me either a cab or limo - for $10 more - to get to and from the wedding. As the bride's mother has told us that we are in charge of leading the dancing and drinking - it's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it - this seems to make more sense than renting a car.)