Amelia Island’s welcoming Southern hospitality greets a diverse range of travelers, whether you seek a romantic getaway, plan a multigenerational vacation, or yearn for an enjoyable weekend with friends. This barrier island, located just north of Jacksonville, Florida, boasts 13 miles of unspoiled beaches, extensive protected marshlands, and excellent shopping and dining opportunities within the downtown hub of Fernandina Beach. Additionally, historical sites such as the Civil War-era Fort Clinch offer engaging experiences. Amelia Island offers a wide variety of lodging options, ranging from charming bed and breakfasts in century-old houses to classic beachside motels and an expansive 1,350-acre resort. Here, we provide insights into different types of accommodations, highlighting our favorites for various experiences, from budget-friendly to luxurious. Regardless of your choice, you’re guaranteed an excellent stay at one of these eight exceptional hotels and inns.
The 7 Best Hotels on Amelia Island in 2023
Best Boutique: Elizabeth Pointe Lodge
For those seeking boutique lodging, the Elizabeth Pointe Lodge offers a unique blend of features found in larger hotels and intimate B&Bs. The accommodation includes a variety of rooms, suites, and a private cottage, with a majority offering breathtaking beachfront views. Guests can enjoy a delightful breakfast, and The Point Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner (lunch is open to the public, while dinner and breakfast are exclusively for hotel guests). The hotel’s exterior showcases a Victorian-style design with Nantucket shingles and a spacious veranda adorned with rocking chairs. However, the interiors take a fresh approach to tradition, avoiding excessive floral upholstery and beach-themed decor. While Elizabeth Pointe Lodge isn’t within walking distance of downtown Fernandina Beach, which lies on the harborside, you can conveniently bike or drive the two miles.
Best for Luxury: Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Undoubtedly, the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, stands out as the most opulent property in the area, all while preserving the relaxed atmosphere synonymous with Florida’s coastline. Every room offers ocean views and outdoor spaces, contributing to a residential neighborhood ambiance rather than a traditional resort vibe. Exceptional service, a hallmark of the Ritz-Carlton brand, prevails throughout, and an array of amenities awaits guests. This includes four outstanding restaurants, such as the renowned Salt, the Ritz Kids Club, indoor and outdoor pools, a private golf course, tennis courts, a family game room, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an indulgent spa (where you can experience the unique Heaven in a Hammock zero-gravity massage). Surf lessons and various family-friendly activities are also available. Despite its luxury status, the Ritz-Carlton welcomes families, so expect to encounter children throughout the property.
Best Downtown Access: Hampton Inn & Suites Amelia Island-Historic Harbor Front
For those desiring easy access to downtown Fernandina Beach, the budget-friendly Hampton Inn & Suites Amelia Island-Historic Harbor Front is an excellent choice. As its name suggests, the hotel is conveniently situated across the street from the harbor in the heart of the historic district, providing guests with walking access to all the town’s restaurants, shops, and attractions. Although part of a chain, the hotel’s decor leans more towards boutique aesthetics, especially in the lobby, where a grand circular staircase salvaged from an old church serves as the focal point. While the rooms are relatively simple, they are functional and kept clean. The rate includes a complimentary breakfast. Instead of the beach, which is a 10- to 15-minute drive away, guests can relax by the small pool. The hotel also offers a business center, gym, and a small parking lot available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Best Budget: Seaside Amelia Inn
Despite its prime beachfront location, just a five-minute drive from downtown Fernandina Beach, the Seaside Amelia Inn is an affordable option. Amenities are limited, with the 46-room hotel offering a small pool, while most guests prefer the free beach loungers on the sandy shores. There is no on-site restaurant, but guests are treated to a complimentary hot breakfast. It’s recommended to book an oceanview room, as some provide views of the pool and patio. The decor incorporates beach-themed elements without becoming overly kitschy. Each room is equipped with a mini-fridge, and some feature kitchenettes. If you’re considering bringing your pet, the Ground Floor Suite allows four-legged family members for a fee.
Best for Romance: Hoyt House Bed and Breakfast
With an adults-only policy, the Hoyt House Bed & Breakfast offers the perfect setting for a romantic escape. This early-20th-century house boasts ten en-suite rooms, each uniquely decorated in period style. Some rooms even feature original working fireplaces, providing extra coziness during slightly cooler winters. The Mizell Suite, the largest of the ten rooms, stands out as the most romantic, with a Jacuzzi tub in the bathroom. Breakfast is included, and the guesthouse has its own bar, the Hoyt Lounge, which opens daily from 4 to 5 PM (though guests can request drinks at any time). The meticulously landscaped grounds include a pool, hot tub, hammock, and gazebo. Despite its secluded atmosphere, Hoyt House is conveniently located right in the heart of downtown Fernandina Beach.
Best for Families: Residence Inn by Marriott Amelia Island
When traveling with children, convenience is paramount, and the Residence Inn by Marriott Amelia Island excels in this regard. The contemporary suite-style rooms range from studios to two bedrooms, offering ample space and fully equipped kitchens, ideal for catering to hungry kids. The hotel provides a complimentary hot buffet breakfast each morning, making it easy to kickstart the day with the family. If you’re seeking relaxation, there’s a pool with comfortable loungers, and the beach is a mere three blocks away. While downtown Fernandina Beach is a short drive away, parking is not a concern, as the hotel offers a free shuttle service for guests, providing transportation across the island throughout the day. Other amenities include a laundry room and a small fitness center.
Best Eco-Friendly Option: Fairbanks House
Although the 8,000-square-foot, 1885-built Italianate mansion known as the Fairbanks House may not immediately appear eco-friendly due to its historic facade, the owners have implemented various measures to create a more environmentally conscious bed and breakfast. These measures include a reflective roof to reduce energy consumption, biodegradable packaging for bath amenities, replacement of water bottles with glass pitchers, and a landscape featuring drought-tolerant plants and a butterfly garden. In addition to its eco-friendly initiatives, Fairbanks House offers exceptional lodging with 12 rooms, including cottages and suites. Most rooms feature traditional Victorian-era decor, although the Grand Tower Suite presents a more modern aesthetic. Guests can enjoy a two-course breakfast served daily in the formal dining room, along with a nightly happy hour, complete with complimentary homemade cookies. Amenities include a pool, free beach cruisers, and complimentary beach loungers and umbrellas.