Amelia Island hotel...
 

Hi, Is anyone familiar with the Hampton Inn-Harbor Front, Amelia Island hotel?? Is it near the water, is it a decent hotel?? Just curious, we may stay there in April.

I haven't stayed there, but I am familiar with it (we always stay with the inlaws). I think it is relatively new; maybe about five years old. It is in the center of Fernandina Beach and across the street (and I think maybe the train tracks?) from the harbor. Note that this is the west side of the island, not the east (Atlantic) side, where the beaches are -- so there is no beach near this hotel, if you are looking for that. On the plus side, it is easy walking to all the shops and restaurants in Fernandina Beach. It is near one of the paper mills. Some people complain about the smell, but it has never really bothered me.

There are are not too many hotels on the east side of the island (many rentals, though). The Ritz and the Plantation are the two biggies. The Elizabeth Pointe Lodge B&B, I think, is on the beach. And there is a very basic motel-type place on South Fletcher, although I can't recall the name. There is a Best Western on Sadler, but it is a block or two to the water.

I had once been going to stay at that motel, but the reservation person was good enough (when I asked how quiet the place would be) to tell me that a train runs by it. One could definitely hears trains going by, even during the night. We've stayed at Amelia Island Plantation instead-- wonderful place.

We stayed in this hotel last fall and were pleased. We loved the location right near the water and right in Fernandina Beach. We had a suite and don't know if they have other rooms but we were happy with ours. We also have stayed at the Ritz Carlton on Amelia Island and loved it but paid a lot more money and the location is farther away from the shopping at Fernandina Beach. I would not hesitate to stay at either hotel again.

If you want to stay in a hotel on the water but don't want to pay Amelia Island Plantation or Ritz prices, you might consider staying on Jekyll Island, GA.

I have not stayed here but I have went in to look around and it was very nice. We stayed at a B&B (Florida house) a couple of blocks away and never heard a train. Like I said the hotel looks very nice and I would definitely stay there if given the chance. That said it is no where near the beach but in the historical area of Fernandina beach. There are many restaurants, bars, and shops withing walking distance and is right across from the marina. If you do stay here you should check out Fort Clinch state park and the old civil war fort located there, very interesting.

Thank you all for your comments. It sounds like it is in a good location and is across from the water/marina so that will be fine. I think we may try it. There are two Hamptons on Amelia Island/Fernandina Beach and this is the Harbor Front location. When I called she said some suites have balcony's overlooking the marina.

Enjoy! It is by the train tracks, but the only trains that go through there serve the paper mills and I don't think they are all that frequent.

The Amelia Island Museum of History is just a couple of blocks from the hotel. The island has an interesting history under I think eight different flags; the museum will give you a good overview. Ft. Clinch at the north tip of the island also is interesting. And the beaches are an easy drive away along Fletcher.

Another vote for Ft Clinch. Go up to one of the higher spots there and you may luck out and see a submarine on the surface of the water passing by.