Villa1565

The hotel offers a unique blend of historic charm and convenient accessibility, making it a memorable choice for visitors. Its signature feature is the majestic Old Senator tree, a 600-year-old live oak that graces the property, serving as a picturesque landmark and a convenient stop for the city's trolley tours. This makes the hotel particularly well-suited for sightseers and tourists eager to explore the area's attractions without the hassle of driving and parking. Many guests also find it a good fit for families due to its spacious rooms and accommodating atmosphere, while budget-conscious travelers appreciate the overall value. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room away from the main road or trolley path to minimize noise, and it is advisable to bring your own pillows for optimal comfort, as some guests have noted theirs were lumpy.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally find the hotel's facilities to be adequate, though some areas receive mixed feedback. The outdoor swimming pool is often highlighted as a clean and refreshing amenity, enjoyed by many for a relaxing swim. However, a few guests noted issues with the pool's cleanliness, such as leaves at the bottom or mold on the walls, and a limited number of sun loungers were available, though management reportedly had more on order. The property also features pleasant outdoor seating areas under the historic tree, providing a charming spot for guests to relax and socialize, especially in the evenings with ambient lighting. While some guests appreciate the convenience of an in-room coffee maker, a coffee urn is also permanently available in the main reception area. Wi-Fi connectivity is generally reported to be reliable.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on room cleanliness and comfort is notably mixed, with guests reporting varied experiences. While many guests praise the rooms as clean, spotless, and well-maintained, others express significant concerns, describing filthy floors that turn feet black, dirty furniture, and the presence of mold or bugs. Some rooms are noted to have a strong smell, ranging from bleach to a musty or moldy odor. Room condition is also a point of divergence; some find the rooms spacious and recently renovated, while others describe them as dated, old, or lacking in decor. Bed comfort receives mixed reviews, with some finding beds comfortable and soft, while others report them as hard or that the pillows are lumpy. Noise is a recurring issue, with many guests experiencing disturbances from thin walls, adjoining rooms, and loud neighbors, impacting their sleep quality.

Dining & Food Quality
The complimentary breakfast offered at the hotel garners a wide range of opinions. Most guests appreciate its inclusion and find it to be a convenient start to the day, describing it as decent, bountiful, and offering a good selection of items like eggs, sausages, toast, bagels, yogurt, cereal, and fruit. The coffee is frequently praised as good or even amazing. However, a significant number of guests express disappointment with the breakfast quality, labeling it as not very good, awful, or subpar, with some noting limited choices, watered-down juice, or re-heated food. The breakfast room itself is described as small and sometimes lacking proper ventilation, leading to a smell of fat or grease. Despite the mixed reviews on food, the availability of a free breakfast is generally seen as a valuable amenity.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets, making it highly convenient for exploring the area. Guests appreciate being within walking distance of numerous popular attractions, including the historic downtown, Pike Place Market, the Fountain of Youth, and the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument. This proximity allows visitors to easily access shops, restaurants, and other points of interest without needing a vehicle. A major convenience is the trolley stop located directly in the hotel's parking lot, providing easy hop-on/hop-off access to various city tours and sights. Free parking is available on-site, which is a significant advantage in a busy tourist area, though some guests note that the parking can be cramped at times.

Staff & Service
The hotel staff consistently receives high praise for their friendliness, helpfulness, and accommodating nature. Guests frequently commend the front desk team for their welcoming demeanor and efficiency during the check-in and check-out processes, often going above and beyond to assist with requests or provide local recommendations. Many reviewers highlight specific instances of staff attentiveness, such as arranging a shower chair for a guest with mobility needs or decorating a room for a birthday celebration. While the overall service is highly regarded, feedback on housekeeping is mixed; some guests appreciate the daily room cleaning, a rarity post-pandemic, while others report issues with rooms not being serviced, towels not being replenished, or even staff attempting to enter rooms despite a "do not disturb" sign.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware that the hotel operates with a motel-style layout, featuring single-story buildings with room doors facing the parking lot, which contributes to its "Old Florida" charm but can also lead to increased noise. Many guests report disturbances from peacocks in the vicinity, particularly in the mornings, and the trolley tours passing through the parking lot can also be quite loud, starting early in the day. Some rooms have adjoining doors or thin walls, allowing noise from neighboring guests to easily penetrate. Concerns have also been raised about the water quality, with some guests noting an unpleasant smell or taste, and instances of no hot water in showers have been reported. Additionally, some guests mentioned issues with housekeeping policies, including rooms not being cleaned or towels not being replaced consistently.