We are attending NFL game 10/09/05. We are staying at the HYatt (old Adams Mark). Is it as bad as the reviews? Best way from airport to hotel? Best way to Alltell stadium...light rail? Ideas for Sat night?
Thanks in advance.

Just curious since I am booked at the same hotel three weeks later; but, where did you see bad reviews? Trip advisor looks fine and I got a recommendation on this site from two regular posters.

I was in Jax twice this spring (drove in, so can't help with transportation); stayed across the water at the Hampton (very nice). Ate at BB's Bistro (walking distance from the Hampton) and it was very inventive, creative food, quite trendy clientele (don't know how they let me in!). Maybe take the water taxi over and explore? Must admit I didn't see too much other excitement when I was there.

I live in Jacksonville,Florida. You can walk to Alltel from the hotel without a problem. The best way to get from the airport is a taxi. They are readily available from the airport. Depending how long you will be in Jax, you may want to rent a car so you can drive to the "Beaches" about 20-25 minutes from downtown or to St. Augustine about 35 minutes drive. Great restaurants abound at the beach and also in San Marco, which is about 5-10 minute ride from your hotel. You can also walk to the Jacksonville Landing from your hotel and they have many restaurants too. Depends on what you want. Gourmet eating as well as fast food is readliy available wherever you go. Take a water taxi across the river the the Brewerey restaurant, good food and views. I have not heard ANY negatives about the Hyatt. It is in a great location right on the St. John's river and in downtown Jax which will be very quiet on a weekend. Have fun!! And welcome to the "River City by the Sea". Any other questions let me know.

funjione, WHEW. Your post reassured me. How about a suggestion for a restaurant within walking distance of the hotel. I am love seafood but do not eat meat or fowl. I prefer a casual setting to something formal. Thanks.

BB's Bistro is very good.

Thanks, starrsville.

River City Brewing has good food, casual and across the river by the water taxi. Chart House (known for seafood but pricey) is also across the river. The ride is maybe 5 minutes. Jacksonville Landing has restaurants and you can walk there. Check with the hotel they may know of more within walking distance.

We stayed at the hotel when it was the Adams Mark. I had not heard any bad reviews on the Hyatt but I can tell you it is located in a great spot! The views are wonderful and the Landing is very nice, you can take a water taxi over to the other side.
BBs is good, but don't forget Bistro Aix..my all time favorite restaurant in Jax. When we moved away from there, this past Aug..we had a going away party there..The food is sooo good

Scarlett, I only have one night (spending most of the week in St. Augustine). I booked wait list at BB should I cancel and go to Bistro Aix (I am a seafood lover)?

Tough decision

I always had the mussels for an appetizer and the seared tuna on spinach and mashed potatoes ...with the banana bread pudding at Bistro Aix..


go to www.bistrox.com and look at the menu.

You will love the decor too! The owners wife decorated from her trips to the South of France.

Thanks, Scarlett. Sounds good.

We stayed in Ponte Vedra at the Marriott. Jacksonville was not one of our favorite vacations, not much to do or see, the food was mediocre at best. Definitely stick to the BYOB for a good meal. Easy to get around - skip Jacksonville Landing, it is run down and not worth your time. St. Augustine has lots of shops and history, ok to kill a few hours here -not much else to do in area unless you golf!

I rarely hear of Jax as being a "vacation" destination. It is usually games (Superbowl) or golf or one of the islands that draws people.
The Landing was adding several restaurants when we left this summer, not what I would call rundown, but growing.
St Augustine is lovely, I really enjoyed all the days I spent there.
Amelia Island is also worth a visit. Fernandina Beach and the Victorian homes and some nice restaurants along the waterfront ..to the Dock.
amrdia, don't think the monorail goes to Alltell, you can walk..but the monorail will take you over to BBs and the Chart House and Riverwalk.
There is a museum there too..MOSH.
Have a good time! Hopefully the weather will co operate.

AMRDIA,
How was your trip? Where did you end up having dinner?? Just wondering if you were pleased with all the suggestions.

I know you asked amrdia about his/her stay, but since you got no response and I just returned, I will offer my observations.
I got to the hotel in the afternoon yesterday. I was handled very quickly by the desk staff. My room was comfortably sized with a spectacular view of the river and those gorgeous bridges. I found the beds and linens pretty ordinary and not particularly comfortable. When I arrived there was a large amount of what appeared to be taco chips crushed on the hallway floor. It was all still there when I checked out this morning.
There was a severe thunderstorm last night which made for a spectacular lightshow. I appreciated the big windows in the room.
Last night I booked a cab with the concierge for 0830 today. About 2030 last night I got a phone call from a person saying she was my cab driver and where was I. About ten minutes later I got another phone call also from a person identifying himself as my cab driver asking where I was. I called the front desk to make sure a cab would be available and was told to expect a call back from the concierge, which never came. I called again this am, was again told there would be a callback and none ever came. This is no big deal just an annoyance. I got a cab with no problem and went straight to the airport without delay.
I had dinner last night at Matthew's Market, which was really nice. The food was excellent and it was perfect for me. I had been shopping and walking in the San Marco district and it was the perfect spot for a break. I had eaten a large lunch in St. Augustine and only wanted a light meal. I regretted not being able to down one of the gorgeous desserts. On the other hand I had stopped by Peter Brooks and had a fairly good selection to stuff in the carry on in case of hunger pangs!

I'm in Jax at least every other month and don't know anything about Matthew's Market. Where is it?

Hi
Is Matthews market on San Jose Blvd ? It was called Matthews when we lived there .

It is across the street from Matthew's restaurant. If you are looking at San Marco Square and the linen store is on your right, Matthew's Market is directly opposite it. Behind a Wachovia bank branch. It is on a street which crosses San Marco at the south end of the square. I hope that gives you an idea, sorry I didn't note the address. They have groceries, to go items and they serve on site. Excellent dinner. If I had to guess I would say their biggest problem will be parking. There are maybe fifteen spots.