Hampton Inn & Suites Amelia Island-Historic Harbor Front

The hotel offers a prime downtown waterfront location, making it a memorable choice for guests seeking easy access to local attractions. Its signature feature is its direct proximity to the Amelia River and historic district, allowing for immediate immersion in the area's charm. Guests frequently highlight the complimentary breakfast as a significant perk, offering a wide array of fresh options. While the staff generally receives praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, some experiences indicate inconsistencies in service. The rooms are often described as spacious and clean, though specific issues with maintenance and cleanliness have been noted by a minority of guests. This hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers, couples, and families who appreciate walkability to shops, restaurants, and the marina. Business travelers also find the location convenient. To enhance your stay, consider inquiring about a room away from the train tracks if you are sensitive to noise, and confirm the current status of the pool as it has undergone renovations.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests find the hotel's facilities generally appealing, though some aspects have been subject to ongoing changes. The swimming pool, located on the second floor, is a notable feature, described as nice and saltwater, but it has frequently been closed for renovations or maintenance, leading to disappointment for some visitors. A fitness center is available, often noted as small but well-equipped, providing adequate options for a workout. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, which guests find reliable for staying connected. Many appreciate the evening happy hour or reception, which includes complimentary snacks and sometimes half-off drinks, though some report inconsistent availability or quality of food. The lobby areas are often described as beautiful and well-decorated, providing comfortable spaces for guests. Additional conveniences like ice machines and vending machines are also present, contributing to a comfortable stay.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is mixed, with many guests finding their accommodations to be spacious and generally clean upon arrival. The beds are frequently described as comfortable, contributing to a restful sleep for most. However, a significant number of reviews highlight specific maintenance issues and cleanliness concerns, including reports of black mold in showers, dirty floors, slow-draining sinks and showers, cracked fixtures, and even stains on bedding or curtains. Some older rooms are noted as feeling run down or outdated, with issues like sagging beds and thin walls leading to noise transfer. While many rooms offer pleasant views, guests frequently mention significant noise disturbances from a nearby train, which can be loud and shake the room, particularly in the early morning. Lobby noise and occasional fire alarms also contribute to disruptions for some.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast consistently receives high praise from guests and is a major highlight of their stay. Many describe it as amazing, good, and offering a wide variety of options, including hot food items like eggs, sausage, and waffles, alongside cereals, oatmeal, and fresh fruit. The breakfast area is often noted for being spacious, clean, and well-stocked, with attentive staff ensuring items are replenished promptly. Guests appreciate the quality of the food, with specific mentions of crispy bacon and good coffee. In addition to breakfast, the hotel often hosts an evening happy hour or reception, providing complimentary snacks and sometimes pizza or cheesecake, which is a welcome and unexpected touch for many. This offering provides a convenient option for light evening fare, though some guests have noted inconsistencies in the availability of snacks.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is overwhelmingly praised as its strongest asset, situated directly in the heart of downtown Fernandina Beach on the waterfront. Guests consistently highlight its walkability to numerous shops, restaurants, bars, and the marina, making it ideal for exploring the historic district on foot. While not directly on the beach, it is considered a very short and convenient drive, typically less than two miles, to public beach access. The hotel offers free parking on-site, which is a significant convenience for many, though some guests with larger vehicles or during busy periods have found parking to be tight or challenging, occasionally impacted by ongoing construction. Its proximity to key attractions and ease of access to the surrounding area make it a highly desirable base for visitors.

Staff & Service
The staff generally receives commendation for their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness, with many guests highlighting instances of staff going above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. The breakfast staff in particular is consistently praised for being super friendly, attentive, and welcoming to all guests. The check-in process is often described as quick and smooth, though some guests have reported negative experiences, including perceived rudeness, unaccommodating responses to early arrival requests, and long waits for rooms to be ready. Despite these isolated incidents, the overall sentiment is that the team strives to provide good customer service. Specific mentions include staff assisting with luggage, providing local recommendations, and addressing concerns promptly, contributing to a positive guest experience for the majority.

Additional Information
The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, allowing guests to bring their dogs, which is a significant convenience for many travelers, though some reviews mention a notable pet fee. Guests should be aware that the hotel has experienced periods of ongoing construction both inside and outside the building, which has impacted amenities like the pool and sometimes parking access, and has led to occasional paint smells. A recurring and significant point of feedback is the presence of a nearby train track, with trains passing frequently, often in the early morning, causing considerable noise and sometimes shaking the building. The hotel thoughtfully provides earplugs in rooms to mitigate this disturbance. Some guests have also noted a destination fee upon check-in, which covers certain amenities but can be an unexpected charge for those not fully informed.